Deciding how to handle insurance policies in the event of detention or deportation is a decision that cannot be made without careful consideration of your personal circumstance. Attention to personal factors is just as important as the dictates of an insurance policy. Below are the sorts of things that everyone should consider.
Practicality
If considering continuation of an insurance policy, you should consider whether it is practical to maintain the policy remotely. If your home country lacks reliable internet or cell service, and you do not anticipate regular access to these features, it may make more sense to cancel or appoint another individual in the U.S. to exercise control.
Liability
You should compare the cost of cancelling the policy with the potential liability associated with continuation. Cost of cancellation should be relatively straightforward once details of the policy have been gathered and reviewed. On the other hand, liability associated with continuation of an insurance policy can be more uncertain. For example, if you keep a car title and insurance plan despite detention or deportation and there is an accident involving your vehicle, you may be subject to liability.
Impact on Others
You should consider the impact on individuals covered by an insurance policy, other than yourself, when deciding whether to continue, transfer, or cancel the policy. For instance, if a relative or dependent covered by an insurance policy would be unable to obtain such a policy (due to immigration status or otherwise), continuing the policy despite the added risk or cost to you may be worthwhile.
Similarly, you should consider whether failure to pay insurance premiums or erroneous continuation of an insurance policy would create liability for or cause harm to family members that remain in the U.S. Careful review of the insurance policy documents and conversations with your insurance broker should provide clarity on consequences of this nature.
Impact on Immigration Status
If removal proceedings are pending or anticipated, you should consider how the handling of insurance policies will affect such proceedings. Likewise, if you plan to return to the U.S., this weighs in favor of complying strictly with all regulations and procedures outlined by your insurance company. It also may provide an incentive to maintain an insurance policy, if permitted.