Deciding how to manage your insurance policies is an important and complex process. Rules and procedures specific to your insurance carriers will provide the steps required to properly cancel, continue, or transfer a policy. Consult with your insurance companies in advance so that you are fully aware of your options, and create a detailed plan that can be implemented if you are detained or deported.
- Figure out what types of insurance policies you have, and make a list of the contact information of all insurance providers.
- Include telephone numbers, email addresses, and mailing addresses. Consider keeping this information with you or in an accessible place. Give the information to a relative or close friend.
- Consider granting powers of attorney in case of deportation.
- Common types of policies include: health insurance, car insurance, homeowner’s insurance, renter’s insurance, business insurance, life insurance and liability insurance.
- Gather and review your insurance policy documents. If you do not have all the information you need, contact your insurance provider and ask them questions.
- Be sure you know: the method and requirements for cancelling or transferring your policy; the consequences of cancellation; the consequences of failure to pay on time or at all; whether you can be reimbursed for benefits not used; whether you are required to report a change in your immigration status; and the consequences to other people covered by your policy.
- Consider how your choice (to cancel, continue, or transfer your insurance policy) will impact you and the people you care about.
- Factors to keep in mind: liability associated with continuing or early termination of your policy; ability to maintain your policy remotely; impact on other beneficiaries of policy; potential negative impact on your removal proceedings; impact on family members remaining in the U.S.; and whether you intend to return to the U.S., if deported.
- Talk to your relatives and, if possible, your attorney about these issues.
- Decide how you plan to handle your insurance policies if you are detained or deported. Generally, your options will be to cancel, continue, or transfer your policy.
- The pros and cons of each option will depend on the policies and procedures of your insurance carrier, as well as your personal priorities and circumstances.
- Familiarize yourself with the basic process for each, and the consequences that may result.