The United States (US) Embassy in Guyana is reminding visitor visa applicants, who previously received medical treatment in the US, including treatment related to childbirth, that they are required to provide evidence that their medical bills were fully paid. In a notice posted on its social media page, the Embassy said applicants reapplying for a visitor’s visa must submit documentation showing that all medical bills associated with their previous treatment in the US have been paid in full. Applicants must also provide evidence that they did not use US public insurance programmes, such as Medicaid, to cover the cost of their medical care.

The Embassy encouraged applicants to gather the required documentation before submitting their visa applications. In the comment section, one social media user asked the embassy about what could happen if a person had not paid their medical bills in full or had used public assistance such as Medicaid. The Embassy in response explained that US immigration law considers whether a visa applicant is likely to become a “public charge,” meaning primarily dependent on the US Government for support. It said visitors are expected to have sufficient financial resources to cover their trips, including any medical care they may require while in the US.

According to the Embassy, reliance on US public benefits for long-term subsistence or institutional care could affect future visa applications if it indicates that an applicant did not have the resources to support their stay as represented. The Embassy also advised people travelling to the US to purchase travel insurance before their trip to provide coverage in the event of a medical emergency.