Healthcare in the U.S. guide by Settle In

Settle In’s Healthcare in the U.S. guide helps newcomers and those who serve them navigate doctor visits, clinics, insurance, and patient rights. Updated May 2025, the fact sheet explains the first health screening, outlines where to go for routine, urgent, or emergency care, and stresses interpreter and confidentiality protections. Free downloads, multi-language options, FAQs, and app links make it easy to share with clients or learn on the go — anywhere, anytime.

International Refugee & Migration Health Conference

About this resource

The Society of Refugee Healthcare Providers' resource page offers valuable tools and information for improving refugee and immigrant health, like this one. Help us expand it by submitting resources not already listed to support our community.

Settle In’s Healthcare in the U.S. fact sheet gives newcomers—and the providers who support them—a plain-language roadmap through America’s often confusing medical system. Updated in May 2025, the page explains key terms, links to free downloads, and offers nine language options so families can learn in the words they trust.

First Health Screening

The guide walks readers through the initial health screening arranged by resettlement agencies right after arrival. It explains why the visit matters, what tests and immunizations to expect, and how results can affect work or school enrollment—helping both clients and care teams prepare for a smooth first encounter with U.S. healthcare.

Where to Seek Care

A quick-scan section outlines the pros, cons, and typical costs of public-health departments, community clinics, private doctors, hospitals, emergency rooms, and urgent-care centers. Providers can use this list to steer patients to the right level of care, while community members learn when an appointment is essential and when walk-in options exist.

Rights, Wellness, Next Steps

Readers learn their legal right to free interpreters and strict confidentiality, plus everyday wellness habits—regular check-ups, balanced nutrition, mental-health support—that shape American views on staying healthy. An FAQ on insurance and disability benefits plus links to the Settle In mobile app make it easy to keep learning or share resources during clinic visits or community workshops.