Patriot Exchange Program Insurance
Best J-visa compliant international student health insurance ideal for students studying abroad and participants in cultural exchange programs. Starting at just $2 /day*
What is Patriot Exchange Student Insurance?
Patriot Exchange Insurance is a IMG’s best health insurance for international students in USA which is designed for F-1 students and J-visa exchange visitors, offering essential medical coverage for everyday and unexpected healthcare needs. The plan covers services such as doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, and more, and meets U.S. Department of State J-visa insurance requirements.
In the United States, the plan pays 90% of eligible expenses in-network and 80% in-network / 20% coinsurance out-of-network. Outside the U.S., there is no coinsurance, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs while studying or participating in exchange programs abroad.
Coverage is available for 1 to 12 months, with the option to renew up to a maximum of 48 months. Students also benefit from a $5 Student Health Center copay, 24/7 telehealth access, and coverage for pre-existing conditions after 12 months of continuous coverage.
After a 12-month waiting period, eligible charges related to pre-existing conditions that existed within 36 months prior to the policy effective date may be covered up to $500 per coverage period, with a lifetime maximum of $1,500. In addition, the plan provides coverage of up to $5,000 for a sudden and unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition.
Who Should Buy IMG Patriot Exchange Program Insurance?
Ideal for students studying at U.S. colleges, universities, language schools, and academic institutions who need affordable medical coverage while pursuing their education.
Designed to meet U.S. Department of State J-visa health insurance requirements for exchange visitors participating in educational and cultural exchange programs in the United States.
Suitable for academic professionals participating in teaching, research, or educational exchange programs sponsored by universities and organizations.
Provides flexible medical coverage for J-1 interns and trainees gaining professional experience in the United States through approved exchange programs.
A practical solution for au pairs and other cultural exchange visitors seeking medical protection during their stay with host families in the U.S.
Available for spouses and dependent children of F-1 and J-1 visa holders — even if the primary visa holder is not enrolled in this same plan.
Many U.S. universities have strict waiver requirements and may reject travel-style or non-ACA-compliant plans even if they meet visa requirements. Community discussions frequently recommend verifying waiver approval before purchasing.
How Much Patriot Exchange Student Insurance Coverage Do You Need?
The policy maximum is the total dollar amount of benefits available under the Patriot Exchange Student Insurance plan. Once this maximum limit is reached, no further benefits will be paid during the policy period.
Patriot Exchange offers flexible coverage options, allowing international students and exchange visitors to choose the level of protection that best fits their visa requirements, study duration, and healthcare needs while in the United States.
Students can select from the following policy maximum options: $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $5,000,000
Which Coverage Amount Is Right for You?
Choosing the right policy maximum depends on your visa type, length of stay, health needs, and university or sponsor requirements. While all options provide valuable protection, higher coverage limits can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses during serious medical emergencies.
- check_circle$50,000 – Basic protection that may meet minimum insurance requirements but can be limiting for hospitalization or major medical events.
Best for: Short-term exchange visitors and students with brief program durations. - check_circle
$100,000 – Provides a stronger safety net while remaining budget-friendly.
Best for: Students seeking affordable coverage for short academic programs or internships. -
check_circle$250,000 – Recommended Coverage – Offers the best balance between affordability and protection. Helps cover costly hospital stays, surgeries, emergency treatment, and unexpected illnesses without a significant increase in premium.
Best for: Most F-1 and J-1 students, exchange visitors staying 6–12 months or longer, and first-time students in the United States. - check_circle$500,000 – Enhanced protection for longer stays and greater financial security.
Best for: J-1 scholars, researchers, interns, and students with higher medical risk. - check_circle$5,000,000 – Maximum protection against major accidents, serious illnesses, and
extended hospitalizations.
Best for: Students seeking the highest level of coverage and peace of mind.
What Is a Deductible in Patriot Exchange Student Insurance?
The deductible is the amount the insured must pay before Patriot Exchange insurance starts to cover expenses.
Patriot Exchange insurance has deductible options of : $0, $100, $250, or $500.
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your Patriot Exchange Student Insurance begins covering eligible medical expenses. Choosing the right deductible helps balance premium cost and out-of-pocket spending.
$250 Deductible - Healthy students seeking a good balance between affordable premiums and manageable out-of-pocket expenses.
| Deductible | Premium Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | Highest premium | Maximum Convenience Students who want no upfront medical costs, frequent doctor visits, or complete peace of mind. Ideal if you prefer predictable expenses. |
| $100 | High premium | Low Out-of-Pocket Risk - International students who want strong coverage with minimal upfront costs while keeping premiums reasonable. |
| $250 | Moderate | Healthy students seeking a good balance between affordable premiums and manageable out-of-pocket expenses. |
| $500 | Lower premium | Students on a tight budget who expect minimal medical usage and want the lowest insurance cost. |
What Is Coinsurance in IMG Patriot Exchange Program Insurance?
Coinsurance is the percentage of eligible medical expenses that the insurance company pays after the deductible is met. The remaining portion is paid by the insured student.
Under IMG Patriot Exchange Program Insurance, coinsurance varies depending on whether medical care is received inside or outside the PPO network.
- Inside the PPO Network (U.S.): Patriot Exchange student insurance pays 90% of eligible medical expenses, and the insured pays 10% coinsurance.
- Outside the PPO Network (U.S.):The plan pays 80% of eligible expenses, and the insured pays 20% coinsurance, up to $10,000 in coinsurance. After this limit is reached, the plan pays 100% of eligible expenses up to the selected policy maximum.
This student medical insurance coinsurance structure encourages using in-network providers to reduce out-of-pocket costs and helps control medical expenses for F-1 and J-visa international students.
Patriot Exchange Insurance, Annual Payment & Paper Application Option
Patriot Exchange Insurance includes a convenient annual payment option, making it suitable for international students and cultural exchange participants who prefer to pay their insurance premium in full rather than through monthly payments. Paying annually helps eliminate recurring charges, makes financial planning easier, and provides instant proof of coverage to satisfy school, sponsor, or visa insurance requirements.
How Can Exchange Visitors Apply for Patriot Exchange Insurance Without Online Payment or a Credit Card?
For exchange visitors who cannot complete an online purchase, Patriot Exchange Insurance offers a paper application option. This is an ideal solution for applicants who do not have access to international credit cards, online banking, or U.S.-based payment methods. With the offline paper application, applicants can enroll without making an online payment, submit required documents manually, and complete the application process through authorized representatives or program sponsors.
Thanks to its annual payment flexibility and offline application availability, Patriot Exchange Insurance remains a popular choice for J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors, students applying from outside the United States, and those seeking a simple, non-digital way to purchase exchange visitor medical insurance.
Why Should I Buy Patriot Exchange Student Insurance?
PPatriot Exchange Insurance is a J-visa compliant and F-visa student health insurance plan designed for international students, study abroad participants, and cultural exchange visitors. It offers affordable, reliable medical coverage with benefits tailored to student needs.
The plan provides essential protection against unexpected medical emergencies in the U.S., including hospitalization, doctor visits, emergency care, and other eligible medical expenses. It is designed to help travelers manage high healthcare costs in the United States while offering flexible coverage options based on travel needs and duration.
- Pre-existing condition coverage after a 12-month waiting period, helping students with long-term health planning
- Emergency medical evacuation covered up to the policy maximum, providing critical protection during serious medical situations
- Urgent Care Clinic visits covered with just a $50 copay, reducing out-of-pocket costs for non-emergency treatment
- Student Health Center visits with a low $5 copay per visit, ideal for campus-based care
- Affordable student medical insurance that meets U.S. Department of State J-visa requirements and is suitable for F-1 international students
- Medical insurance for students studying abroad and participants in cultural exchange programs, offering coverage both in and outside the U.S.
- Optional sports rider available, allowing students to add coverage for activities such as downhill skiing and other adventure sports
Who Is Eligible for The IMG Patriot Exchange Student Insurance Plan?
- check_circleBe an active Participant, Spouse of the Participant, or Dependent Child traveling with the participant and residing outside their primary country of residence temporarily. If the destination country is the United States, the insured must hold one of these visa types: F1/F2, J1/J2, M1/M2, or A1/A2.
- check_circleBe at least 31 days old but not yet 65 years old.
- check_circleBe physically and legally residing in the destination country with the intent to reside there for at least 30 days on the effective date and at renewal.
- check_circleNot be hospitalized, disabled, pregnant, or HIV+ on the initial effective date.
What Are the Coverage Conditions Included in Patriot Exchange Insurance?
- check_circleCoverage and benefits are subject to the deductible and coinsurance, and all terms of the Certificate of Insurance and Master Policy.
- check_circleCoverage under this plan is secondary to any other coverage.
- check_circleCoverage and benefits are for medically necessary, usual, reasonable, and customary charges only.
- check_circleCharges must be administered or ordered by a physician.
- check_circleCharges must be incurred during the period of coverage or benefit period.
- check_circleClaims must be presented to IMG for payment within ninety (90) days from the date the claim was incurred.
How Much Does the Patriot Exchange Program Cost Per Month?
The Patriot Exchange Program insurance offers affordable, J-visa and F-visa compliant student medical coverage, with monthly premiums starting at just is starting at just $56 to $85 per month, depending on the traveler’s age, selected plan maximum, and deductible.
The table below shows sample monthly rates based on a $250 deductible. Choosing a higher deductible results in lower premiums, while a lower deductible increases the premium.
Source: American Visitor Insurance® | Prices verified for 2026 travel season.
What Are the Benefits of Patriot Exchange Health Insurance?
| Eligible medical expenses | In-Network: 90% up to policy maximum Out-Network: 80% up to policy maximum International: 100% up to policy maximum |
| Hospital room and board | Average semi-private room rate, including nursing services In-Network: 90% up to policy maximum Out-Network: 80% up to policy maximum International: 100% up to policy maximum |
| Surgery | In-Network: 90% up to policy maximum Out-Network: 80% up to policy maximum International: 100% up to policy maximum |
| Intensive care unit | In-Network: 90% up to policy maximum Out-Network: 80% up to policy maximum International: 100% up to policy maximum |
| Bedside visit | $1,500 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible In-Network: 90% up to policy maximum Out-Network: 80% up to policy maximum International: 100% up to policy maximum |
| Student Health Center help | $5 co-pay per visit. Not subject to deductible.. |
| Dental Treatment |
|
| Traumatic Dental Injury |
|
| Mental/Nervous | Not covered if incurred in student health center; Inpatient: $10K
maximum limit; Outpatient: $50 maximum limit per day. $500 maximum limit In-Network: 90% up to policy maximum Out-Network: 80% up to policy maximum International: 100% up to policy maximum |
| Emergency medical evacuation | Up to the maximum limit |
| Emergency reunion | $100,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
| Remote transportation | $5,000 per certificate period / $20,000 maximum limit |
| Return of minor children | $100,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
| Local Burial or Cremation | Up to $5,000 lifetime maximum. |
| Remote transportation | $5,000 per certificate period / $20,000 maximum limit |
| Emergency reunion | 100,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
| Natural disaster evacuation | $25,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
| Terrorism | Up to $50,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
| Political evacuation & Repatriation |
|
| Pre-Certification | 50% reduction of eligible medical expenses if pre-certification provisions are not met | |
| Physician visits | In-Network: 90% up to policy maximum Out-Network: 80% up to policy maximum International: 100% up to policy maximum |
|
| Teladoc Consultation | Company pays 100% within the U.S.; mental and nervous disorders not covered (Group plans only) | |
| Urgent Care Clinic | $50 copay. Copay is not applicable when the $0 deductible is selected. Not subject to deductible In-Network: 90% up to policy maximum Out-Network: 80% up to policy maximum International: 100% up to policy maximum |
|
| Walk-In Clinic | $20 copay. Copay is not applicable when the $0 deductible is selected. Not subject to deductible In-Network: 90% up to policy maximum Out-Network: 80% up to policy maximum International: 100% up to policy maximum |
|
| Physical Therapy | In-Network: 90% up to policy maximum Out-Network: 80% up to policy maximum International: 100% up to policy maximum |
|
| Prescription Drugs and Medications | Period of Coverage limit: $250K per person Obtained through Retail Pharmacy, Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery, Emergency Room and Outpatient Office Visits.Dispensing maximum for Retail Pharmacy: 90 days per prescription In-Network: Not Covered Out-Network: 80% up to policy maximum International: 100% up to policy maximum |
|
| Pre-Existing Condition | After 12 months of continous coverage $500 per period of coverage; $1,500 lifetime maximum. Charges resulting directly or indirectly from or relating to any Pre-existing Condition that existed within 36 months prior to the Effective Date are excluded until the Insured Person has maintained 12 months of continuous coverage under this insurance. |
|
| Mental/Nervous | Not covered if incurred in student health center; Inpatient: $10K
maximum limit; Outpatient: $50 maximum limit per day. $500 maximum limit In-Network: 90% up to policy maximum Out-Network: 80% up to policy maximum International: 100% up to policy maximum |
|
What Optional Benefits are Included in IMG Patriot Exchange Insurance?
The Traveler can purchase an optional rider at the time of application. The optional riders provide additional coverage for a minimal charge.
Patriot Exchangeinsurance for adventure sports
Adventure Sports Rider is available for individuals up to 65 years of age. If you are a thrill-seeking traveler who enjoys life's more adventurous activities, you may want to consider adding supplemental coverage to your plan. The Adventure Sports Rider provides coverage for injuries sustained during certain extreme sports that would otherwise be excluded from your insurance policy.
This plan covers any illness or injury sustained while participating in adventure activities. The covered adventure sports include: abseiling, BMX, bobsledding, bungee jumping, canyoning, caving, hot air ballooning, jungle zip lining, parachuting, paragliding, parascending, rappelling, skydiving, spelunking, and windsurfing.
| Age | Maximum Coverage |
|---|---|
| 0–49 years | $50,000 certificate period |
| 50–59 years | $30,000 certificate period |
| 60–64 years | $15,000 certificate period |
Chaperone/Faculty Leader Replacement Rider
Groups may purchase the Chaperone/Faculty Leader Replacement Rider or added travel protection.
This rider provides reimbursement of up to $3,000 for a round-trip economy airline ticket for a replacement Chaperone or Faculty Leader if the originally designated individual is unable to travel due to:
- Unexpected death of a relative
- Medical emergency
- Substantial destruction of the insured's principal residence in their home country
Note: This rider is only available with group plans.
Mobile Device Protection
Device Protection ensures peace of mind by covering your cell phone against unexpected mishaps while traveling.
Whether you're staying connected with loved ones, using maps, or capturing memories, your phone is essential — and this coverage helps you stay digitally connected even if something goes wrong.
Mobile Device Protection - More Details picture_as_pdfBolt Device Protection - More Details picture_as_pdf
Teladoc Rider
Inpatient or Outpatient Services:
| Benefit | Limits |
|---|---|
| Teladoc Consultation |
|
What Is the Patriot Exchange Student Insurance PPO Network?
The Patriot Exchange Student Insurance PPO Network refers to the network of healthcare providers in the U.S. that students can visit for medical care under their plan. Using in-network providers can maximize benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
The PPO Network for Patriot Exchange Insurance includes:
- UnitedHealthcare Options PPO Network: IMG maintains access to the UnitedHealthcare Options network, a tier-one, highly reputable network. This network provides students with greater access to doctors, hospitals, and medical services across the United States.
Using providers within the PPO Network ensures higher coinsurance coverage (typically 90% in-network) and reduces the student’s share of costs compared to out-of-network care.
Where Can I Buy Patriot Exchange Student Insurance?
You can easily buy Patriot Exchange Student Insurance online through American Visitor Insurance, a trusted provider of J-visa and F-visa compliant student medical insurance for international students and exchange visitors.
Why choose American Visitor Insurance?
- User-Friendly Quote Comparison Tools: Compare prices and benefits of different Patriot Exchange student insurance plans to find the coverage that best fits your needs.
- Comprehensive Resources: Access FAQs, forums, and informative blogs designed to help students and exchange visitors make well-informed decisions when choosing the right student health insurance plan.
- Experienced Licensed Support Staff: American Visitor Insurance has licensed customer service representatives with over 20 years of experience in travel and student insurance. They can assist you with questions, online applications, and claims.
- Support Across Time Zones: Customer service teams located on both the East Coast and West Coast of the U.S. are available to help throughout the day, ensuring you get assistance whether you’re buying your plan or filing a claim while studying abroad.
Buying Patriot Exchange Student Insurance through American Visitor Insurance ensures a smooth, reliable process and access to trusted coverage for your study abroad or exchange program.
Patriot Exchange Student Medical Insurance- FAQs
- The plan does not cover any charges or expenses incurred during the first 12 months of coverage for a pre-existing condition that existed within 36 months before the effective date of coverage. This applies to all insured persons regardless of age or citizenship.
- The plan does not cover any charges or expenses incurred for maternity care if conception occurred before the effective date of coverage. This applies to all insured persons regardless of age or citizenship.
- The plan does not cover any charges or expenses incurred for treatment or surgery that is elective, experimental, investigational, or not medically necessary. This applies to all insured persons regardless of age or citizenship
IMG's Patriot Exchange vs Student Health Advantage
An article comparing the benefits of International Medical Group's popular student insurance plans namely Patriot Exchange and Student Health Advantage plan.
View Details →A comparison table to review the plans benefits of Patriot Exchange and Student Health Advantage and select a plan that best satisfies your needs.
Compare Now →What Are the Restrictions of Patriot Exchange Insurance?
Patriot Exchange Insurance is not offering coverage for residents of Belarus, Russia, Iran or Ukraine and travelers visiting Belarus, Russia, Iran or Ukraine.
How Do I File a Claim With How Do I File a Claim With Patriot Exchange Insurance?
To file a claim with Patriot Exchange Insurance, follow these steps:
Is Patriot Exchange Insurance Underwritten by a U.S. Based Company for F1 Students?
Looking to buy your Patriot Exchange program.
I am a UK citizen and will be doing my Masters in Ohio, USA and have my F1 visa.
My University's own healthcare plan has stipulated if I take out my own healthcare plan they need to be based in the USA and the underwriters need to be American too. If the Insurance plans are not underwritten within the United States they do not meet waiver requirements. Plans that are not underwritten in the United States are not required to meet mandated benefit and underwriting regulations as set forth by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Can you please let me know as soon as you can.Thanks,
Lisa
The Patriot Exchange program is administered by the International Medical Group, which is based in Indianapolis.
The plan is underwritten and issued by SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation. SiriusPoint is a global underwriter of insurance and reinsurance providing solutions to clients and brokers around the world. Bermuda-headquartered with offices in New York, London, Stockholm and other locations, they are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (SPNT)
Patriot Exchange Insurance
Thanks,
Customer support,
Customer care
www.americanvisitorinsurance.com
(877) 340 7910
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