Best J-visa compliant international student health insurance ideal for students studying abroad and participants in cultural exchange programs. Starting at just $2 /day*
Trusted by thousands of visitors to the USA
Patriot Exchange Program is underwritten by Sirius International Insurance Corporation, a White Mountains Insurance Group company - one of the most respected names in travel medical insurance.
IMG's Patriot Exchange Program is a comprehensive international student health insurance plan designed for non-U.S. citizens studying in the United States on eligible F-1, J-1, and M-1 visas, including qualified students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT). The plan is designed to meet J-1 visa health insurance requirements and satisfies the insurance requirements of many U.S. colleges and universities that accept waiver plans. It provides comprehensive medical coverage, including hospitalization, physician and specialist visits, emergency medical treatment, prescription medications, mental health services, telehealth, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains.
Coverage is available for eligible students and exchange visitors for periods ranging from 30 days up to 12 months, with renewable coverage available for qualified applicants who continue to meet eligibility requirements. Patriot Exchange offers flexible policy maximums, multiple deductible options, and access to the UnitedHealthcare PPO network, providing broad nationwide provider access. Combining comprehensive benefits, affordability, and visa-compliant coverage, Patriot Exchange is an excellent choice for international students and educational exchange participants seeking dependable health insurance while studying in the United States.
"The compassionate care you gave me in the handling of my need, in my hour of need, was exemplary! We never felt like we were merely a case number - we felt the sincerity of your heartfelt response, as I shared my heart with you, both by phone and by e-mail correspondence."
"Thanks for all the help and continued support you have provided. Although one hopes never to use travel insurance, you were a god-send throughout our ordeal. We couldn’t have done it without your continued assistance. Thanks again for everything."
"I was unlucky enough to fall ill while abroad, and filed two claims with IMG; I was quite pleased at how easy and straight-forward this process was. My claims were processed quickly and without loads of red-tape. The representatives I spoke with were polite and helpful, as well."
Patriot Exchange Program is designed for international students, scholars, exchange visitors, and their eligible dependents studying or participating in educational programs outside their home country. Review the eligibility requirements below before purchasing.
Available for international students, scholars, exchange visitors, and eligible dependents traveling on F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2, M-1/M-2, and A-1/A-2 visas. The plan also covers eligible students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens residing outside their home country while temporarily participating in an eligible educational or cultural exchange program.
Applicants must be actively enrolled in or participating in an eligible school, college, university, exchange, research, or educational program that qualifies for Patriot Exchange Program coverage.
Eligible applicants must be at least 31 days old and under 65 years of age on the effective date of coverage.
This plan is not available to individuals who do not meet the visa, age, or educational program requirements. Coverage is also subject to the policy's eligibility rules, exclusions, limitations, and pre-existing condition provisions.
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 |
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:
Note: This rider is only available with group plans.
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_pdfInpatient or Outpatient Services:
| Benefit | Limits |
|---|---|
| Teladoc Consultation |
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Designed for international students, scholars, exchange visitors, and eligible dependents studying or participating in educational programs in the United States.
Available for eligible F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2, M-1/M-2, and A-1/A-2 visa holders, including eligible students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Meets J-1 visa health insurance requirements and satisfies the insurance requirements of many U.S. colleges and universities that accept waiver plans.
Includes access to the UnitedHealthcare PPO Network, providing nationwide access to doctors and hospitals.
Covers hospitalization, physician visits, emergency medical treatment, prescription medications, telehealth, mental health services, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains.
Renewable coverage options for eligible students during their period of study.
Coverage is subject to deductibles, coinsurance, benefit limits, and policy maximums, resulting in possible out-of-pocket expenses.
Pre-existing conditions are covered only according to the plan's provisions and waiting periods; exclusions apply.
Some services require pre-certification to receive full benefits.
Coverage is available only while the insured remains eligible under the visa and educational program requirements.
Routine dental, vision, preventive care, and other excluded services are covered only when specifically included in the policy benefits.
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.
Using a $500,000 policy with $500 deductible and in-network (PPO) care:
| Expense | Billed | Insurance pays | You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $500 | $0 | $500 |
| Hospital Stay (for 3 days) | $6,000 | $5,400 | $600 |
| Surgical | $16,000 | $16,000 | $0 |
| Prescription Drugs | $600 | $600 | $0 |
| Diagnostic X-rays & Lab Services | $1,400 | $1,400 | $0 |
| Total | $24,500 | $23,400 | $1,100 |
Disclaimer: Example is illustrative. Actual coverage depends on policy terms, network participation, and eligibility of expenses.
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: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.
To file a claim with Patriot Exchange Program Insurance, follow these steps:
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 →Patriot Exchange Insurance is not offering coverage for residents of Belarus, Russia, Iran or Ukraine and travelers visiting Belarus, Russia, Iran or Ukraine.