Insurance Comparison 2026
ISO Student Health Insurancevs.IMG Patriot Exchange Program
An independent side-by-side comparison covering benefits, costs, and coverage details.
✓ Based on official policy documents✓ Updated September 2026✓ Independent comparison
Comparing featured plans: ISO Student Health Insurance ISO Gold. Each provider offers multiple tiers.
| Feature | Most AffordableISO Student Health InsuranceView Details | IMG Patriot Exchange ProgramView Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Monthly price | $33 | from $56 |
| Currency | USD | USD |
| Medical Coverage | ||
| Medical coverageMaximum payout for medical care | — | $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, or $5,000,000 (your choice) |
| DeductibleWhat you pay before insurance kicks in | $500 in-network; $750 out-of-network | $0, $100, $250, or $500 per illness/injury |
| Prescription drugs | — | Up to $250,000 per period; 90-day max per retail prescription |
| Emergency repatriation | Up to $60,000 | Up to policy maximum for evacuation; $25,000 for return of remains |
| Mental Health | ||
| Mental health coverageTherapy, counseling, psychiatric care | — | Inpatient up to $10,000; outpatient $50/day, $500 max |
| Dental | ||
| Dental coverageWhat dental treatments are covered | — | Up to $350 for unexpected pain to natural teeth; up to $500 from accident |
| Eligibility | ||
| Age limit | up to 64 years | — |
| Who can applyCountry and visa requirements | Full-time international students on F-1, J-1, M-1 visa or OPT in the United States | F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, M-2, A-1 or A-2 visa holders aged 31 days to 64 years studying or visiting outside their home country |
| Pre-existing conditions | — | Covered after 12 months continuous coverage — up to $500/period, $1,500 lifetime max |
| Visa compliant | — | |
| VisitISO Student Health Insurance → | VisitIMG Patriot Exchange Program → | |
IMG Patriot Exchange ProgramView Details
Pricing
Monthly price
$33
from $56
Currency
USD
USD
Medical Coverage
Medical coverage
Maximum payout for medical care
—
$50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, or $5,000,000 (your choice)
Deductible
What you pay before insurance kicks in
$500 in-network; $750 out-of-network
$0, $100, $250, or $500 per illness/injury
Prescription drugs
—
Up to $250,000 per period; 90-day max per retail prescription
Emergency repatriation
Up to $60,000
Up to policy maximum for evacuation; $25,000 for return of remains
Mental Health
Mental health coverage
Therapy, counseling, psychiatric care
—
Inpatient up to $10,000; outpatient $50/day, $500 max
Dental
Dental coverage
What dental treatments are covered
—
Up to $350 for unexpected pain to natural teeth; up to $500 from accident
Eligibility
Age limit
up to 64 years
—
Who can apply
Country and visa requirements
Full-time international students on F-1, J-1, M-1 visa or OPT in the United States
F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, M-2, A-1 or A-2 visa holders aged 31 days to 64 years studying or visiting outside their home country
Pre-existing conditions
—
Covered after 12 months continuous coverage — up to $500/period, $1,500 lifetime max
Visa compliant
—
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
ISO plans are accepted by over 3,200 U.S. universities for the insurance waiver. Always check your specific school's waiver criteria — Platinum and Gold meet most requirements (unlimited annual max), while Silver may not satisfy schools requiring no per-condition cap.
Silver ($33/month) is the cheapest with a $400,000 annual cap and $150,000 per condition. Gold ($56) has unlimited annual maximum and $300,000 per condition. Platinum ($87) is the most comprehensive with unlimited annual max, $500,000 per condition, lower deductible ($250), and unlimited evacuation/repatriation.
Yes, all ISO plans use the Aetna Passport PPO network. This means you can visit Aetna network doctors and hospitals across the U.S. with direct billing — no upfront payment required for covered services.
All three ISO plans cover pre-existing conditions after 6 months of continuous coverage. This is more generous than many competitors that require 12 months — useful if you have ongoing health needs.
Both. The plan was designed primarily for J-1 exchange visitors but is also widely used by F-1 students. F-1 students are not legally required to carry insurance under U.S. immigration rules — but most universities require it. Check with your school whether Patriot Exchange meets their waiver criteria.
For most full-time graduate students staying 6–12 months, $250,000–$500,000 is the best balance of cost and protection. Short-term programs may use $100,000. The $5,000,000 tier offers maximum peace of mind for high-risk activities or universities with strict requirements. Note: U.S. healthcare is expensive — going below $250,000 is risky for serious accidents.
When you visit a UnitedHealthcare Options PPO doctor or hospital, IMG often handles direct billing — you pay only your copay/deductible at the desk. Outside the network, you pay upfront and submit claims. The network covers most major U.S. cities and universities.
Yes. F-2 and J-2 dependents can be added to the policy. Importantly, F-2 or J-2 dependents can also buy their own Patriot Exchange policy independently — even if the F-1 or J-1 main visa holder is on a different plan.
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