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 April 2026 ✓ Independent comparison
Comparing featured plans: ISO Student Health Insurance ISO Gold. Each provider offers multiple tiers.
| Feature | Most Affordable ISO Student Health Insurance View Details | IMG Patriot Exchange Program View Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Monthly price | $49 | from $56 |
| Annual price | | |
| 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 | | |
| Service & Support | ||
| English support | | |
| Digital services App, online claims, telemedicine | | |
| VisitISO Student Health Insurance → | VisitIMG Patriot Exchange Program → | |
IMG Patriot Exchange Program View Details
Pricing
Monthly price
$49
from $56
Annual price
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
Service & Support
English support
Digital services
App, online claims, telemedicine
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 ($31/month) is the cheapest with a $400,000 annual cap and $150,000 per condition. Gold ($49) has unlimited annual maximum and $300,000 per condition. Platinum ($85) 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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