International Medical Group (IMG)
IMG Patriot Exchange Program (USA)
J-1 visa compliant student health insurance (from the $100K option) with UnitedHealthcare PPO and a choice of $50K to $500K per illness or injury
At a glance International Medical Group (IMG)
Monthly premiumFrom $51.20/mo
Age Limit31 days to 64 years
Visa Compliant Yes
Last updatedOctober 1, 2026
01Coverage
What's Covered
Benefits and coverage details.
Included
Highly customisable — choose your limit per illness or injury ($50K to $500K) and deductible ($0 to $500)
$5 student health center copay — affordable on-campus care
Designed to meet U.S. Department of State J-1 visa requirements (all options except the $50,000 limit)
UnitedHealthcare Options PPO network for direct billing across the U.S.
Renewable up to 48 months — covers a full master's or PhD program
Not Covered
Pre-existing conditions limited to $1,500 lifetime — restrictive if you have chronic needs
12-month waiting period for any pre-existing-condition coverage
Outpatient mental health capped at $500 — many universities now require more
Plan is not ACA-compliant — some schools may reject it for a waiver
02FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about IMG Patriot Exchange Program
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, the $250,000 or $500,000 limit per illness or injury is the best balance of cost and protection. Short-term programs may use $100,000 — the lowest option that meets J-1 visa requirements; the $50,000 option does not. All options sit under a $5,000,000 overall maximum limit. Note: U.S. healthcare is expensive — going below $250,000 is risky for serious accidents. Price example from IMG's online quote (under 25, U.S. included, $500 deductible, October 2026): $51.20/month for the $50,000 option, $59.20/month for $100,000 and $68.00/month for $500,000.
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.
Ready to Get Insured?
Check the latest terms and prices for IMG Patriot Exchange Program on the provider's official website.