ISO Student Health Insurancevs.IMG Patriot Exchange Program

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.