As an international student about to study in the U.S., you are embarking on the opportunity of a lifetime! However, one thing that could quickly turn your excitement into grief would be an unexpected illness or accident that isn’t covered by your health insurance. The resulting debt for your family or early trip home could turn this life-changing experience into a disaster.
The U.S. State Department recommends insurance to protect international students against medical emergencies. Although medical care in the U.S. is very expensive, international students can get high levels of medical insurance for as little as $1 a day. There is no need for you to learn this lesson the hard way!
Who is the Patriot Exchange Plan Good For?
One of our favorite international student medical plans is IMG’s Patriot Exchange Program. The Patriot Exchange International Student Insurance plan is designed for international students coming from nearly any country to study in the U.S., including those participating in a cultural exchange program. It is affordable insurance that can cover an individual student, a student and their family members, or groups of five or more students.
The Patriot Exchange insurance plan meets the J-1, J-2, F1 and F2 visa requirements for international students studying in the U.S. All benefit amounts meet the J-1 visa requirements, unless you choose the $50,000 medical maximum. This plan is also an option for F2 and J-2 visa holders even if the F1 or J-1 visa holders are not covered under this plan, as long as the student is on the university student insurance.
The Patriot Exchange plan is especially good for those who may need maternity coverage in the future. It will also cover pre-existing conditions after 12 continuous months of coverage.
How Long Will I Be Covered Under the Patriot Exchange Plan?
The Patriot Exchange plan can be purchased to cover a few weeks or up to a year. If you purchase it for 3 months or longer, it can be renewed (without break in coverage) for a total of 48 months, as long as you remain a student.
What are the Benefits of the Patriot Exchange Plan?
Here are some key benefits of the Patriot Exchange international student insurance plan (all in USD):
- Plan Maximum – Choice of $50,000, $100,000, $250,000 or $500,000 per illness or injury with a lifetime maximum of $5,000,000
- Deductible – $100 per illness or injury
- No coinsurance
- Student Health Center – $5 co-pay per visit (Not subject to deductible)
- Prescription Drugs
- Dental injury due to covered accident – $500 maximum, sudden & unexpected pain to natural teeth – $350 maximum
- Mental Health benefits
- Emergency Medical Evacuation – $50,000 lifetime maximum
- Emergency Reunion – $15,000 lifetime maximum
- Return of Mortal Remains or Cremation/Burial – $25,000 maximum for Return of Mortal Remains or $5,000 for Cremation/Burial
- Political Evacuation – $10,000 lifetime maximum
Does the Patriot Exchange Plan Cover Sports?
We know students love sports and the list of sports available in the U.S. is almost endless. Although the base Patriot Exchange plan covers a few sports, you may want to consider the Adventure Sports Rider. Why? Because if you’re participating in a sport not on the list and get injured, you’ll be responsible for the entire medical bill!
The Adventure Sports Rider is available for those up to the age of 65. The following activities are covered to the lifetime maximum amounts listed below as long as they are engaged solely for leisure, recreation, or entertainment purposes:
Abseiling BMX Bobsledding Canyoning
Caving Hang gliding Heli-skiing High diving
Hot air ballooning Inline skating Jet skiing Jungle zip lining
Kayaking Mountain biking Parachuting Paragliding
Parascending Piloting a non-commercial aircraft Rappelling
Rock climbing or mountaineering (ropes and guides to 4500m from ground level)
Scuba diving (to 50m) Skydiving Snorkeling Snowboarding
Snowmobiling Snow skiing Spelunking Surfing
Trekking Whitewater rafting (to Class V) Wildlife safaris
Windsurfing
There is a separate optional add-on for School Sports Coverage (not NCAA). If you are looking for even more sports coverage on a travel medical insurance policy, Good Neighbor Insurance has quite a few of these sports travel medical plans.
Does the Patriot Exchange Plan Offer Other Optional Add-ons?
Yes, the Patriot Exchange plan offers other additional options to add coverage for things such as legal assistance, baggage loss and personal liability. The Patriot Exchange policy brochure offers you more specifics.
Which Medical Facilities are Available to the Patriot Plan?
Under the Patriot Exchange plan, you are allowed to seek treatment with the hospital or doctor of your choice. When seeking treatment in the U.S., you have access to the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). The PPO is a separately organized network of hundreds of thousands of established, highly qualified health care physicians and many well-recognized hospitals in the U.S.. If you are hospitalized, you or your provider should pre-certify prior to your treatment, or in case of emergency, within 48 hours.
Are There Conditions to Coverage for the Patriot Plan?
It’s good to be aware of any conditions that must be met to get coverage on your medical plan, so here are some conditions to coverage for the Patriot Exchange international student insurance plan:
- Coverage and benefits are subject to the deductible, limits and coinsurance, and all terms of the Certificate of Insurance and Master Policy.
- Coverage under a Patriot Exchange plan is secondary to any other coverage.
- Coverage and benefits are for eligible medical expenses which are medically necessary and usual, reasonable and customary.
- Charges must be administered or ordered by a physician.
- Charges must be incurred during the Period of Coverage or the Benefit Period.
- Claims must be presented to IMG for payment within ninety (90) days from the date the claim was incurred.
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Good Neighbor Insurance has been in business for over 24 years! Every one of our internationally trained and licensed insurance agents has a heart to serve you, our guests. It is a joy to know that we can provide you peace of mind with one of our many international student insurance options to safeguard from financial calamity as well as providing you the best overseas medical care during your studies and travels.
Please call one of our licensed agents at 866-636-9100 or locally at 480-633-9500 if you have any questions. You may also reach us via email at info@gninsurance.com. We thank you for giving us the privilege of serving you as you fulfill your dreams!
Have amazing and safe travels!
