IMG Insurance Review - International Student and Scholar Insurance

By Steve P.

Published 2025-07-27

How to choose an IMG student and scholar plan

This guide compares IMG's plans for people coming to the U.S. on an F, J or M visa or on OPT, plus their dependents. All are offered by IMG and use the UnitedHealthcare Options network in the U.S. The Exchange plans are underwritten by SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation.

TaiAn exclusive: kids free. On TaiAn Patriot Exchange, TaiAn Exchange Select and TaiAn Exchange Select Six, a dependent child under 10 is covered free with each insured parent.

TaiAn Patriot Exchange (Plan B) — most popular

Benefit of $50,000, $100,000, $250,000 or $500,000 per illness or injury, with an unlimited lifetime maximum.
Deductible of $100 per illness, or an annual deductible of $0, $250 or $500. The annual deductible is a TaiAn exclusive.
No coinsurance. With the $0 deductible, covered expenses have no out-of-pocket cost.
Same benefits in or out of network.

Patriot Exchange Program (PEP)

$5,000,000 lifetime maximum; $50,000 to $500,000 per illness or injury.
Deductible of $0, $100, $250 or $500 per illness or injury.
In the U.S.: 10% coinsurance in network up to $1,000 out of pocket, 20% out of network. Outside the U.S.: no coinsurance.
Covers mental health and substance use treatment.

TaiAn Patriot Exchange vs. Patriot Exchange Program. TaiAn Patriot Exchange costs less, offers kids-free coverage and the 10% group discount, and has an annual deductible option. PEP adds mental health and substance use benefits.

TaiAn Exchange Select (Plan S) — lowest cost

Same benefit choices as Plan B; unlimited lifetime maximum.
Deductible of $100 per illness, or an annual deductible of $250 or $500.
20% coinsurance in network, 30% out of network in the U.S., 20% outside the U.S.

TaiAn Exchange Select Six (Plan S-6)

Like Plan S, but covers pre-existing conditions after 6 months, which some schools require. Benefit of $100,000, $250,000 or $500,000.

Student Health Advantage (Plan A Standard and Platinum)

Built for students and scholars staying a year or more. Bought in monthly steps of 1 to 12 months and renewable up to 5 years if the first purchase is 3 months or more. Includes mental health benefits and pre-existing condition coverage after a waiting period. Platinum adds maternity coverage for pregnancies that begin after the plan starts.

TaiAn Select Extend (Plan S-Extend)

Bought in monthly steps of 1 to 12 months and renewable up to 4 years.

What every plan shares

Meets Department of State J visa requirements at a $100,000 benefit or higher.
Covers illness, injury, medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
Available to F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2 and OPT; dependents can buy alone on most plans.
Individuals can join the TaiAn Group for a 10% discount.

Compare all plans side by side or contact TaiAn for help.