Insurance
Choose the plan that meets your needs and spend more time enjoying your international experience not worrying about your insurance coverage.
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Travel Medical
Insurance
Temporary coverage for medical expenses & emergency evacuations when traveling outside of your home country.
International Health Insurance
Annually renewable coverage for expats and global citizens living or working internationally for more than one year.
Travel
Insurance
Coverage for trip interruption and cancellation, lost baggage and travel delays.
Popular Plans
Enterprise Services
We’re committed to being there for our clients' customers wherever they may be in the world, delivering superior support and assistance in times of need.
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Medical & Travel
Assistance
Services to support travelers in need of medical attention or that have travel assistance needs before, during, and after their trip.
Global Workers' Compensation Case Management
Case management services to manage highly complex workers’ comp cases that require detailed management by medical personnel extending beyond a hospitalization or out-patient procedure.
Security Assistance
Services
Real-time, worldwide security intelligence, advice, and other security services to help travelers avoid danger.
Insurance Administrative
Services
Insurance administrative services to manage all things related to your health care plan needs from enrollment to claim reimbursement.
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel Medical Insurance protects you in the event of an illness or injury when traveling outside of your country of residence. It provides key medical benefits in case of an emergency.
Traveling abroad is an exciting experience, but unpredictable illnesses and accidents can happen. Even worse, the resulting medical bills can be overwhelming. The level of international medical coverage provided by your domestic insurance provider can vary greatly depending on your plan, so you may have very limited coverage or no coverage at all. A travel medical insurance plan can provide the coverage you need. For more information, check out our blog: "How to Choose the Best Travel Medical Insurance Plan."
Travel medical coverage is ideal for:
- International vacationers
- Relatives visiting from overseas
- People going on cruises, safaris or guided tours
- International business travelers
- Students studying abroad
International Medical Group® (IMG®) also offers travel insurance that protects your health as well as your trip costs and travel expenses. And if you need long-term medical coverage, check out our international health insurance. IMG plans include a wide range of medical benefits, protection, and support should a problem arise.
Popular Travel Medical Plans
Ideal for Traveling Outside of Your Home Country
Highlights
-
Coverages for inside and outside the U.S.
( Patriot America / Patriot International ) - Short-term travel medical coverage
- Coverage for individuals, groups, and their dependents
- Available in daily and monthly rates
- Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of your choice
Summary of Benefits
Maximum Limits | $50,000, $100,000, $500,000, $1,000,000 |
Individual Deductible Options | $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 |
Coinsurance for treatment received outside the U.S. | Company pays 100% |
Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. |
In the PPO network: Company pays 100%
Out of the PPO network: Company pays 80% of eligible expenses up to $5,000, then 100% |
Incidental Trips to Home Country |
14 consecutive days maximum limit
Insured person’s country of residence is not the U.S. |
Incidental Emergency Coverage in the U.S.
(Patriot International only) |
14 consecutive days maximum limit. Available only for a covered emergency medical evacuation or an emergency injury or illness that manifested during travel through the United States to or from the host country |
Pre-Certification | 50% reduction of eligible medical expenses if pre-certification provisions are not met |
Hospitalization/Room & Board | Average semi-private room rate up to the maximum limit. Includes nursing service |
Intensive Care | Up to the maximum limit |
Surgery | Up to the maximum limit |
Physician Visits/Services | Up to the maximum limit |
Radiology/X-ray | Up to the maximum limit |
Prescriptions (Dispensing limit per prescription: 90 days) |
Up to the maximum limit |
Home Nursing Care (Upon direct transfer from an acute care facility) |
Up to the maximum limit |
Emergency Local Ambulance (Injury or illness resulting in an inpatient hospital admission) |
Up to the maximum limit. Subject to deductible and coinsurance |
Durable Medical Equipment | Up to the maximum limit |
Dental Treatment | $300 maximum limit due to dental accident or unexpected pain to sound natural teeth. Subject to deductible and coinsurance |
Emergency Medical Evacuation (Must be approved in advance and coordinated by the company) |
$1,000,000 |
Emergency Reunion (Must be approved in advance by the company) |
$100,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Return of Mortal Remains or Cremation/Burial (Must be approved in advance by the company) |
Up to the maximum limit for return of mortal remains or ashes to country of residence, or $5,000 maximum limit for cremation or local burial at the place of death. Not subject to deductible |
Return of Minor Children (Must be approved in advance by the company) |
$100,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Political Evacuation & Repatriation (Must be approved in advance by the company) |
$100,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Natural Disaster Evacuation Must be approved in advance by the company | $25,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible. |
Terrorism | $50,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions
(Insured person must be under 70 years of age) (Patriot International only) |
United States citizens:
Age 64 and under without a primary health plan:
Age 69 and under:
|
Urgent Care Clinic | $25 copay. Copay is not applicable when the $0 deductible is selected. Not subject to deductible. |
Walk-In Clinic | $15 copay. Copay is not applicable when the $0 deductible is selected. Not subject to deductible |
Physical Therapy
(Medical order or treatment plan required) |
Up to the maximum limit |
Hospital Emergency Room
(Outside the U.S.) |
Up to the maximum limit |
Hospital Emergency Room
(Inside the U.S.) |
Injury not subject to emergency room deductible Illness: Subject to a $250 deductible for each emergency room visit for treatment that does not result in direct inpatient hospital admission. Up to the maximum limit |
Hospital Indemnity | $250 per overnight inpatient confinement, maximum limit of 10 overnights. Not subject to deductible |
Common Carrier Accidental Death | $25,000 per insured child, $100,000 per insured adult, $250,000 maximum limit per family. Not subject to deductible |
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Death must occur within 90 days of the accident | $50,000 principal sum. Not subject to deductible. |
Identity Theft | $500 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Trip Interruption | $10,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Lost Luggage | $50 per item, $500 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Eligible Medical Expenses | Up to the maximum limit |
Bedside Visit
Hospitalized in an intensive care unit |
$1,500 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible. |
Outpatient Surgical / Hospital Facility | Up to the maximum limit |
Laboratory | Up to the maximum limit |
Chemotherapy / Radiation Therapy | Up to the maximum limit |
Pre-Admission Testing | Up to the maximum limit |
Reconstructive Surgery
Surgery is incidental to and follows surgery that was covered under the plan |
Up to the maximum limit |
Assistant Surgeon | 20% of the primary surgeon’s eligible fee |
Anesthesia | Up to the maximum limit |
Chiropractic Care
Medical order or treatment plan required |
Up to the maximum limit |
Extended Care Facility
Upon direct transfer from an acute care facility |
Up to the maximum limit |
Interfacility Ambulance Transfer
Transfer from one licensed health care facility to another licensed health care facility resulting in an inpatient hospital admission |
Company pays 100% |
Traumatic Dental Injury
Treatment at a hospital due to an accident |
Up to the maximum limit. Additional treatment for the same injury rendered by a dental provider will be paid at 100%. Subject to deductible and coinsurance. |
Emergency Eye Examination
Loss or damage to prescription corrective lenses due to an accident |
$150 maximum limit. $50 deductible per occurrence. Subject to coinsurance. |
Personal Liability
Secondary to any other insurance |
$25,000 combined maximum limit. Injury to a third person: $100 per injury deductible. Damage to a third person’s property: $100 per damage deductible. No coverage for injury to a related third party or damage to related third person’s property. |
Pet Return
For a pet cat or dog traveling with the insured person |
$1,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Small Pet Common Air Carrier Accidental Death Benefit
For a pet cat or dog up to 30 pounds traveling with the insured person |
$500 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible. |
Natural Disaster | $250 per day and maximum limit of five days for accommodations. Not subject to deductible. |
Highlights
- COVID-19 coverage for travelers to the U.S.
- Coverage for inside the U.S.
- Short-term travel medical coverage
- Made for individuals, groups, and their dependents
- Coverage for Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions*
- Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of your choice
Summary of Benefits
Maximum Limits | $50,000 to $1,000,000 |
Deductible | $0 to $2,500 |
Extensions | Up to 24 continuous months |
Emergency Medical Evacuation |
$1,000,000 |
Coinsurance ( In-Network ) | IMG pays 100% |
Coinsurance ( Out-of-Network ) | IMG pays 80% up to $5,000, then 100% |
Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions
(Under 70 years of age) |
Up to the maximum limit. $25,000 maximum limit for medical evacuation |
Remote Transportation | No coverage |
Supplemental Accident | No coverage |
COVID-19 Coverage | Up to policy maximum if contracted and treatment is provided after the policy effective date |
Pre-Certification | 50% reduction of eligible medical expenses if pre-certification provisions are not met |
Hospitalization/Room & Board | Average semi-private room rate up to the maximum limit. Includes nursing service |
Intensive Care | Up to the maximum limit |
Surgery | Up to the maximum limit |
Physician Visits/Services | Up to the maximum limit |
Radiology/X-ray | Up to the maximum limit |
Prescriptions (Dispensing limit per prescription: 90 days) |
Up to the maximum limit |
Home Nursing Care (Upon direct transfer from an acute care facility) |
Up to the maximum limit |
Emergency Local Ambulance (Injury or illness resulting in an inpatient hospital admission) |
Up to the maximum limit. Subject to deductible and coinsurance |
Durable Medical Equipment | Up to the maximum limit |
Dental Treatment | $300 maximum limit due to dental accident or unexpected pain to sound natural teeth. Subject to deductible and coinsurance |
Emergency Reunion (Must be approved in advance by the company) |
$100,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Return of Mortal Remains or Cremation/Burial (Must be approved in advance by the company) |
Up to the maximum limit for return of mortal remains or ashes to country of residence, or $5,000 maximum limit for cremation or local burial at the place of death. Not subject to deductible (Benefit included if death is due to COVID-19) |
Return of Minor Children (Must be approved in advance by the company) |
$100,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Political Evacuation & Repatriation (Must be approved in advance by the company) |
$100,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Natural Disaster Evacuation Must be approved in advance by the company | $25,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible. |
Terrorism | $50,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Urgent Care Clinic | $25 copay. Copay is not applicable when the $0 deductible is selected. Not subject to deductible. |
Walk-In Clinic | $15 copay. Copay is not applicable when the $0 deductible is selected. Not subject to deductible |
Physical Therapy
(Medical order or treatment plan required) |
Up to the maximum limit |
Hospital Emergency Room
(Outside the U.S.) |
Up to the maximum limit |
Hospital Emergency Room
(Inside the U.S.) |
Injury not subject to emergency room deductible Illness: Subject to a $250 deductible for each emergency room visit for treatment that does not result in direct inpatient hospital admission. Up to the maximum limit |
Hospital Indemnity | $250 per overnight inpatient confinement, maximum limit of 10 overnights. Not subject to deductible |
Common Carrier Accidental Death | $25,000 per insured child, $100,000 per insured adult, $250,000 maximum limit per family. Not subject to deductible |
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Death must occur within 90 days of the accident | $50,000 principal sum. Not subject to deductible. |
Identity Theft | $500 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Trip Interruption | $10,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Lost Luggage | $50 per item, $500 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Eligible Medical Expenses | Up to the maximum limit |
Bedside Visit
Hospitalized in an intensive care unit |
$1,500 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible. |
Outpatient Surgical / Hospital Facility | Up to the maximum limit |
Laboratory | Up to the maximum limit |
Chemotherapy / Radiation Therapy | Up to the maximum limit |
Pre-Admission Testing | Up to the maximum limit |
Reconstructive Surgery
Surgery is incidental to and follows surgery that was covered under the plan |
Up to the maximum limit |
Assistant Surgeon | 20% of the primary surgeon’s eligible fee |
Anesthesia | Up to the maximum limit |
Chiropractic Care
Medical order or treatment plan required |
Up to the maximum limit |
Extended Care Facility
Upon direct transfer from an acute care facility |
Up to the maximum limit |
Interfacility Ambulance Transfer
Transfer from one licensed health care facility to another licensed health care facility resulting in an inpatient hospital admission |
Company pays 100% |
Traumatic Dental Injury
Treatment at a hospital due to an accident |
Up to the maximum limit. Additional treatment for the same injury rendered by a dental provider will be paid at 100%. Subject to deductible and coinsurance. |
Emergency Eye Examination
Loss or damage to prescription corrective lenses due to an accident |
$150 maximum limit. $50 deductible per occurrence. Subject to coinsurance. |
Personal Liability
Secondary to any other insurance |
$25,000 combined maximum limit. Injury to a third person: $100 per injury deductible. Damage to a third person’s property: $100 per damage deductible. No coverage for injury to a related third party or damage to related third person’s property. |
Pet Return
For a pet cat or dog traveling with the insured person |
$1,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Small Pet Common Air Carrier Accidental Death Benefit
For a pet cat or dog up to 30 pounds traveling with the insured person |
$500 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible. |
Natural Disaster | $250 per day and maximum limit of five days for accommodations. Not subject to deductible. |
Patriot Platinum Travel Medical Insurance
Temporary first-class health insurance for individuals, families, and groups
Highlights
- COVID-19 coverage for travelers to the U.S.
-
Coverages for inside and outside the U.S.
( Patriot Platinum America / Patriot Platinum International ) - Short-term travel medical coverage
- Coverage for individuals, groups, and their dependents
- Higher Limits & More Coverage than Patriot Travel or Patriot Plus
- Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of your choice
Summary of Benefits
Maximum Limits | $2,000,000 to $8,000,000 |
Deductible | $0 to $25,000 |
Extensions | Up to 36 continuous months |
Emergency Medical Evacuation |
Up to maximum limit |
Coinsurance for treatment received inside the U.S ( Patriot America Platinum ) ( In-Network ) | IMG pays 100% |
Coinsurance for treatment received inside the U.S ( Patriot America Platinum ) ( Out-of-Network ) | IMG pays 90% up to $5,000, then 100% |
Coinsurance for treatment received outside the U.S ( Patriot International Platinum ) | IMG pays 100% |
Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions | Under 70 years of age, with varying limits by age up to $1,000,000. $25,000 maximum limit for medical evacuation |
Remote Transportation | $5,000 per period, $20,000 lifetime maximum |
Supplemental Accident | $300 per covered accident |
COVID-19 Coverage ( Patriot Platinum America ) | Up to policy maximum if contracted and treatment is provided after the policy effective date |
Incidental emergency in the U.S ( Patriot International Platinum ) | Up to 2 weeks |
Pre-Certification | 50% reduction of eligible medical expenses if pre-certification provisions are not met |
Hospitalization/Room & Board | Average semi-private room rate up to the maximum limit. Includes nursing service |
Intensive Care | Up to the maximum limit |
Surgery | Up to the maximum limit |
Physician Visits/Services | Up to the maximum limit |
Radiology/X-ray | Up to the maximum limit |
Prescriptions (Dispensing limit per prescription: 90 days) |
Up to the maximum limit |
Home Nursing Care (Upon direct transfer from an acute care facility) |
Up to the maximum limit |
Emergency Local Ambulance (Injury or illness resulting in an inpatient hospital admission) |
Up to the maximum limit. Subject to deductible and coinsurance |
Durable Medical Equipment | Up to the maximum limit |
Dental Treatment | $300 maximum limit due to dental accident or unexpected pain to sound natural teeth. Subject to deductible and coinsurance |
Emergency Reunion (Must be approved in advance by the company) |
$100,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Return of Mortal Remains or Cremation/Burial (Must be approved in advance by the company) |
Up to the maximum limit for return of mortal remains or ashes to country of residence, or $5,000 maximum limit for cremation or local burial at the place of death. Not subject to deductible (Benefit included if death is due to COVID-19 - Patriot Platinum America plan only) |
Return of Minor Children (Must be approved in advance by the company) |
$100,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Political Evacuation & Repatriation (Must be approved in advance by the company) |
$100,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Natural Disaster Evacuation Must be approved in advance by the company | $25,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible. |
Terrorism | $50,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Urgent Care Clinic | $25 copay. Copay is not applicable when the $0 deductible is selected. Not subject to deductible. |
Walk-In Clinic | $15 copay. Copay is not applicable when the $0 deductible is selected. Not subject to deductible |
Physical Therapy
(Medical order or treatment plan required) |
Up to the maximum limit |
Hospital Emergency Room
(Outside the U.S.) |
Up to the maximum limit |
Hospital Emergency Room
(Inside the U.S.) |
Injury not subject to emergency room deductible Illness: Subject to a $250 deductible for each emergency room visit for treatment that does not result in direct inpatient hospital admission. Up to the maximum limit |
Hospital Indemnity | $250 per overnight inpatient confinement, maximum limit of 10 overnights. Not subject to deductible |
Common Carrier Accidental Death | $25,000 per insured child, $100,000 per insured adult, $250,000 maximum limit per family. Not subject to deductible |
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Death must occur within 90 days of the accident | $50,000 principal sum. Not subject to deductible. |
Identity Theft | $500 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Trip Interruption | $10,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Lost Luggage | $50 per item, $500 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Eligible Medical Expenses | Up to the maximum limit |
Bedside Visit
Hospitalized in an intensive care unit |
$1,500 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible. |
Outpatient Surgical / Hospital Facility | Up to the maximum limit |
Laboratory | Up to the maximum limit |
Chemotherapy / Radiation Therapy | Up to the maximum limit |
Pre-Admission Testing | Up to the maximum limit |
Reconstructive Surgery
Surgery is incidental to and follows surgery that was covered under the plan |
Up to the maximum limit |
Assistant Surgeon | 20% of the primary surgeon’s eligible fee |
Anesthesia | Up to the maximum limit |
Chiropractic Care
Medical order or treatment plan required |
Up to the maximum limit |
Extended Care Facility
Upon direct transfer from an acute care facility |
Up to the maximum limit |
Interfacility Ambulance Transfer
Transfer from one licensed health care facility to another licensed health care facility resulting in an inpatient hospital admission |
Company pays 100% |
Traumatic Dental Injury
Treatment at a hospital due to an accident |
Up to the maximum limit. Additional treatment for the same injury rendered by a dental provider will be paid at 100%. Subject to deductible and coinsurance. |
Emergency Eye Examination
Loss or damage to prescription corrective lenses due to an accident |
$150 maximum limit. $50 deductible per occurrence. Subject to coinsurance. |
Personal Liability
Secondary to any other insurance |
$25,000 combined maximum limit. Injury to a third person: $100 per injury deductible. Damage to a third person’s property: $100 per damage deductible. No coverage for injury to a related third party or damage to related third person’s property. |
Pet Return
For a pet cat or dog traveling with the insured person |
$1,000 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible |
Small Pet Common Air Carrier Accidental Death Benefit
For a pet cat or dog up to 30 pounds traveling with the insured person |
$500 maximum limit. Not subject to deductible. |
Natural Disaster | $250 per day and maximum limit of five days for accommodations. Not subject to deductible. |
Additional Travel Medical Insurance Plans

Student & Scholar Insurance
Student health insurance plans tailored to fit the needs of international students involved in educational or cultural exchange.

Visitors Care
Temporary fixed coverage health insurance for non-U.S. residents when traveling outside of your home country.

Outreach Travel Medical Insurance
Temporary health insurance for missionaries and mission groups when traveling outside of your home country.

GlobeHopper Senior
Temporary health insurance for travelers age 65+ when traveling outside of your home country.

Patriot Multi-Trip Travel Medical Insurance
Annual multi-trip travel medical insurance for individuals, families and groups.
Why Do I Need Travel Medical Insurance?
Depending on where you travel, you may encounter language and currency barriers that prevent you from accessing high-quality medical care. Check out IMG’s Why You Need Travel Medical Insurance Now More Than Ever to learn more about some of these challenges.
Traveling unprotected can leave you vulnerable to paying high out-of-pocket medical expenses, and navigating a foreign health care system without the assistance you need.
However, with a travel medical insurance plan, you can worry less and experience more knowing you have medical coverage and a trusted health advisor who can support you in your time of need.
Get even more information by checking out our article, “Do I Need Travel Medical Insurance?”
How Much Does Travel Medical Insurance Cost?
Less than $3 per day for an average plan.
Like other travelers, you may be wondering if the coverage is worth the cost. It may surprise you to learn that IMG’s travel medical plans can cost less than $3 per day (based on an average plan) and can provide coverage worth well beyond your initial cost. Pick a plan and get protected.
Factors that Determine Cost
The cost of a plan varies based on many factors including:
Age of Traveler
Age is one of the primary factors that determines insurance rates. Each IMG plan has a complete breakdown of insurance rates based on ages that can be found in the plan brochure.
Destination
Medical expenses vary around the world. To provide the best balance of coverage and cost, plan coverage rates may be different for a traveler visiting the United States than they are for a traveler in a destination where healthcare is less expensive.
Duration of Trip
A breakdown of daily rates and monthly rates can be found in IMG plan brochures. If you need long-term coverage (1 year or more), view our international health insurance plans.
Deductible, Maximum Limit, & Additional Optional Coverage
Customize your plan by choosing the deductible amount, maximum limit, and any optional rider that is best for you.
When Is Travel Health Insurance required?
Some countries may require you to purchase travel health insurance to gain entry.
Traveling to Schengen Countries
Schengen countries require visa applicants to prove they have travel medical insurance to cover expenses for repatriation, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment and more. Read our blog about Countries that Require Travel Medical Insurance for Entry to learn more.
Other Situations
You may also be required to purchase travel health insurance depending on the purpose of your trip. The U.S., for example, requires those traveling on a J1 or J2 visa to maintain a certain level of medical coverage for the duration of their stay. However, if you're visiting the U.S. on a B2 visa, a travel medical insurance plan is only recommended. Find out How to Choose the Best Visitor Insurance Plan for You.
Travelers embarking on other trips — such as organized tours, working holiday schemes, mission trips, and cruises — may also be required to purchase coverage.
These are just a few reasons when you would be required to purchase Travel Medical Insurance. See the full list for 6 Times You Need to Purchase Travel Medical Insurance.
Recent Blog Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're planning a trip with multiple destinations, such as a vacation to Europe, you'll want to select the country that you plan on spending the most time in. Your travel medical insurance will cover you for the entirety of your trip and in countries outside of your own.
Yes, the insured does not have to be the one that fills out the application. You can purchase a travel medical plan for your parents, friends, or relatives as long as you have the necessary information.
As non-resident aliens, international students on F, J, M and Q visas (and certain family members of students) are not subject to the individual mandate for their first 5 years in the U.S. All other J categories (teacher, trainee, work and travel, au pair, high school, etc.) are not subject to the individual mandate for 2 years (out of the past six).
Since international students are not subject to the mandate, they are not required to purchase a plan that meets PPACA requirements and can purchase an appropriate IMG plan.
International Students – Exempt as Non-Resident Aliens
Under the IRS international student exemption, anyone “temporarily in the United States on an “F”, “J”, “M”, or “Q” visa for the primary purpose of studying at an accredited academic institution or vocational school (and certain family members of students), and who substantially complies with the requirements of that visa,” is exempt from being treated as a resident alien, and is therefore exempt from the individual mandate as a non-resident alien.
That exemption applies for 5 years. After 5 years, a student is no longer exempt, and the substantial presence test must be applied. See examples here.
Even after 5 years in the U.S., an international student may continue to be a non-resident alien for tax purposes under the “Closer Connection” exception if they can prove that they still have a closer connection to their home country than to the U.S.
The Individual Mandate and Alien / Non-Alien Status
The IRS provides a questions and answers page on the individual mandate. Question 11 asks whether all individuals living in the U.S. are subject to the mandate. The answer is that U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents are subject to the mandate, as are “foreign nationals who are in the U.S. long enough during a calendar year to qualify as resident aliens for tax purposes.” Thus, non-resident aliens are not subject to the individual mandate, even if they have to file a tax return.
Am I a Resident or Non-Resident Alien?
The IRS states that you are a non-resident alien unless you meet either the green card test or the substantial presence test.
Under IRS Publication 519, Tax Guide for Aliens (the green card test), green card holders are resident aliens for tax purposes. The substantial presence test uses a formula to count the number of days present in the U.S. over the past 3 years. Generally, you a resident alien after six months of presence in the U.S. – unless you are exempt.
IMG’s international travel medical products are not a substitute for minimum essential coverage that you may need to have under PPACA. However, since most PPACA plans do not provide the types of international benefits and assistance that travelers need, you should strongly consider purchasing an international travel medical plan such as IMG’s Patriot Travel Medical Insurance for coverage while you travel outside of the U.S.
If you are a U.S. citizen, national or an “alien lawfully present” in the U.S., you will need to maintain minimum essential coverage unless you are exempt. Exemptions include:
- Individuals not residing in the U.S.
- Non-U.S. citizens who are “non-resident aliens” (for U.S. income tax purposes). See Am
- Individuals with a coverage gap of less than 3 months.
- Individuals who cannot afford coverage (i.e. required contribution exceeds 8% of
- household income).
- Individuals with a religious conscience exemption (applies only to certain faiths).
- Members of a health care sharing ministry.
- Incarcerated individuals.
- Individuals with income below the tax filing threshold; and
- Members of Indian tribes
In general, PPACA does not govern short-term limited duration insurance, like IMG’s short-term travel medical insurance programs.
However, please understand that under PPACA, as of January 1, 2014, extensions of short-term coverage will be limited to less than 12 months to meet the definition of a short-term limited duration plan.
IMG’s international travel medical products are not a substitute for minimum essential coverage that you may need to have under PPACA. If you are a U.S. citizen, national or legal resident alien in the U.S., you will need to maintain minimum essential coverage unless you are exempt. Exemptions include:
- Individuals not residing in the U.S.
- Non-U.S. citizens who are “non-resident aliens” (for U.S. income tax purposes). See Am I a Resident or Non-Resident Alien?
- Individuals with a coverage gap of less than 3 months
- Individuals who cannot afford coverage (i.e. required contribution exceeds 8% of household income)
- Individuals with a religious conscience exemption (applies only to certain faiths)
- Members of a health care sharing ministry
- Incarcerated individuals
- Individuals with income below the tax filing threshold; and
- Members of Indian tribes
You will not need PPACA coverage for short-term travel to the U.S., unless you are considered an “alien lawfully present” in the U.S. See I am a Non-U.S. citizen covered under a Global Medical Insurance Plan.
In general, PPACA does not govern short-term limited duration insurance, like IMG’s short-term travel medical insurance programs.
However please understand that under PPACA, as of January 1, 2014, extensions of short-term coverage will be limited to less than 12 months to meet the definition of a short-term limited duration plan.
The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," commonly known as PPACA, was first introduced as a measure to deal with rising healthcare costs and numbers of uninsured.
The heart of PPACA consists of three provisions: guaranteed issue (insurers must offer coverage regardless of the applicant's health status or pre-existing conditions), community rating (insurers must offer policies within a given territory at the same price regardless of health status, age, gender, or other factors), and an individual mandate. The individual mandate assures that everyone has a minimum amount of coverage: those above a certain annual income are required to purchase coverage or incur a tax penalty; those who cannot afford it will have their coverage paid for by the government.
As PPACA continues to be implemented and challenged throughout the country, understanding the issues and implications for the international insurance industry and your business becomes all the more important.
Insurance prices are regulated by the government - you won't find a better price on IMG insurance plans anywhere else.
IMG plans provide you access to more than 17,000 providers through our International Provider Access (IPA) while you're outside of the United States. Our multilingual customer service centers, claims administrators, and 24-hour emergency care coordinators are ready if the unforeseen does happen during your mission trip.
Visitors should plan to get insurance after they plan their trip and receive their visa, but before they arrive in the U.S. The effective dates for coverage should match their visa.
If you were to suffer an injury or get sick while visiting the United States, you might be surprised by the cost of medical care. You may also be surprised by the limited assistance your domestic insurance provider can provide while you're visiting. Visitor insurance coverage in the U.S. helps to ensure that you don't incur any unforeseen expenses, receive excellent care, and get home quickly and safely if anything were to happen during your visit.
In addition to the medical and health coverage, healthcare provider access, and other benefits you expect from IMG plans, we offer missionary-specific insurance benefits like coverage for furlough and political evacuations. See your plan befits information for more!
Once your plan is purchased and you have your plan documents, you will have the information you'll need to complete your school's waiver.
Check with your school to get your waiver status.
To show proof of insurance, simply download or print a copy of the ID card and/or confirmation letter and provide it to your school's program administrator.
IMG plans include customization options and add-ons, including add-on coverage for high school sports, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports, personal liability and legal assistance.
If you are applying for coverage under the Patriot series of plans, IMG will process your application and send your ID card and other documents within one business day. If you are applying for coverage under the Global or Group series, IMG will process your application within three to four business days following the receipt of all required information, and your materials will be forwarded the same day coverage is approved. Every attempt will be made to process your application timely. The specific time frame depends largely on the type of coverage for which you are applying.
Disclaimer
This is not an offer to enter into an insurance contract. This is only a summary and shall not bind the company or require the company to offer or write any insurance at any particular rate or to any particular group or individual. The information on this page does and will not affect, modify or supersede in any way the policy, certificate of insurance and governing policy documents (together the "Insurance Contract"). The actual rates and benefits are governed by the Insurance Contract and nothing else. Benefits are subject to exclusions and limitations.
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"Although one hopes never to use travel insurance, IMG was a godsend throughout our ordeal. We couldn’t have done it without your continued assistance."Joan D. United States
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