Searching for the right travel medical insurance can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand if premium plans are actually worth the extra cost. Many travelers find themselves confused by policy language and unsure if they’re getting the coverage they truly need for their specific trip circumstances.
I’ve spent years reviewing travel insurance policies and helping clients navigate claims processes. This review will help you understand whether IMG Patriot Platinum’s higher price point delivers real value for your next international journey.
In this article...
About the Company
International Medical Group (IMG) has operated in the travel insurance industry since 1990 and has built a reputation for catering to long-term travelers and expatriates.
Their Patriot Platinum plan is underwritten by Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation, which holds an “A-” (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best.
IMG sells policies both directly through their website and via various insurance brokers and comparison platforms.
💡 Personal Note: In my experience, IMG’s customer service is more responsive than many competitors in the travel insurance space. When I had clients stranded in Peru during COVID border closures, IMG representatives were available and helpful during a chaotic time when many other insurers had hopelessly long wait times.
Coverage Details
The Patriot Platinum plan offers comprehensive medical coverage for international travelers outside their home country.
Medical coverage ranges from $2,000,000 to $8,000,000 depending on your age and selected option.
Emergency medical evacuation is covered up to $1,000,000, which exceeds many standard travel medical plans.
For those under 70, acute onset of pre-existing conditions is covered up to $1,000,000, with reduced coverage for travelers aged 70-79.
The plan includes coverage for adventure sports without requiring an additional rider—an important benefit for active travelers.
Trip interruption benefits provide up to $10,000 if you need to return home due to covered reasons like a family member’s illness.
Political evacuation coverage of $10,000 is included—a feature often overlooked but valuable in today’s unpredictable world.
Recommended Plans
Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.
Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).
Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.
Plan Highlights
• Higher coverage limits than most competitors (up to $8 million)
• Pre-existing conditions coverage for acute onset (with age limitations)
• Adventure sports coverage included as standard
• Rental car damage protection up to $500
• Hospital indemnity benefit of $250 per night for inpatient hospitalization
• No time constraints on urgent care visits
• Identity theft assistance services included
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Coverage | $2-8 million (age-dependent) |
| Deductible Options | $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 |
| Coverage Duration | 5 days to 3 years |
| Emergency Evacuation | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Acute onset covered up to $1,000,000 (under 70) |
| Adventure Sports | Included in base plan |
| Lost Luggage | $500 per item, maximum $2,000 |
| Trip Interruption | Up to $10,000 |
| Natural Disaster Accommodation | $250 per day, maximum 5 days |
| Political Evacuation | $10,000 |
Pricing Insights
Patriot Platinum positions itself as a premium product with pricing approximately 20-30% higher than IMG’s standard Patriot plan.
For a 45-year-old traveler on a two-week trip, expect to pay approximately $70-120 depending on your selected coverage limit and deductible.
Deductible options range from $0 to $2,500, with significant premium reductions for choosing higher deductibles.
Age dramatically impacts pricing, with rates increasing substantially for travelers over 60.
Adding coverage for the United States adds roughly 30-40% to the premium for non-US citizens.
❌ Avoid: This plan if you’re traveling on a tight budget to countries with affordable healthcare systems like Thailand or Mexico. The premium features might be unnecessary overhead in these destinations.
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Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High medical coverage limits ($8M maximum) | More expensive than basic travel medical plans |
| Strong emergency evacuation coverage | Complex policy language regarding pre-existing conditions |
| Adventure sports included without rider | Limited coverage for travelers over 80 |
| Good acute onset pre-existing condition coverage | No cancel for any reason (CFAR) option |
| Rental car damage coverage included | Preventive care excluded |
| Natural disaster accommodation benefit | Mental health coverage limitations |
Exclusions and Limitations
Like all travel insurance, Patriot Platinum has important exclusions you should understand before purchasing:
Pre-existing conditions are only covered for acute onset (sudden and unexpected recurrence), not for scheduled treatments or expected complications.
Treatment for mental health conditions comes with significant limitations.
Routine physical exams and preventive care are not covered.
Pregnancy-related expenses are only covered for unexpected complications occurring before the 26th week.
High-risk activities like bungee jumping, hang gliding, and mountaineering above 4500 meters are excluded even with the adventure sports coverage.
Claims related to alcohol or drug use are not covered.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Average emergency evacuation cost | $50,000-$100,000 | International SOS |
| Percentage of travelers requiring medical attention abroad | 15% | World Tourism Organization |
| Average hospital cost per day in Western Europe | €1,500-€3,000 | European Commission Health Data |
Ideal Buyer Profile
This plan best suits frequent international travelers seeking robust emergency medical coverage, particularly those engaging in active pursuits or visiting remote destinations.
It’s ideal for travelers concerned about potential medical evacuation needs or those with stable pre-existing conditions who want coverage for unexpected acute episodes.
Business travelers who need comprehensive coverage and solid evacuation benefits will find value in this plan despite the higher premium.
It’s less suitable for budget travelers taking short trips to destinations with good, affordable healthcare systems or travelers over 80 facing age-based coverage restrictions.
✅ Pro Tip: Consider pairing Patriot Platinum with a separate trip cancellation policy if you have significant non-refundable trip investments. While this plan offers good medical coverage, its trip cancellation benefits are limited compared to comprehensive travel insurance plans like those from Allianz or Travelex.
User Feedback
Based on public reviews across platforms like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau, IMG receives mixed feedback.
Positive reviews frequently mention responsive customer service and straightforward claims processes for straightforward medical issues.
Negative reviews often center around claims documentation requirements and processing times, which some users found more demanding than expected.
The company maintains a B rating with the Better Business Bureau, which is about average for the travel insurance industry.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for comparable coverage with potential cost savings, WorldTrips Atlas Premium offers similar benefits with different pricing structures that might work better depending on your age and trip length.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, IMG’s standard Patriot International provides lower coverage limits but costs significantly less while retaining many core benefits.
Compared to GeoBlue Voyager Choice, Patriot Platinum offers higher evacuation limits but less extensive coverage for chronic pre-existing conditions.
ℹ️ Fun Fact: While only about 1 in 5 international travelers file claims on their travel medical insurance, those who do file claims save an average of $2,500 on medical expenses abroad. The highest travel medical insurance claim ever recorded was over $2 million for a medical evacuation from Australia to the United States.
Conclusion
IMG Patriot Platinum delivers solid premium coverage for international travelers who prioritize high medical limits and robust evacuation benefits. Its coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions and inclusion of adventure sports make it particularly valuable for active travelers and those with managed health conditions.
While the higher premium places it in the upper tier of travel medical insurance pricing, the additional benefits—particularly the million-dollar evacuation coverage and natural disaster accommodation—provide tangible value for international travelers seeking comprehensive protection.
For frequent travelers, particularly those visiting multiple countries or taking extended trips, Patriot Platinum offers strong benefits that justify its premium positioning in the travel medical insurance market.
Always review the full policy wording carefully before purchasing. Safe travels!
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