When you’re planning an international trip, finding the right travel medical insurance can feel overwhelming.
I’ve seen too many travelers stuck with massive hospital bills or denied treatment abroad because they chose the wrong plan – or worse, skipped insurance altogether.
Today, I’m reviewing the Patriot Platinum Travel Medical plan, a premium option that many travelers consider. But is it worth the extra cost?
Let’s break it down based on my experience and research.
In this article...
About the Company
Patriot Platinum is offered by International Medical Group (IMG), which has been in the travel insurance business since 1990.
The plan is underwritten by Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation, which holds an “A-” (Excellent) rating from AM Best.
IMG sells their plans both directly through their website and through various brokers and comparison sites.
💡 Tip: IMG’s customer service is generally responsive, but during peak travel seasons, response times can slow down significantly. I recommend calling early morning Eastern Time for quickest service.
Plan Highlights
The Patriot Platinum plan positions itself as a premium travel medical insurance option with higher coverage limits and additional benefits compared to standard plans. Here’s what stands out:
• Higher medical coverage limits than many competitors (up to $8,000,000)
• Includes coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions for travelers under 70
• Adventure sports coverage included
• Medical evacuation coverage up to $1,000,000
• No time constraints on urgent care visits (many other plans limit you to one visit)
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.
Coverage Details
Let me walk you through what this plan actually covers:
Medical expenses are covered up to the maximum limit you choose, ranging 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 – crucial if you need to be airlifted from a remote location or transported to a facility capable of treating your condition.
Acute onset of pre-existing conditions is covered up to $1,000,000 for travelers under 70, with reduced coverage for those 70-79.
Adventure sports coverage is included without requiring an additional rider – a significant benefit if you’re planning activities like scuba diving, skiing, or zip-lining.
Trip interruption benefits provide up to $10,000 if you need to return home due to a covered reason.
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 |
| Lost Luggage | $500 per item, $2,000 maximum |
Ideal Buyer Profile
This plan is best suited for:
Travelers seeking comprehensive coverage with high limits.
Those participating in adventure activities abroad.
People with pre-existing conditions who want some level of coverage (though always check the exact policy wording).
Travelers to remote destinations where medical evacuation might be necessary.
It’s less ideal for budget travelers or those taking short, low-risk trips where a more basic plan would suffice.
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Pricing Insights
Patriot Platinum positions itself as a premium product, and the pricing reflects this.
For a 45-year-old traveler on a two-week trip, expect to pay approximately $70-120 depending on your coverage limit and deductible choices.
This is about 20-30% more expensive than IMG’s standard Patriot plan, but the additional coverage limits and benefits may justify the cost for many travelers.
Age significantly impacts pricing, with rates increasing sharply for travelers over 60.
❌ Avoid: This plan if you’re on a tight budget and traveling to countries with inexpensive healthcare, like Thailand or Mexico. The premium features might be unnecessary.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High coverage limits ($8M max) | More expensive than basic plans |
| Good pre-existing condition coverage | Complex policy language |
| Adventure sports included | No CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) option |
| Strong evacuation coverage | Limited coverage for travelers over 80 |
| Rental car damage coverage included | Some preventive care excluded |
Exclusions and Limitations
Like all insurance plans, Patriot Platinum has exclusions you should know about:
Pre-existing conditions are only covered for acute onset (sudden and unexpected recurrence) and with reduced benefits for older travelers.
Routine check-ups and preventive care are not covered.
Injuries from certain high-risk activities like bungee jumping and hang gliding are excluded.
Mental health conditions have limited coverage.
Pregnancy-related expenses are only covered for unexpected complications.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Average medical evacuation cost | $50,000-$100,000 | International SOS |
| Percentage of claims denied due to pre-existing conditions | 19% | US Travel Insurance Association |
| Average hospital stay cost in Switzerland | $3,000+ per day | World Health Organization |
User Feedback
Based on public reviews on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau, IMG receives mixed feedback:
Positive reviews often mention smooth claims processing and good customer service.
Negative reviews frequently cite delays in claims processing and difficulties with documentation requirements.
Overall, IMG maintains a B rating with the BBB, which is average for the travel insurance industry.
Alternatives to Consider
If Patriot Platinum doesn’t seem right for you, consider:
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.
ℹ️ Fun Fact: Only about 20% of international travelers actually file claims on their travel medical insurance, but those who do file claims save an average of $2,500 on medical expenses abroad.
What Insurance Companies Don’t Tell You
When looking at premium plans like Patriot Platinum, they highlight the high coverage limits, but often downplay the documentation requirements for claims.
IMG, like many insurance providers, requires extensive documentation for claims – including original itemized bills and complete medical records.
Always keep every receipt, medical report, and communication with healthcare providers during your trip.
If you want to compare policies and see if Patriot Platinum is right for your specific needs, you can check them out here.
Conclusion
Patriot Platinum offers solid coverage for international travelers seeking premium benefits, particularly those engaging in adventure activities or traveling to remote locations.
The higher price point delivers tangible benefits over basic plans, especially in emergency evacuation coverage and pre-existing condition provisions.
However, budget-conscious travelers or those taking short trips to countries with good healthcare systems might find better value in less expensive options.
Always read the full policy wording carefully before purchasing any travel insurance. Safe travels!
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Can Save Up to 30%!
