Patriot America Plus vs Diplomat America
Patriot America Plus runs roughly $215 for a typical trip — noticeably less than Diplomat America at around $593. The question is whether the savings come at the cost of coverage you'll actually use. Below: every line that matters for a visiting parent.
If lowest deductible and typical premium band is what you'd actually claim on, Patriot America Plus is the safer pick. Diplomat America only beats it on avg claim settlement, which is a narrower win than the marketing suggests.
Quick verdict
Both deliver strong overall protection — pick on price or insurer preference.
Lower starting premium (~$90/month) without giving up the essentials.
View PlanBetter suited for older travellers: accepts up to age 99, comprehensive payouts.
View PlanSide-by-side: who wins what
| Feature | Patriot America Plus | Diplomat America | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage limit | $1M | $1M | |
| Lowest deductible | - | $100 | Patriot America Plus |
| Pre-existing condition cover | Acute-onset | Acute-onset | |
| Direct billing at hospitals | Yes | Yes | |
| Hospital network size | Very large | Very large | |
| Typical premium band | ~$215 | ~$593 | Patriot America Plus |
| Avg claim settlement | 30 days | 22 days | Diplomat America |
| Age eligibility | 0-99 | 14-79 | Patriot America Plus |
| COVID covered | Yes | Yes | |
| Emergency evacuation | $1M | $500k | Patriot America Plus |
| 24×7 support | Yes | Yes |
Who should choose which
- The traveller is older — this plan accepts up to age 99.
- You want the lower monthly premium.
- The trip is long — this plan covers up to 1095 days.
- You want faster claims processing.
Real-life cost scenarios
What you'd pay out-of-pocket on a typical US medical bill, using each plan's mid-tier deductible and coinsurance.
How we calculated
How we calculated
How we calculated
Plan limitations side by side
- Slower average claim settlement (~30 days).
- Highest minimum deductible ($100).
- Lower evacuation cover ($500k).
- Won't accept travellers above age 79.
Claims experience
| Metric | Patriot America Plus | Diplomat America |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of claims | Slower | Slower |
| Typical claim time | 26–37 days | 18–29 days |
| Common issues |
|
|
Typical experience — actual times vary by case complexity and documentation.
If something goes wrong: emergency flow
A simple, repeatable sequence so a stressed family member knows exactly what to do.
- 1Visit the hospital
Go to the nearest ER. Don't delay over network checks in a true emergency.
- 2Show your insurance card
Present your insurer ID and policy number at admission.
- 3Call the 24x7 helpline
Notify the insurer within 24 hours so they can coordinate with the hospital.
- 4Cashless or reimbursement
In-network: hospital bills the insurer directly. Out-of-network: collect every bill and receipt.
- 5Pay only your share
You cover the deductible plus your coinsurance %; the insurer settles the rest.
Go to the nearest ER. Don't delay over network checks in a true emergency.
Present your insurer ID and policy number at admission.
Notify the insurer within 24 hours so they can coordinate with the hospital.
In-network: hospital bills the insurer directly. Out-of-network: collect every bill and receipt.
You cover the deductible plus your coinsurance %; the insurer settles the rest.
Things most people miss
The fine print that decides whether a claim gets paid in full, partially, or not at all.
What a deductible actually costs you▾
Coinsurance — the hidden second bill▾
Pre-existing conditions — the small print▾
Network restrictions in real ERs▾
Why claims get rejected▾
NRI visitors split fairly evenly between these two.
Based on typical user preferences (age, coverage, cost). Not a popularity poll.
Where they're the same
- Both Patriot America Plus and Diplomat America settle directly with US hospitals — no $50k credit card hold at admission.
- Neither plan treats COVID as an exclusion; it's covered up to the standard medical limit on both.
- Both IMG and Seven Corners keep a round-the-clock claims line, not just business hours.
- Both are true comprehensive plans — they pay actual hospital bills, not capped per-day or per-procedure amounts.
Acute-onset PED only up to age 70; 20% coinsurance on first $5k stings.
Minimum 90-day policy; not economical for short visits.
Other comparisons you might want
More comparisons for Patriot America Plus
Treat this page as a decision aid, not insurance advice. We have no commercial relationship with IMG or Seven Corners; the brochures, sample certificates and rate cards we used are dated 2026 and may be revised by the insurers without notice.