The high cost of medical care in the USA is a significant concern, especially for international students. That's why Whatcom Community College requires all international students to maintain medical and accident insurance throughout their studies. This ensures that in case of any health issues or accidents, students will be protected from potentially overwhelming medical expenses.

If you are enrolled in online classes from your home country, you are not required to pay for insurance at Whatcom Community College. Medical insurance is mandatory for international students only when they are attending in-person classes in the U.S. It ensures coverage during the entire period of study, including breaks, travel, and the time before the next quarter starts.

In order to protect students and to make insurance enrollment as simple as possible, Whatcom has contracted with Lewer Health Insurance Company for a comprehensive and convenient student health plan.

Plan highlights

Maximum Paid Per Accident or Sickness:  $500,000
Annual Maximum (consecutive 12 months): $500,000
Student Cost for Office/Clinic Visit (including acupuncture): $20 per visit*
Student Cost for Hospital Visit: $100 
Preventative Care Services: Covered at 100% up to $300 per year*
Ambulance Services: Covered at 100%
Prescriptions: Covered at 50%* 
Mental Health/Substance Abuse: Maximum of 30 visits per year*
Medical Evacuation: $50,000
Repatriation: $25,000

*Please note: Lewer student health insurance is affiliated with a network of health care providers (PPOs) under the Aetna and First Health Network group of insurance companies. The figures shown above are for any doctor or clinic within the First Health PPO network. Costs for using a doctor outside of the First Health PPO network may be higher.

For more information about Lewer insurance, please see the Related Links or visit the LewerMark website: http://www.lewermark.com/whatcom

Questions about Lewer insurance and COVID-19

Does my Lewer insurance cover COVID-19 related costs, for example testing and hospitalization?                                                                                                        

Lewer insurance coverage includes COVID-related expenses the same as other illness. If you need to have a test for a travel requirement Lewer allows $300 per year in wellness coverage which can be applied to COVID-19 testing. Please contact International Programs for more details.

**Special circumstances related to COVID-19**

  • If you are remaining in the U.S. – either enrolling or on vacation quarter - Lewer student health insurance will continue to be a required fee.

  • If you will be departing the U.S – Lewer student health insurance will be optional for the quarter(s) that you will be in your home country.  Please contact International Programs for an insurance “opt-out” form.  

Seeking medical treatment

In the US, hospitals are used primarily in emergency situations only. If a student needs treatment for a minor injury or illness, or for routine medical care, s/he should go to a walk-in medical clinic (no appointment needed) or make an appointment to see a general practice doctor or specialist.

To find a walk-in clinic or a doctor or specialist that is covered by Lewer insurance, please see the Related Links column.

Payment

Lewer health insurance is paid quarterly and is automatically added to the student’s bill each quarter at registration. The 2024-25 academic year per quarter cost is $428.55.

Coverage Period

For new students: health insurance coverage begins when the student enters the U.S., up to 30 days before classes begin and ends one day before the next quarter's classes begin
For current students:  coverage begins the first day of the quarter and ends one day before the next quarter's classes begin.

Vacation Quarter

We strongly recommend that students continue their insurance during the vacation quarter to ensure they have adequate coverage. Students are allowed to “opt out” of Lewer insurance during a vacation quarter; however, a student who “opts out” of Lewer would be without health and accident insurance from the day the vacation quarter begins until the first day of the quarter that the student returns to Whatcom. Please note that the Lewer insurance policy provides coverage in all countries except the student's home country.

Completion of Program

After completing their program, students are covered for 30 days from the last day of their final quarter before returning home. Students can purchase additional insurance for coverage for the entire 60 days of grace period allowed under F-1 regulations  Students who transfer from Whatcom to another institution will not be covered beyond the last day of their final quarter at WCC.

OPT

Students who are approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT) may continue their Lewer insurance for up to 12 months from their graduation date.