Health Insurance for International Students
The University of Akron requires that all international students who are enrolled in classes at UA have health insurance.
COVID-19 and Insurance
Yes, treatment for COVID-19 (coronavirus) is covered under your LewerMark Student Insurance plan.
Why is insurance required?
- Health care can be very expensive in the USA
- The USA does not have a national health care plan
- Health services may be restricted if you do not have health insurance
This insurance is MANDATORY for international students on F-1 visas and for the spouse/dependents of J-1 students and scholars.
- It is possible, in some limited situations, to qualify for a waiver. To see if you qualify for a waiver, please check the "Do I qualify for a waiver of the mandatory health insurance?" sections in the FAQ below. Be sure to pay attention to the waiver deadlines listed.
Enroll in LewerMark health insurance
The University of Akron has partnered with LewerMark International Student Insurance to provide medical health insurance for our UA international students.
International students will be automatically enrolled in this plan. If you feel that you qualify for a waiver, please follow the instructions in the “Do I Qualify for a Waiver…?” section in the FAQ.
- Print your card
- Plan information
- Search for a doctor
- *The university does not receive commissions from the program.
Dental and vision coverage is NOT included as standard in our current insurance policy. However, we know that you may need a dental cleaning, an eye exam, or to remove the dreaded wisdom teeth...
LewerMark International Student Insurance offers optional individual dental and vision plans. You can enroll in at any time throughout the year, and enrollment is done directly with the carrier, not through the University of Akron. Eligibility varies by plan, but there are no restrictions based on visa status. You must be 18 or older to enroll in either the Ameritas or VSP plans, but there is no age requirement for Careington.
This short informational video may useful when determining the plan that is right for you.
Your health insurance liaison is Maddy Rivas
Maddy Rivas is available to answer any of your health insurance questions.
- Phone: 330-972-7390
- Email: oip-insurance@uakron.edu
- Hours: Tues and Thurs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
Dependents
We recommend that you also purchase health insurance for your dependents and family members who may be living in the USA with you. As a reminder, dependents with J-2 nonimmigrant status are required by law to maintain medical insurance meeting the regulatory minimum levels throughout the duration of the J-1's exchange program or risk the loss of lawful status.
You may sign them up with LewerMark or use another company if you wish. Contact the International Center for more information.
If you are: on OPT, or are a Global Nomad or have DACA, or are undocumented:
Contact the International Center for information about available policies.
Immunizations
Frequently Asked Questions
| Student | Student + dependent | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 (8/26/2024 - 12/31/2024) | $461.81 | Contact the international center |
| Spring and Summer 2025 (1/1/2025 – 8/25/2025) | $855.07 | Contact the international center |
| Summer 2025 only | Contact the international center | Contact the international center |
This is not a new fee. Major medical insurance coverage has always been mandatory for international students.
The cost of the premium has always been calculated into the living expenses amount listed on the Declaration and Certification of Finances (DCF) Form found on the FORMS page under Incoming Students tab. Each international student is required to complete and submit along with adequate financial documentation before the I-20/DS-2019 is issued.
Therefore, you have affirmed that you are financially able to pay The University Student Health Plan fee.
In order to qualify for a waiver of the mandatory health insurance you must be adequately covered by a different plan. The plan must be a government-sponsored program, employer benefit for the student or parent of the student (if the student is a dependent), or be provided by another source (i.e. scholarship) that guarantees acceptable coverage will remain in force during the entire length of your stay.
The plan must be provided by a company licensed to do business in the United States with:
(a) a U.S. claim payment office,
(b) a U.S. telephone number, and
(c) plan literature available in English.
Travel insurance plans and reimbursement programs of any kind do not qualify.
The plan must exceed the coverage provided by the University Student Health Plan. If the waiver is approved, the student must provide proof of payment for the entire year. No monthly or installment payment will be permitted.
Note: Many plans may appear comparable, but there are “internal limits," “exclusions,” and “pre-existing illness clauses” that may leave students unprotected.
If you feel you qualify for a waiver, send your waiver request to oip-insurance@uakron.edu.
This applies to all non-immigrant students enrolled in a degree-seeking, guest or exchange program at the university.
No, dependents are not subject to the hard waiver program; however, we recommend that you also purchase health insurance for your dependents and family members who may be living in the USA with you. As a reminder, dependents with J-2 nonimmigrant status are required by law to maintain medical insurance meeting the regulatory minimum levels throughout the duration of the J-1's exchange program or risk the loss of lawful status.
You may sign them up with LewerMark or use another company if you wish.
Contact the International Center for more information.
When an international student registers for classes, the health insurance fee will be added to their account. Health insurance is payable as part of a student's fees.
Contact the International Center for information about available policies.
You can print your insurance card yourself. Just visit the LewerMark-UA website and follow the directions to “Print Your ID Card”.
If you have any questions regarding your health insurance ID card contact Nicola Kille or Maddy Rivas 330-972-7390.
Direct health insurance questions, online waiver process or payment process to the Health insurance liaison:
Maddy Rivas
- 330-972-7390
- Email: oip-insurance@uakron.edu
- Hours: Tues and Thurs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time / GMT -5)