All international students at Seattle Pacific University are required to carry health insurance each quarter (including summer sessions).
Students who are in F-1 status will automatically be enrolled in a health insurance plan through the company LewerMark while attending SPU. Students carrying other visa statuses can enroll in their own insurance plan or contact ISS to check if they are eligible to enroll in the LewerMark plan. The LewerMark plan protects students while they are at school and when traveling or studying abroad. For additional information, visit their website.
Website: lewermark.com/spu
Phone: 800-821-7710
Health insurance FAQ
If I am not in the U.S. over the summer, do I need to purchase health insurance?
Yes! You must carry health insurance every quarter while you are a student at SPU. LewerMark insurance covers you anywhere in the world (except for in your home country). It also covers you while traveling to and from your home country and to and from the U.S.
Do I need health insurance if I am not registered for summer sessions (or for any academic quarter I am not registered)?
Yes! You must carry health insurance every quarter while you are a student at SPU – even if you are not registered for courses. This includes a vacation quarter, reduced course load quarter, or leave of absence. If you are not registered for two or more quarters in one academic year (fall – spring), you need to speak to your international student advisor about your options, as your insurance coverage may end.
Why do I need coverage when I am not in the U.S. or at home and not covered in my home country?
LewerMark only offers very limited coverage for pre-existing conditions during the first six months of coverage. Every time you have a break in health insurance, you are subject again to this six-month period. Additionally, continuous enrollment ensures that you are covered for days before or after the quarter that you might be in the U.S. or in-transit. If you were not enrolled continuously, you would be at risk in the event of illness or accident and, without coverage, the financial impact of treatment could be detrimental. As a result, SPU (as do many universities in the U.S.) has a policy requiring students to be covered year-round while the student is pursuing a degree. Medical coverage is in place to protect you and give you peace of mind while at SPU and in the U.S!
My parents already have health insurance for me. What should I do?
SPU requires that all international students with F-1 or J-1 status have coverage with LewerMark insurance. There is a process to request a waiver from LewerMark insurance. Please contact us for additional information.
My spouse has health insurance for me. What should I do?
SPU requires that all international students with F-1 or J-1 status have coverage with LewerMark insurance. There is a process to request a waiver from LewerMark insurance. Please contact us for additional information.
I am covered through by government-sponsored scholarship. What should I do?
You need to contact our office at iss@spu.edu for more information. You will be required to show proof of insurance coverage from your government.
I am an international student, but do not have an F-1 visa. What do I do?
All students at SPU should have insurance; however, you will not be enrolled in the LewerMark health insurance. You should secure insurance coverage independently. LewerMark does have some plans available to students in other visa categories. Contact us to see if you might be eligible.
How do I get an insurance card or find a doctor?
Visit the LewerMark website: https://www.lewermark.com/. It will ask you which school you attend and after you type in Seattle Pacific University, you will see an icon for Print ID Card. You can click that and follow the directions to obtain a card. You can print it off and carry it with you.
May I still go to Student Health Services even though I have LewerMark insurance?
Yes! In fact, we recommend it! They provide most of the same services as a standard doctor's office and offer very personalized attention. It is also very convenient to see someone on-campus. They do charge a small fee per quarter for non-residential students (only one time so you can use the center all quarter long, as many times as you need to). This is often less expensive than trying to see a doctor off-campus. Your LewerMark insurance covers the services at the Health Center too!
I have questions about my coverage. Who can help me? How do I contact someone from LewerMark?
The LewerMark website is a great resource for learning about your coverage, finding a doctor and getting your questions answered. They are available by chat, phone or email.
When does my coverage start and end?
Coverage begins on the first day of class and continues until the day before the start of the next quarter. SPU has four quarters, and you will be enrolled each quarter so you will have continuous coverage throughout the year. LewerMark also has a complimentary 30-day arrival feature, so new students are covered as soon as they enter the U.S.
I am graduating and will be returning to my home country. Am I covered?
If you are graduating and planning on returning to your home country within 30 days, your LewerMark insurance can be extended for 30 days after your graduation date. You must let us know if you are graduating and what your plans are after graduation, as the extension is not automatic. If you need to extend your insurance for more than 30 days, you can visit Lewer Global for enrolling in a plan that suits your needs.
I plan to apply for OPT after I graduate. Can I still enroll in LewerMark insurance?
Students who apply for and receive OPT can enroll in LewerMark insurance. Students are not enrolled automatically; they must contact ISS to enroll. Coverage continues using the quarter dates, and students can continue coverage until the end of their OPT. If at any point a student declines coverage, the student may not re-enroll at a later date.
What if I was charged for health insurance in error?
If you believe you were charged for insurance when you should not have been, you may appeal. Requests for a refund must be sent within 60 days of the initial charge to iss@spu.edu.