Medical Insurance and Immunizations
Health care in the US is very expensive. Therefore, as an F-1 Visa student, or as a Visiting International Student Internship & Training (VISIT) J-1 visa holder, you must have medical insurance during your studies at the University of Washington (UW). You may purchase medical insurance in your home country before departure if you don't want to buy insurance here.
University of Washington Requirements
The following are the UW Requirements for medical insurance purchased in home country:
- You must have insurance that covers accidental injury and illness while you are attending the University of Washington.
This is required by Washington State law (WAC 478-160-260).
- You must show, upon arrival, proof of insurance coverage and an English language copy of the insurance policy and card.
If you arrive at the UW without medical insurance that covers you while studying at the UW, the UW requires that you purchase medical insurance called the
LewerMark Plus Copay (LMPC), which is provided by the Lewer Mark Agency, Inc. The choice of whether to purchase insurance in the home country or to purchase it at the UW is a decision you must make.
The following information will help you in making this choice.
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Purchasing Medical Insurance in Home Country Before Departure
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Pre-existing medical conditions might be covered (see below for examples of pre-existing conditions)
Cost may be less than UW insurance
Term of coverage can begin before departure and continue until return
Policy is written in native language as well as English
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You might have to pay for medical service at the time of service (ask the agency about how payments are made)
You might have to request reimbursement from the company
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Purchasing Medical Insurance at UW
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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No deductible charged to student at UW campus clinic
Policy recognized immediately by UW campus clinic
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Policy may be more expensive than insurance purchased in home country
Coverage does not include pre-existing conditions (For example: if you are pregnant or have an injury or illness which exists before buying insurance through UW, that condition is not covered by insurance purchased through UW.) In case of pre-existing conditions, it is highly recommended that you do not cancel any insurance coverage.
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UW Insurance Coverage
Please see the LewerMark insurance website for more information regarding the UW IELP student insurance policies.
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Medical Immunizations
We do not have any medical requirements for entry into our program, but we have some suggestions:
- It would be a good idea to get a health certificate from your family doctor that includes all immunizations and diseases you have had or have been exposed to.
- It is recommended that international students have the following immunizations: Tuberculosis (TB) test, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), Tetanus, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B.
Remember, these are only recommended. They are not required. It is best to consult your doctor and a travel clinic in your country about what would be best for you. If you have further questions about this, please contact our Student Services & Immigration Advisor at 206-543-6242.
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