International Student Health Insurance

International Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan for the 2008-2009 Academic Year
In an effort to provide quality health insurance at an affordable cost to Columbia College Chicago’s international students and scholars, the Office of International Student Affairs is pleased to announce that the college is offering a new International Student Sickness and Accident Plan by the Lewer Agency. Lewer has been providing unique, innovative insurance products and services since 1956.

Health care in the U.S. can be quite complicated and costly.  A major accident or illness can create related expenses of $10,000 - $100,000 very quickly and very easily. If you do not have medical insurance to help cover some of the costs, you will be required to pay for these expenses. 

With this in mind, Columbia College Chicago implemented a mandatory health insurance coverage requirement in the Fall 2001 semester.  All international students are automatically enrolled in the insurance plan. Insurance coverage for family members is available at an additional cost through enrollment at the Office of International Student Affairs. If you do not wish to be enrolled in the plan, you will need to apply for a waiver. Submitting a waiver does not mean that it will be approved. You will be notified by email if your waiver has been approved or denied.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of International Student Affairs at your earliest convenience.





Being sick or injured away from home can be a stressful experience and more so if students don't understand their health care options. Health care in the United States is very different from what you may be used to back home.  For one thing, costs related to health care are expensive. Illnesses and accidents are always unexpected. There are basically two options to cover health care costs for college students: the LewerMark Sickness and Accident Plan designed by Lewer Agency, Inc. for Columbia College Chicago's international students, or your family/personal health plan.

The LewerMark Sickness and Accident Plan provides coverage from August 25, 2008 to August 25, 2009. The cost for the insurance for the year is $1188, which will be divided into two (2) payments:  $594 payable during the fall 2008 semester and $594 payable during the spring 2009 semester.

Please click here to access information about the International Student Health Insurance Health Plan for Academic Year 2008-2009



Highlights of the plan include the following:

• $100,000 Maximum Benefit per condition
• $0 Deductible per policy year
• Great West PPO Network - 100% In Network; 80% Out-of-Network Co-Insurance
• Co-Payments- $15
• Physician, mental health; substance abuse, chiropractic; physical therapy; acupuncture; and occupational therapy visits
• Annual Out of Pocket Maximum - $3,000
• Physical Exam/Wellness Women’s Wellness exam – 100% after co-pay
• Prescription Drug Benefit through Express Scripts – reimbursed up to 50% - no annual limit per policy year
• Careington Dental and Vision Benefit – provides a discount network for dental and vision services.

Regardless of your insurance plan, we are here to help you understand and utilize your policy. Remember to carry your insurance identification card with you at all times. If you do not present a valid health insurance I.D. card at a doctor's office, you will be expected to pay in full, at the time of service. Your insurance I.D. card is just as important to you as your school I.D. card, or driver's license. Get into the habit of keeping it with you.


Plan Costs and Dates
Annual premium:  $1188 with coverage dates from August 25, 2008 to August 25, 2009

·          Students’ OASIS accounts will automatically be billed in two equal installments of $594.00 for the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 academic terms.  Students will be automatically enrolled in the insurance unless a waiver form has been turned into the Office of International Student Affairs before the waiver deadlines!

·          For students starting Spring 2009, the premium is $693, with coverage dates January 12, 2009 to August 25, 2009 

·          For students starting Summer 2009, the premium is $297 for coverage from May 18, 2009 through August 25, 2009

When to Pay

·          Payment for the Fall 2008 semester is due by October 6, 2008

·          Payment for the Spring 2009 semester is due by February 13, 2009

·          Payment for the Summer 2009 semester is due by June 13, 2009

How to Pay
There are two ways to make your insurance payment.

• In person: Bring a check or money order made payable to “Columbia College Chicago” to the Cashier’s Window located on the 3rd floor of the 600 S. Michigan Avenue building.  Be sure to write your OASIS number on the check, and indicate that it is a payment for “International Student Health Insurance.”  Keep the receipt for your records.
• Online:  Visit the Student Financial Services website for payment information.  Note:  Insurance payments made by credit card can only be paid through CCCPay.  Credit card use on CCCPay is limited to MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

How to Petition for a Waiver

Waiver deadlines are:

• For the Fall 2008 semester:  September 29, 2008
• For Spring 2009 semester:  February 6, 2009
• For Summer 2009 semester:  June 10, 2009

Questions?
All questions regarding the International Student Insurance should be directed to the Office of International Student Affairs at (312) 369-7458, by fax: (312) 369-8024 or via email: gposejpal@colum.edu.