In the event of a serious medical, fire, or crime-related emergency, the United States has one telephone number to call: 911
Health Care in the US
Your health and wellness is an essential part of your academic success while you are at Centre College (and beyond). That said, there is no nationalized or universal healthcare system in the US. Instead, most Americans will purchase private health insurance plans so that they will not need to pay in full for their medical expenses out of pocket. Correspondingly, F-1 students at Centre are automatically enrolled in the LewerMark International Student Health Insurance plan (see below for more details) to be protected against unexpected medical costs.
If you need non-urgent medical help or counseling services, it is often best to visit Student Health or Centre Counseling ON-campus before seeking OFF-campus services.
OFF-campus hospitals and other clinics can be expensive, inconvenient to get to, or have long~~~~~ wait times, but can be appropriate for emergencies or for conditions that are more complex.
The above graphic from LewerMark can help international students decide when and where to seek health care services. Furthermore, Teladoc provides top-of-the-line 24/7 virtual medical care and is an excellent first step in your non-emergent medical needs. Teladoc has become the preferred resource for FREE virtual medical advice, treatment, and prescription medication services by students using LewerMark insurance.
LewerMark International Student Health Insurance
We encourage you to use ON-campus resources such as Student Health or Centre Counseling, but here are some online resources that are FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, and available 24/7/365 for those enrolled in LewerMark International Student Health Insurance.
Teladoc | +1 800-835-2362
TELUS Health | +1 866-743-7732 (when in the US) | 001-416-380-6578 (when outside the US)
Togetherall
The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding LewerMark International Student Health Insurance. If you have more questions, contact ISS. You can also use the "Chat with Us" feature on the website: www.lewermark.com/centre or call +1 800-821-7710
Am I eligible for LewerMark insurance?: To be eligible, the registered and enrolled Centre College student must meet the following criteria -
- is a legal resident of a country other than the US, its territories, or possessions;
- is enrolled and actively engaged in full-time studies;
- has not been granted permanent residency status in the US, its territories, or possessions; and
- holds and continually maintains an F-1, J-1, M-1, Q-1 or other approved category of student visa or immigration status
What network does LewerMark use?: Centre College uses Aetna, a nationwide provider network that is widely accepted in the US.
What is a copay?: This is the amount of out-of-pocket expenses that you must pay the healthcare provider for each visit. For the 2023-24 academic year, all office visits (excluding Student Health, CVS Minute Clinics, and Teladoc) will have a $20 copay. Hospital and emergency room (ER) copays will be $100.
How can I find a doctor?: First, remember that you are encouraged to visit Student Health or Centre Counseling ON-campus BEFORE seeking OFF-campus services. If an OFF-campus resource is more appropriate, Student Health or Centre Counseling may have a recommendation. You can also visit www.lewermark.com/centre and click on Resources > Student Resources to use the "Find an AETNA Provider" search.
Can I opt out of the LewerMark insurance?: International students at Centre College are required to be enrolled in the LewerMark international student insurance plan when they are enrolled in classes and living either ON-campus or at a study away location. That said, international students are permitted to waive out of the LewerMark plan for the following situations:
- International exchange students may provide proof of equivalent* US medical insurance valid for the duration of their stay in the US.
- Those who will not reside ON-campus because of study abroad plans may opt out of Fall term coverage so long as they will not be ON-campus from August 1 through December 31.
- Study abroad students may opt out of Centre (January) term and Spring term coverage so long as they will not be ON-campus from January 1 through May 31. It is not possible to opt out of Centre term only or Spring term only.
- The student’s parent/guardian/spouse is employed by a US based company that provides ACA compliant coverage that covers the student.
- The student is currently covered by a parent/guardian/spouse’s insurance plan from a foreign company that meets or exceed the benefits offered by LewerMark and is valid in the US.
*Emergency-only and/or travel insurance plans are NOT acceptable. The following companies are also NOT accepted as valid waiver of LewerMark coverage: GBG, HCC, IMG, ISI, ISO, ISP, PGH, PSI.
Only those that reside ON-campus in June and/or July are required to enroll in June and/or July LewerMark coverage, but we highly recommend continued coverage for those who will not reside in their home country during the summer break.
For more information, please contact ISS and/or refer to the following source(s):
Information Handouts on the Forms page
www.lewermark.com/centre