Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Who must be covered by PCC international student health insurance?

• All F-1 students with I-20s from PCC must be covered through LewerMark. At this time PCC does not accept substitutes or waivers for this requirement.
• F-2 dependents (husband/wife, children) are not eligible to be added to a student plan, but are strongly encouraged to get coverage.

When must international students be covered by PCC international student health insurance?

• During Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms,
• During vacation terms, and
• During reduced course load terms.

Do I need to purchase health insurance coverage when I’m on my vacation term?

• Yes, all F-1 students are required to purchase health insurance during their vacation term. This is because the health insurance coverage is much longer than the time students will be in classes.
• Each term’s coverage begin the first day of classes for the term and ends the day before the first day of classes of the next term. If you will be in the US during those dates for even one day, you must purchase health insurance for the term. While we know it is an added expense, being in the U.S. while uninsured for even one day could be much more expensive should you encounter any medical needs/issues.
• Additionally, the LewerMark plan allows students to use it outside of the US, but not in your home country.

What if my health insurance is covered by my government-sponsored scholarship?

• You must have a valid financial guarantee or government sponsorship letter on file with the Office of International Student Services and Third Party Billing.
• Your financial guarantee or government sponsorship letter must be valid for the entire term you intend to use it.
• If your financial guarantee or government sponsorship letter has expired, you must submit a new financial guarantee or government sponsorship.
• You must submit your financial guarantee or government sponsorship letter by emailing it to both oiss.insurance@pcc.edu and sam.loughery@pcc.edu.
• If you are covered for only insurance (not tuition), then you must submit a government sponsorship letter. The letter must include:
  • Your full name
  • That you are covered by your government’s insurance while attending PCC
  • That you are covered for repatriation and medical evacuation
  • The dates of coverage

Does the LewerMark health insurance coverage include dental and/or vision coverage?

• No, the LewerMark health insurance plan does not include vision or dental coverage for students, however, they do have dental and vision plans available for students.
• PCC’s Dental Clinic provides basic services to PCC students such as cleanings and fillings. (Read FAQs)

I already have the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), do I still need to purchase the LewerMark insurance?

• F-1 students are not eligible for Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Signing up for this plan can negatively impact your visa status.
• All F-1 students with I-20s from PCC must be covered through LewerMark. At this time PCC does not accept substitutes or waivers for this requirement.