International Student Services

Health Care and Insurance

Health care in the United States can be very expensive and even a short hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars.  Some hospitals in the United States will not treat individuals who do not have insurance.  This is the reason the University and the U.S. government requires international students to obtain health insurance coverage.  

International students and all (J-1) exchange visitors and their dependents holding J-2 status are required to comply with the health insurance requirements of the University in order to go to school here. 

Insurance which meets these requirements may be purchased through the ISS or the University Health Center. The international health insurance program, which is a requirement for registration, is designed to provide international students, exchange visitors, and their eligible dependents with continuous insurance protection and access to quality, affordable health care services. 

The U.S. Government feels strongly about the importance of health insurance.  This is why it mandates that the University terminate from its program all exchange visitors and their dependents who do not meet minimum insurance requirements.

Lewis also serves the health care needs of international students through the Health and Counseling Center.  The Health Center staff includes physicians and nurse practioners who provide care management of most acute and chronic medical problems, and laboratory and pharmaceutical assistance. They have the ability to handle most minor trauma and give initial treatment to more serious emergencies.  

The Center also provides health information on weight control, nutrition, smoking cessation, exercise, and many other topics.  The Center will bill the insurance company directly, as well as most other insurance carriers, except some HMO plans.

Students with more serious conditions requiring emergency treatment or special care beyond that provided by the University Health Center may go to one of several neighboring health care facilities.  The facility closest to campus is the renown Edwards Hospital located just a few minutes from the campus.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is important to bring your medical records, prescription script, sufficient medications for at least 30 days, and to see a physician promptly upon arriving on campus to insure that your medical condition does not interfere with your academic success.  If you have a severe medical condition, please be aware that the Student Health Insurance Plan does not generally cover pre-existing conditions until the student has been enrolled at least one year.

If you have any questions about your health and are unsure of the appropriate resource, please contact the University Health Center at 815/836-5455.  Health Insurance questions can be directed to the International Student Services Office at 815/836-5635.

Tuberculosis Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease with potentially serious, long-lasting consequences if not treated.  Because TB rates are on the rise in many parts of the world, The Center for Health and Counseling Services requests that all international students take a TB skin test.  Information sheets on TB and how the skin test is administered are available at the Center for Health and Counseling Services.  

TB can be treated and Health Services can assist you if you have been exposed or are infected by TB.  Please take advantage of the free TB tests offered by Health Services.  Call the Center for Health and Counseling Services for more information on TB tests at 836-5455.

International Student Immunization Policy

The Illinois Immunization Law requires all incoming international students to have proof of their immunization on file at The Center for Health and Counseling Services.This law pertains to you if you are:

1. Born after January 1, 1957, and 
2. Take 6 or more credits a semester on the Romeoville Campus (including graduate, readmitted or transfer students).

If you fit the above criteria, you must present Lewis University with copies of immunization records showing you have received the following immunizations:

1. Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) received after 1 year of age.
2. A Second measles vaccine received after 1 year of age.
3. Three or more doses of Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP), Diphtheria, Tetanus (DT) of Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) vaccine, with the most recent dose having been received within 10 years.

If you are not absolutely certain that you can show documentation of the above immunizations, you should contact your private physician for updates.  The Center for Health and Counseling Services offers free immunizations to assist you also.  Medical and religious exemptions are acceptable, but you must discuss your request for an exemption with the Director of the Center.

A physician must certify all immunization records.

Lewis must receive all immunization records at least one month before the semester.  Please note that fines will be assessed to all students who do not come into compliance before the end of the student's first semester.  Students must pay all fines.  These fines will escalate each semester of continued non-compliance.  In addition, grades may be withheld and the Illinois Department of Public Health can demand refusal of class registration for the following semester.

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