Health Insurance Requirement
All international students on F-1 or J-1 visas must have and maintain health insurance to be enrolled at East Tennessee State University. Waivers are limited and will be approved only by the insurance provider.
East Tennessee State University partners with LewerMark Student Insurance to offer health insurance to enrolled international students. Insurance coverage must be confirmed prior to initial enrollment for new students and by August 15 (fall) and January 15 (spring) for returning students.
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Duration
All International Students are required to purchase and maintain health insurance for the duration of their study at ETSU. Students are required to maintain health insurance coverage for every month they intend to be in the United States.
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Dependents
Dependents of the International Student listed on the Form I-20 or DS-2019 and in the United States are required to have health insurance for the duration of the student’s program of study. Insurance must be purchased no later than the census date for each academic term in which the student is enrolled.
- Fall: August 1--December 31
- Spring: January 1--May 12
- Summer: May 13--July 31
Dependent insurance must be purchased from LewerGlobal.
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Cost
The 2025-2026 Insurance Plan costs $1,612 for the full year (12 months). The breakdown by semester can be found below:
- $676 - Fall 2025 (August 01-December 31)
- $583 - Spring 2026 (January 1-May 12)
- $353 - Summer 2026 (May 13-July 31)
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Instructions
Click here to see step-by-step instructions for purchasing your LewerMark health insurance.
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Waiver Requests
Waiver requests are handled directly by LewerMark. Please contact them via email to discuss this option, lewermarksupport@lewer.com.
Insurance plans offered by the following companies will not be accepted in any circumstances to obtain a waiver: HCC, IMG, ISI, ISO, ISP, GBG, PGH, PSI.
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Vision & Dental
The health insurance coverage that you purchase at ETSU will not provide you with dental or vision coverage. We strongly recommend that you have a dental and an eye examination before departing for the United States.
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J Visa Holders
Students under any of the J Student Categories must also carry accident, illness, medical evacuation, and repatriation insurances for spouses and other dependents.
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Failure to Enroll
Students enrolled at ETSU as of August 15 (fall term), and/or January 15 (spring term) but not in compliance with the health insurance requirement will have their enrollment cancelled on August 15 and/or January 15.