Utah Student Health Insurance Options

If you’re heading off to a college or university in the Beehive State, have you made plans for health insurance? Maybe you’re wondering why you need insurance if you’re young and healthy. But even as a student, it’s important to understand your choices for health insurance in Utah. Learn more about available options and how to enroll.

What to Consider When Searching for Student Health Coverage in Utah

Here are the key factors for students in Utah:

Are you a resident? In-state students may find it easier to remain on their parents’ plan.

Dependent status? If claimed as a dependent, you can stay on your parents’ plan until age 26. If you’re turning 26 soon, you may want to find your health insurance coverage.

Stay on parents’ plan or get your own? Staying may save money, but you only qualify for ACA subsidies if you buy your own.

Cost vs. coverage tradeoff? Choose a plan that fits your expected healthcare needs—more benefits usually mean higher premiums.

Skip insurance? Risky—lack of coverage could result in overwhelming medical bills.

How Do You Get Covered Under Your Parents’ Plan?

If you’re under 26, you can stay on your parents’ plan—whether you’re studying in-state or out-of-state.

• Be sure to check if local doctors or hospitals near your school are in-network to avoid high out-of-pocket costs.

Enrollment rules:

• ACA Marketplace plans: Dependents can be added during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period.
• Employer-sponsored plans: Follow your parent’s employer-specific enrollment timelines.

How Do You Get Covered Through Your School in Utah?

Some Utah colleges offer school-sponsored student health plans that meet ACA requirements.

Examples:

• University of Utah: Offers student health services through the Student Health Center. Insurance options may be available; check with the health center for the latest plan details and enrollment instructions.
• Brigham Young University (BYU): Requires students to have health coverage and offers the BYU Student Health Plan for those without other insurance. Automatic enrollment applies unless a waiver is submitted.
• Utah State University (USU): Also provides optional student health plans and encourages all students to have insurance.

To enroll, visit your school’s student health center or insurance office.

ACA Health Plans in Utah

The Affordable Care Act allows individuals and families to buy health insurance through the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov. ACA-compliant plans cover essential health benefits, preventive services, and preexisting conditions.

Financial assistance may be available. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check your eligibility.

ACA plan tiers:

• Bronze: Lowest premiums, highest deductibles; ideal for infrequent care.
• Silver: Balanced option; qualifies for cost-sharing reductions.
• Gold: Higher premiums, lower costs when receiving care.
• Platinum: (If available) Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs.

You can stay on a parent’s plan or apply individually. Moving to Utah for school may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

Medicaid or CHIP in Utah

Medicaid is available to low-income individuals in Utah through the state’s Bridge Program.

Utah also offers CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) for those under 19 through Utah CHIP.

Eligibility factors: Age, income, household size, and dependency status. If you’re not claimed as a dependent, you may qualify based on your own income.

Apply via:

• Utah Medicaid

• Utah CHIP

• Local Utah Department of Health offices

Medicaid and CHIP provide free or low-cost coverage with comprehensive benefits.

Other Options for Coverage in Utah

1. Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance offers fast, temporary coverage for students in between plans. Utah allows non-renewable short-term plans that last up to 364 days.

Features:

• Fast enrollment with coverage starting next day
• Preventive and urgent care coverage
• Free telemedicine services
• Prescription discounts
• Ideal for students between jobs or aging off a parent’s plan

2. Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental insurance helps fill gaps in your primary coverage by covering specific expenses such as accidents or hospital stays.

Plan types:

• Critical illness, accident, cancer, and hospital indemnity
• Pays cash directly to you or providers
• Available year-round for added protection

3. Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Dental and vision coverage can be added to most private plans and ACA options.

Coverage includes:

• Routine exams and cleanings
• Braces, crowns, and LASIK
• Vision care like glasses, contact lenses, and eye exams

Great for maintaining total-body health while managing student budgets.

4. Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs

These faith-based alternatives to traditional insurance let members share medical costs.

Program features:

• Monthly contributions instead of premiums
• Coverage guided by faith and community principles
• May be more affordable than traditional insurance
• Typically excludes preexisting conditions

5. Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed benefit medical insurance pays set amounts for specific medical services.

Advantages:

• First-dollar coverage without deductibles
• Direct cash payouts to you or your provider
• Complements primary health plans or works alone
• Ideal for budget-conscious students needing predictable costs

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

Before choosing a plan, understand these common terms:

• Premium: Monthly cost to maintain your policy
• Deductible: Amount you pay before insurance kicks in
• Copayment (Copay): Fixed fee per visit or service
• Coinsurance: Shared cost between you and the insurer
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Yearly cap on what you pay
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Using network providers reduces costs

Review our health insurance glossary for definitions to help you choose the best plan confidently.

Next Steps

If you’ve decided you need health insurance, compare plans and sign up before your semester begins. Whether you stay on a parent’s plan, enroll through your school, or explore ACA or Medicaid options, make sure you have coverage that fits your needs and budget.