Vermont Student Health Insurance Options

If you’re heading off to a college or university in the Green Mountain 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 Vermont. Learn more about available options and how to enroll.

What to Consider When Searching for Student Health Coverage in Vermont

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 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: Similar rules apply through the employer’s designated periods.

How Do You Get Covered Through Your School in Vermont?

Many schools require students to have health insurance and may offer plans that meet minimum coverage standards.

Examples:

• University of Vermont (UVM): Requires all students enrolled in 9+ credits to have coverage. Students can enroll in the UVM SHIP or waive with proof of other coverage. UVM SHIP includes comprehensive national coverage.
• Champlain College: Automatically enrolls students in its SHIP unless they complete a waiver form.
• Middlebury College: Requires proof of adequate insurance. Students may enroll in the school-sponsored plan or submit a waiver.

ACA Health Plans in Vermont

The Affordable Care Act allows individuals and families to purchase health insurance through Vermont Health Connect, the state’s exchange. ACA plans offer essential health benefits, free preventive care, and protections for preexisting conditions.

Subsidies or financial assistance may be available to reduce premium costs. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check eligibility.

ACA plan tiers:

• Bronze: Lowest premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs.
• Silver: Moderate premiums; qualifies for cost-sharing reductions.
• Gold: Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket expenses.
• Platinum: (If available) Highest premiums, lowest costs at point of care.

Students may apply on their own or be added to a parent’s plan. Moving to Vermont for school may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

Medicaid or CHIP in Vermont

Medicaid in Vermont is known as Medicaid for Children and Adults (MCA). It offers free or low-cost coverage for qualifying low-income adults, pregnant women, and those with disabilities.

Vermont’s CHIP program is called Dr. Dynasaur, which covers children and teens under 19, even in higher-income families.

Apply via:

• Vermont Health Connect
• Local Department of Human Services
• Call Vermont Health Connect: 1-855-899-9600

Income guidelines are generous, and most students with low or no income may qualify for Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur.

Other Options for Coverage in Vermont

1. Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance offers temporary coverage ideal for transition periods. However, Vermont does not currently have short-term plans available due to strict regulations requiring ACA-like coverage.

2. Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental insurance fills gaps left by a primary plan—ideal for covering costs from accidents, hospital stays, or critical illness.

Coverage options:

• Accident, cancer, and hospital indemnity
• Covers unexpected expenses like rent or bills during recovery
• Available year-round with simple enrollment

3. Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Bundling dental and vision with your primary coverage supports your overall health and budget.

Coverage benefits:

• Exams, cleanings, braces, LASIK, and more
• Vision discounts for glasses, lenses, and surgery
• Useful for students and budget-conscious families

4. Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs

Faith-based healthcare programs allow members to share medical costs outside of traditional insurance. Not technically insurance, they’re best for students seeking a community-driven, lower-cost alternative.

Features:

• Monthly sharing instead of premiums
• Must follow Christian lifestyle and values
• Works well for predictable, low-cost coverage needs

5. Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed benefit medical insurance pays a fixed amount per medical service, regardless of actual cost—providing predictable out-of-pocket costs and supplementing existing plans.

Top benefits:

• • First-dollar payments with no deductible

• Works with student or private insurance
• Ideal for budget-conscious or low-income students

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

When choosing a plan, keep these terms in mind:

• Premium: Monthly cost to maintain coverage
• Deductible: Out-of-pocket before coverage begins
• Copayment: Flat fee per visit/service
• Coinsurance: Percentage of costs after deductible
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Total cost limit per year
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Staying in-network saves money

Need help understanding insurance lingo? Use our health insurance glossary.

Next Steps

Health insurance is required at most Vermont schools, so plan ahead. Whether you stay on a parent’s plan, enroll through your school, or explore ACA or Medicaid options, make sure you’re covered before classes begin. Compare costs, coverage levels, and provider networks to choose the best plan for your needs and your wallet.