West Virginia Student Health Insurance Options

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

What to Consider When Searching for Student Health Coverage in West Virginia

Here are the key factors for students in West Virginia:

• Are you a resident? In-state students may find it easier to remain on their parents’ health 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 explore your own coverage options.
• Stay on parents’ plan or get your own? Staying may be convenient and low-cost, but you’ll only qualify for ACA subsidies if you purchase your own insurance.
• Cost vs. coverage tradeoff? Plans with lower premiums may offer less coverage. Consider your healthcare needs before selecting a plan.
• Skip insurance? Risky—without coverage, you could face overwhelming medical bills due to an unexpected illness or injury.

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 confirm that doctors and hospitals near your school are in-network to avoid out-of-pocket costs.

Enrollment rules:

• ACA Marketplace plans: You can be added during Open Enrollment or after a qualifying life event.
• Employer-sponsored plans: Dependents can be added during your parent’s open enrollment period or following a qualifying event.

How Do You Get Covered Through Your School in West Virginia?

Many colleges in West Virginia require students to carry health insurance and may offer school-sponsored health plans.

Examples:

• West Virginia University (WVU): Requires all students to carry health insurance. Those without an approved waiver are automatically enrolled in Aetna’s Student Health Plan. Premiums are billed per term.
• Marshall University: Offers a student health plan through Aetna Student Health with an annual premium. Student healthcare is provided through Marshall Health.
• Shepherd University: Health insurance is not required but strongly recommended. The Health Center advises students to stay on a parent’s plan, enroll in Medicaid, or explore Marketplace and student insurance options.

ACA Health Plans in West Virginia

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows individuals and families to buy health insurance through the federal Marketplace. These plans cover essential health benefits and protect against preexisting condition exclusions.

Financial help may be available in the form of subsidies. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check your eligibility.

ACA plan tiers:

• Bronze: Low premiums, high out-of-pocket costs—best for minimal usage.
• Silver: Balanced premiums and costs; qualifies for cost-sharing reductions.
• Gold: Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs—ideal for frequent care.
• Platinum: Highest premiums, lowest costs when using care (if available in your area).

Enrollment is available during Open Enrollment (Nov 1–Jan 15) or a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve experienced a qualifying event.

Medicaid or CHIP in West Virginia

Medicaid is available to low-income West Virginians, including students. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known as WVCHIP, provides affordable health coverage for children under 19 whose families earn too much for Medicaid but can’t afford private insurance.

Eligibility: Individuals earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify.

Apply via:

• West Virginia Health Insurance Marketplace
• Local Department of Health and Human Resources

Other Options for Coverage in West Virginia

1. Short-term health insurance

Short-term plans offer flexible, immediate coverage for students between plans. In West Virginia, policies can last up to 364 days with renewals totaling 36 months.

Features:

• Fast online enrollment
• Copays for urgent care and doctor visits
• Free telemedicine and Rx discounts
• Ideal for transition periods or temporary coverage

2. Supplemental insurance

These supplemental plans cover expenses your primary insurance may not, including accidents, hospital stays, or critical illness.

Popular options:

• Hospital indemnity
• Accident insurance
• Cancer and critical illness coverage
• Year-round availability

3. Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Keep your oral and visual health in check while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses by bundling dental and vision plans with your primary coverage.

Coverage includes:

• Exams, cleanings, crowns, LASIK
• Discounts on glasses and contacts
• Quick activation and bundled savings

4. Healthcare Sharing Ministries

These faith-based programs are not technically insurance but allow members to share medical expenses in a community setting.

Highlights:

• Lower monthly “share” amounts
• Budget-friendly alternative
• Requirements include a shared faith and healthy lifestyle

5. Fixed benefit medical insurance

Fixed benefit plans pay a set cash amount per service. They’re deductible-free and can be used alongside other plans for added protection.

Key benefits:

• First-dollar coverage
• No network restrictions
• Direct payments to you or your provider

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

Here’s a quick overview of key terms to help you compare plans:

• Premium: Monthly payment to maintain coverage
• Deductible: What you pay out-of-pocket before benefits kick in
• Copayment (Copay): Set fee for services or prescriptions
• Coinsurance: Shared cost percentage after your deductible
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you’ll pay in a year for covered services
• In-network vs. Out-of-network: Using in-network providers helps keep your costs down

Visit our health insurance glossary for more helpful definitions.

Next Steps

Before your semester begins, make sure your health insurance is squared away. Compare your options, evaluate costs and benefits, and choose a plan that suits your needs and budget. Whether it’s through a parent, your school, or an ACA plan, staying protected is smart and essential.