Short-Term Health Insurance in Wyoming

What Is Wyoming Short-Term Health Insurance?

Short-term health insurance in Wyoming offers temporary medical coverage for individuals who need an alternative to ACA-compliant plans. Terms last up to 364 days and may be renewed for a maximum of 36 months.

Rates vary by age, gender, and medical history.

Important: These plans are not required to follow the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules. This means insurers may:

• Deny coverage based on health history

• Exclude preexisting conditions

• Omit services like maternity care, preventive screenings, prescriptions, or mental health
  

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently updated the definition of short-term health insurance, though enforcement of stricter rules is delayed while further changes are considered.

Healthcare.com, parent company of Healthcare Insider, develops and markets short-term and supplemental products through Pivot Health. Plans are underwritten by Companion Life Insurance Company, The North River Insurance Company (an affiliate of Crum & Forster), and Pan-American Life Insurance Company.

What Short-Term Health Insurance Includes

Short-term medical plans generally help with costs tied to unexpected illnesses or injuries. Benefits often cover:

• Doctor visits

• Emergency care

• Hospitalization

• Surgical procedures

• X-rays and lab tests

Limitations and Common Exclusions

These plans are not designed for comprehensive healthcare needs and often exclude:

• Preexisting conditions

• Maternity services

• Routine preventive care

• Dental and vision care

• Mental health treatment

Short-term health insurance is best used for temporary protection, bridging coverage gaps between more complete health plans.

Who Should Consider a Short-Term Plan in Wyoming?

Short-term plans may be a good fit for:

• People without employer coverage who need lower premiums

• Those who missed Open Enrollment for ACA plans

• Healthy individuals who use healthcare services infrequently

• People between jobs or waiting for new coverage to begin

• Healthy individuals who don’t qualify for ACA plan subsidies and need a more affordable option

• Young adults aging out of a parent’s plan

• Individuals waiting for Medicare eligibility

When it may not be a good fit:

• You have preexisting or chronic conditions

• You require essential benefits like maternity, prescriptions, or mental health coverage

Learn more about situations where short-term medical plans make sense.

Pros and Cons of Short-Term Plans

Pros

• Lower monthly premiums than unsubsidized ACA plans

• Available year-round

• Can serve as a temporary bridge between traditional plans

• Renewable up to 36 months

Cons

• May deny applicants based on health

• No coverage for preexisting conditions

• Doesn’t include essential ACA benefits

• High deductibles and out-of-pocket costs

How Much Do Short-Term Plans Cost in Wyoming?

Typical costs associated with short-term plans include:

• Premiums: Monthly payments to keep your plan active

• Deductibles: Amount you pay before the plan contributes

• Copayments: Flat fees for doctor visits or prescriptions (if included)

• Coinsurance: Your share of medical bills after the deductible

• Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you’ll pay in one plan term
  

Other Alternative ACA Plan Options to Consider

If a short-term plan isn’t the right fit, other affordable or supplemental coverage options may help:

Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental insurance fills in gaps left by primary coverage. Options include accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and cancer policies. These can help cover rent, rehab, or daily bills while you recover.

Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Bundling dental and vision coverage helps manage expenses while supporting preventive care. Plans may include exams, cleanings, crowns, braces, LASIK, and more.

Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs

A faith-based plan provides a community-driven alternative to traditional insurance. These aren’t technically insurance but allow members to share medical costs at lower monthly rates.

Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed benefit medical insurance pays set cash amounts per service, offering predictable costs without deductibles. Works well for young adults, the self-employed, or as a supplement to short-term or private insurance.

Next Steps: Is a Short-Term Plan Right for You?

Here’s how to decide:

• Compare short-term quotes with ACA Marketplace or employer plans

• Review details like deductibles, coinsurance, copays, and exclusions

• Decide whether coverage meets your likely medical needs

If you’re ready to explore health insurance in Wyoming, licensed agents can help you find a short-term plan that fits your situation.