Wyoming Student Health Insurance Options

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

What to Consider When Searching for Student Health Coverage in Wyoming

Here are the key factors for students in Wyoming:

• Are you a resident? In-state students may find it easier to stay on their parents’ health insurance plan.
• Dependent status? If claimed as a dependent, you can remain on your parents’ plan until age 26. If you’re turning 26 soon, check out this guide to health insurance when turning 26.
• Stay on parents’ plan or get your own? Staying may save money, but you only qualify for ACA subsidies if you purchase your own plan.
• Cost vs. coverage tradeoff? Select a plan that meets your expected medical needs. More benefits often mean higher monthly premiums.
• Skip insurance? Risky—without coverage, even minor emergencies can lead to major financial stress.

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. But be sure local Wyoming healthcare providers are in-network to avoid high out-of-pocket costs.

Enrollment tips:

• ACA Marketplace plans: You can be added during Open Enrollment or after qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period.
• Employer-sponsored plans: Similar enrollment rules apply depending on your parent’s employer.

How Do You Get Covered Through Your School in Wyoming?

Many colleges encourage, but don’t require, health insurance. Some schools offer affordable student plans.

Examples:

• University of Wyoming: Offers a student health insurance plan with national coverage. Students must actively accept or waive this plan before each semester.
• Laramie County Community College & Casper College: Require international students and those in clinical programs to have health coverage but do not offer school-sponsored plans.

Always check your specific school’s website for details on student insurance requirements and available plans.

ACA Health Plans in Wyoming

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) lets individuals and families purchase insurance through the federal Marketplace. These plans include essential health benefits, free preventive care, and protection for preexisting conditions.

You may qualify for subsidies to lower your monthly premium. Check your eligibility with our ACA Subsidy Calculator.

Metal tiers explained:

• Bronze: Lowest premiums, highest out-of-pocket costs—best for minimal use.
• Silver: Moderate costs, eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
• Gold: Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs—ideal for frequent care.
• Platinum (if available): Highest premiums, lowest costs when care is needed.

Enrollment is available during the Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve recently moved to Wyoming for school.

Medicaid or CHIP in Wyoming

Medicaid offers free or low-cost insurance for low-income residents. Wyoming Medicaid covers children, pregnant women, families, and individuals with disabilities.

Wyoming’s CHIP program—called Kid Care CHIP—covers children under 19 who don’t qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford private insurance.

Apply via:

• WY Medicaid/CHIP Client Portal
• Wyoming Department of Health

Other Options for Coverage in Wyoming

1. Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health plans offer immediate, low-cost coverage for students between jobs, recent graduates, or those aging off a parent’s plan.

Features:

• Quick sign-up and next-day coverage
• National provider networks
• Doctor visit and urgent care copays
• Free telemedicine access
• Great for transition periods

Wyoming allows short-term policies up to 364 days, renewable for up to 36 months.

2. Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental plans fill coverage gaps and help pay for accident, hospital, or critical illness costs. Ideal for students on high-deductible or basic plans.

Types include:

• Accident and critical illness insurance
• Hospital indemnity and cancer coverage
• Year-round enrollment

3. Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Bundled dental and vision coverage can help manage out-of-pocket costs and support preventive care.

Benefits:

• Exams, cleanings, braces, LASIK, and more
• Discounted bundles
• Ideal for students and families on a budget

4. Health Care Sharing Ministries

Faith-based programs offer a non-traditional alternative for students seeking community-based coverage.

Advantages:

• Lower monthly “shares” instead of premiums
• Flexible and supportive networks
• Values-driven eligibility requirements

5. Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed benefit plans pay set amounts per covered service, helping students budget for care without meeting high deductibles.

Perks:

• Predictable, upfront payouts
• Works alongside other coverage
• Fast activation with no network limitations

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

When choosing a plan, understand these key cost terms:

• Premium: Monthly payment to maintain coverage
• Deductible: What you pay before benefits apply
• Copayment: Flat fee per doctor visit or service
• Coinsurance: Your share of costs after deductible
• Out-of-pocket max: The most you’ll pay annually
• In-network vs. out-of-network: Using in-network providers saves money

Need help decoding insurance terms? Use our health insurance glossary for easy definitions.

Next Steps

If you’ve decided you need student health insurance, compare plans early—before classes begin. Evaluate coverage levels, provider networks, and out-of-pocket costs to find the plan that best fits your needs and budget.