University of Wyoming Students
Health Insurance Options for University of Wyoming Students
UW is Wyoming's only public four-year university, drawing Pokes from every county and plenty of other states — and Wyoming's insurance rules differ from its neighbors' in ways that catch students off guard.
The UW Situation
Your realistic options as a UW student
The University of Wyoming runs student health services on campus and has typically offered a student insurance option — but offerings, prices, and eligibility rules are the university's to set and change year to year, so confirm current details with UW directly.
The bigger thing to understand is Wyoming itself: the state has not expanded Medicaid, so most non-disabled adults without dependent children can't get Medicaid regardless of how low their income is. That makes the remaining options matter more:
A parent's plan (until 26)
The first thing to check. Wyoming students on a parent's plan from Colorado, Nebraska, or elsewhere should confirm the network actually covers Laramie — many out-of-state plans treat Wyoming as out-of-network.
A UW student plan (if offered)
Built around campus health services and convenient for on-campus life. Compare its annual cost and hospital coverage against a subsidized Marketplace plan before defaulting to it.
A subsidized Marketplace plan
Wyoming shops on healthcare.gov, and because the state didn't expand Medicaid, premium tax credits start at just 100% of the federal poverty level — a part-time income often qualifies for serious help.
A Catastrophic plan (under 30)
Wyoming students under 30 can buy Catastrophic plans: low premiums, high deductibles, real worst-case protection. Subsidies can't be applied to them, though — so compare against a subsidized Bronze plan first.
Laramie Specifics
What matters locally
Wyoming's Medicaid rules are unforgiving
Because Wyoming hasn't expanded Medicaid, a childless UW student with very low income may earn too little for Marketplace subsidies and still not qualify for Medicaid — the 'coverage gap.' If that's you, talk to us: estimating your annual income correctly can make the difference.
Check networks against Laramie care
Local care runs through UCHealth Ivinson Hospital and Laramie-area clinics. Confirm they're in-network on any plan you consider — including a parent's out-of-state plan.
Out-of-state Pokes: coverage follows residence
If Laramie is home for the school year, you generally shop Wyoming's Marketplace on healthcare.gov. A permanent move to Wyoming can open a 60-day Special Enrollment Period if you had coverage before the move.
Student Guides
The situations that change your answer
Nearby Schools
Other campuses we cover
UW student? Compare your real Wyoming options in one free conversation.
We're licensed in Wyoming, local to the region, and free — the carriers pay us, so you pay the same premium either way. Fifteen minutes and you'll know your best deal in Laramie.