Wyoming workers' compensation insurance: Your guide to requirements and getting a policy
If you’re a Wyoming employer looking to protect both your business and your team, you’re in the right place. At Beyond, we provide the essential information you need to understand how workers’ compensation works and how to stay compliant.
Workers’ compensation is an essential safeguard for both employers and their teams. For employees, it ensures access to medical care and financial support following a job-related injury or illness. For employers, this coverage helps prevent costly lawsuits and minimizes exposure to state penalties tied to workplace incidents.
Most Wyoming businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage. When a new business registers with the state, it is automatically enrolled with both the Workers’ Compensation Division and the Unemployment Insurance Division.
After registration, the Workers’ Compensation Division determines whether your specific business type must provide this coverage or whether it’s optional. All businesses, including sole proprietors and independent contractors, must register, even if they’re exempt from carrying a policy.
Following registration, your business is assigned an NAICS code and a base premium rate aligned with your industry classification.
Though most workers must be covered under Wyoming law, certain roles are excluded from mandatory workers’ comp. These include:
Casual laborers
Business partners
Corporate officers
Independent contractors
Domestic staff employed in private homes
Professional athletes
Private-duty nurses
Federal employees
Volunteers
Elected officials
Owner-operators of leased motor vehicles
Members of LLCs
Foster parents
Individuals providing child care services paid by the Department of Family Services
Real estate brokers and agents
Keep in mind: even exempt businesses must still register with the state.
Workers’ compensation in Wyoming includes a wide range of support for employees injured at work:
Medical expenses: Coverage includes emergency care, surgeries, prescriptions, and follow-up visits, along with travel costs (mileage, meals, lodging) associated with treatment.
Temporary total disability (TTD): For employees temporarily unable to work, payments begin after a 3-day waiting period.
Permanent partial impairment (PPI): If a lasting impairment occurs, employees may receive monthly benefits based on injury severity.
Permanent partial disability (PPD): An alternative to vocational rehab, this “loss of earnings” benefit factors in age, education, and job skills and may be paid in a lump sum.
Vocational rehabilitation: For those unable to return to their prior job, the program may include education, job training, counseling, and placement support.
Permanent total disability (PTD): If an employee can no longer perform any work, monthly or lump-sum PTD benefits may apply.
Death and burial support: In the event of a fatal workplace incident, benefits may go to surviving spouses, dependents, or parents. Funeral costs up to $10,000 are also covered.
In Wyoming, all workers’ compensation policies are handled through the State Fund. Once your business is registered, the state will let you know if you are required to maintain coverage and will provide your premium amount. Self-insurance is not permitted in Wyoming.
Employees may select their own physician for treatment. However, if they wish to switch providers later, they must request official authorization from the Division.
Need more help navigating Wyoming’s workers’ compensation system? Contact the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services – Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Useful links:
Maintaining proper coverage helps businesses stay compliant and financially protected. It also reassures employees that they’ll be taken care of in the event of a job-related incident. If you’re unsure where to begin or need help determining your obligations, Beyond is here to support you every step of the way.
