It varies from school to school. Many schools offer some kind of insurance program, especially those affiliated with large universities. A great many of them also offer the option for family coverage. You’ll have to look at the cost/benefit, though. Some of my classmates found it to be cheaper to buy their own insurance for themselves and their families than to go through the school’s program.
Honestly, depending on your spouse job, the insurance coverage offered through a job might not be substantially cheaper than what you could get through your own, especially when you factor in the cost of having your wife work, daycare, etc.
Joe, I have my family on the plan offered by the school, and it is less expensive than the group plan I was on at work. It’s not quite as much coverage, and there are a handful of restrictions, but I have been satisfied so far.
You might look into whether or not your state offers a discounted purchase plan for modest-income families.