Where can I buy health insurance on my own is a common concern for those without employer-sponsored plans.
Whether you’re self-employed, unemployed, or seeking better options, individual health insurance is accessible.
This article explains where to find coverage, the types of plans available, and tips for choosing the right one. Written in clear language, it helps you navigate your options confidently.
Understanding Individual Health Insurance
Individual health insurance is coverage you purchase directly, not through an employer. It’s ideal for freelancers, retirees, or anyone without group plans. These plans cover essentials like doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions.
You can buy individual insurance through various sources. The process involves comparing plans, checking costs, and enrolling. Most options are regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ensuring comprehensive coverage.
The Health Insurance Marketplace
The health insurance marketplace, or Healthcare.gov, is a primary place to buy health insurance on your own. It’s a federal platform, though some states like California run their own, such as Covered California. You create an account, enter income and household details, and browse plans.
Marketplace plans offer subsidies for low- to moderate-income individuals. In 2025, over 21 million Americans enrolled, with 80% receiving financial aid. Open enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15.
State-run marketplaces, like New York’s NY State of Health, provide similar services. They often include local plans and extra benefits. Check your state’s website for specifics.
Private Insurance Companies
You can buy health insurance on your own directly from private insurers. Companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna offer individual plans. Visit their websites or call to get quotes.
Private plans may include ACA-compliant options or non-ACA plans, like short-term insurance. Non-ACA plans are cheaper but may not cover pre-existing conditions. Always compare coverage details.
Working with an insurer directly lets you customize plans. However, premiums can be higher without marketplace subsidies. Ensure the plan meets your health needs.
Insurance Brokers and Agents
Insurance brokers are another way to find where you can buy health insurance on your own. Licensed brokers compare plans from multiple insurers, tailoring options to your budget and needs. They’re available in person, by phone, or online.
Brokers are free to use, as insurers pay their commissions. They explain complex terms like deductibles and networks. Find a broker through the National Association of Health Underwriters.
Agents work for specific insurance companies, offering only their plans. Both brokers and agents simplify the shopping process. Choose a licensed professional for reliable advice.
Types of Health Insurance Plans
When exploring where to buy health insurance on your own, you’ll encounter different plan types. Each offers unique benefits and costs. Common options include:
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Uses in-network providers, requires a primary care doctor.
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Offers flexibility for out-of-network care at higher costs.
- HDHP (High-Deductible Health Plan): Lower premiums, higher deductibles, often paired with HSAs.
- Catastrophic Plans: Low premiums, high deductibles, for those under 30 or with hardships.
Choose based on your health needs and budget. PPOs suit those wanting flexibility, while HDHPs work for healthy individuals.
Benefits of Buying Health Insurance on Your Own
Buying health insurance on your own offers flexibility. You choose plans that fit your specific needs, unlike limited employer options. Marketplace subsidies make it affordable for many.
ACA-compliant plans cover pre-existing conditions. This ensures access to care for chronic illnesses. Essential benefits include preventive care, mental health, and prescriptions.
You control your coverage. If you’re self-employed or between jobs, individual plans provide a safety net. Online tools simplify comparing and enrolling.
The health insurance exchange offers year-round enrollment for Medicaid or CHIP in some cases. This helps families or low-income individuals stay covered.
Challenges of Individual Health Insurance
Individual health insurance can be expensive without subsidies. Premiums range from $200–$600 monthly for a single person, depending on the plan. Deductibles add to costs, often $1,000–$9,000.
Provider networks may be limited. HMOs and EPOs restrict you to in-network doctors, which can disrupt care. Check networks before enrolling.
Enrollment deadlines are strict. Missing the November 1 to January 15 open enrollment limits options to short-term plans. Special enrollment requires qualifying life events.
Understanding plan terms can be tricky. Deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums confuse many. Assisters or brokers help clarify these details.
Comparing Marketplace vs. Private Insurance Options
When deciding where to buy health insurance on your own, compare sources. Here’s a table outlining key differences:
| Feature | Health Insurance Marketplace | Private Insurance Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50–$500 monthly, subsidies available | $200–$600, no subsidies |
| Plan Variety | HMO, PPO, EPO, Catastrophic | ACA and non-ACA plans, short-term |
| Enrollment | Nov 1–Jan 15, or special enrollment | Year-round for some plans |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Always covered, ACA-compliant | May be excluded in non-ACA plans |
| Support | Certified assisters, helplines | Agents, customer service |
Marketplace plans are subsidized and ACA-compliant. Private plans offer flexibility but may cost more.
How to Buy Health Insurance on Your Own
To buy health insurance on your own, start with the marketplace. Visit Healthcare.gov or your state’s exchange, like Covered California. Create an account and enter income, household size, and health needs.
Compare plans by premiums, deductibles, and provider networks. Select a plan and enroll online or with an assister’s help. Coverage typically starts the next month.
For private plans, contact insurers like Anthem or Cigna directly. Get quotes online or call their customer service. Brokers can also compare multiple insurers for you.
If you’re ineligible for marketplace subsidies, explore short-term plans. These are available year-round but offer limited coverage. Verify plan details before signing up.
Costs of Individual Health Insurance
Costs vary when you buy health insurance on your own. Marketplace premiums average $456 monthly for a single person in 2025, before subsidies. Subsidies can lower this to $50–$200 for eligible incomes.
Deductibles range from $1,000–$9,000, depending on the plan. Bronze plans have higher deductibles but lower premiums. Gold plans cost more monthly but cover more upfront.
Copays and coinsurance add to expenses. For example, a $20 copay for doctor visits or 20% coinsurance for surgeries. Out-of-pocket maximums, often $5,000–$9,000, cap yearly costs.
Private plans without subsidies cost $200–$600 monthly. Short-term plans are cheaper, starting at $100, but cover less. Use cost calculators on Healthcare.gov for estimates.
Tips for Choosing the Right Plan
Choosing where to buy health insurance on your own requires care. Assess your health needs first. Consider doctor visits, medications, or upcoming surgeries.
Compare premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Low-premium plans like HDHPs suit healthy people, while low-deductible plans help frequent care users.
Check provider networks. Ensure your doctors and hospitals are in-network to avoid extra fees. Use insurer websites to verify.
Work with a broker or marketplace assister. They clarify terms and find subsidies, saving time and money. Review plans annually during open enrollment.
Other Places to Buy Health Insurance
Beyond the marketplace and insurers, other options exist. Professional associations, like the Freelancers Union, offer group plans for members. These mimic employer-sponsored coverage.
Health-sharing ministries, like Medi-Share, provide faith-based cost-sharing. They’re not insurance but pool member contributions for medical bills. Coverage is limited and requires religious alignment.
COBRA lets you keep an employer plan after job loss, but it’s costly, often $400–$800 monthly. It’s a temporary option while exploring where to buy health insurance on your own.
Some universities offer plans for alumni or students. Check with your school for eligibility. These are less common but worth investigating.
Common Misconceptions About Individual Health Insurance
Some myths surround where to buy health insurance on your own. One is that individual plans are always expensive. Subsidies can make marketplace plans affordable, even for moderate incomes.
Another misconception is that individual plans lack quality. ACA-compliant plans cover essential benefits like hospital care and prescriptions. Many are from top insurers like Blue Cross.
People think buying insurance is complex. Online tools and assisters simplify comparing and enrolling. Support is available in multiple languages.
Some believe you can’t get coverage outside open enrollment. Special enrollment periods or short-term plans provide options year-round.
Is Buying Health Insurance on Your Own Right for You?
Buying health insurance on your own is ideal if you lack employer coverage. Freelancers, retirees, or those between jobs benefit from marketplace subsidies and flexibility. It’s also great for customizing coverage.
If you have chronic conditions, choose ACA-compliant plans. They cover pre-existing conditions, unlike some private plans. Check networks to ensure your doctors are included.
Healthy individuals might prefer HDHPs or short-term plans. These save on premiums but require savings for deductibles. Compare all options to match your budget.
Families should explore CHIP or Medicaid via the marketplace. These provide low-cost coverage for kids. Use Healthcare.gov tools to find the best plan.
Summary
Figuring out where to buy health insurance on your own is straightforward with the right resources. The health insurance marketplace, private insurers, brokers, and associations offer diverse plans, from HMOs to HDHPs.
Benefits include subsidies, comprehensive coverage, and flexibility, though high deductibles and enrollment deadlines pose challenges. It’s ideal for freelancers, retirees, or those without job-based plans.
By comparing costs, checking networks, and using assisters, you can find affordable coverage. Review plans during open enrollment to ensure they meet your health and financial needs.
FAQ
Where can I buy health insurance on my own?
You can buy health insurance on your own through Healthcare.gov, state marketplaces, or private insurers like Blue Cross. Brokers and professional associations also offer plans. Compare options for the best fit.
How much does individual health insurance cost?
Premiums range from $50–$500 monthly after subsidies on the marketplace. Private plans cost $200–$600 without subsidies. Deductibles vary from $1,000–$9,000, with copays adding to costs.
When can I buy health insurance on my own?
Open enrollment is November 1 to January 15 for marketplace plans. Special enrollment applies for life events like job loss. Short-term plans and some private plans are available year-round.
Do individual plans cover pre-existing conditions?
ACA-compliant plans on the marketplace cover pre-existing conditions. Non-ACA private plans, like short-term insurance, may exclude them. Always check plan details before enrolling.
How do I choose the right individual health insurance plan?
Assess your health needs and budget, then compare premiums and deductibles. Check provider networks to ensure your doctors are included. Use brokers or marketplace assisters for guidance.