- Individual plans cover one person and can be bought on or off the ACA marketplace.
- The monthly premium is only part of the cost. Compare the deductible and the maximum out-of-pocket too.
- Self-employed people may be able to deduct their premiums on their federal tax return.
- Depending on the plan type, you may not need to wait for open enrollment.
Who individual health insurance is for
An individual health plan covers one person and is bought directly, not through an employer. Most of our individual clients fall into one of these groups:
- Self-employed and 1099 workers: realtors, consultants, contractors, rideshare drivers and freelancers with no employer plan.
- High-income earners who earn too much for marketplace tax credits and would pay full price for an ACA plan. If you're healthy, a private PPO plan may cost less.
- People between jobs who want to compare COBRA with an individual plan before electing.
- Early retirees who need coverage until Medicare at 65.
- Employees with weak workplace coverage who want to see whether an individual plan is better value.
The plan types we compare
| Plan type | How it works | Often a fit for |
|---|---|---|
| PPO | See in-network specialists without referrals; some out-of-network coverage. | People who want flexibility or travel often |
| HMO / EPO | Smaller network, usually lower premiums; HMOs often require referrals. | People happy with a local network |
| High deductible | Lower premium in exchange for paying more before coverage starts. | Healthy people who rarely use care |
| ACA marketplace plans | Guaranteed issue, standard benefits, possible income-based tax credits. | People with health conditions or who qualify for tax credits |
| Private / underwritten plans | Health history affects eligibility and price. | Healthy applicants who may qualify for lower rates |
What determines your cost
Individual premiums depend on your age, ZIP code, tobacco use, plan type and, for underwritten plans, your health history. The premium is only part of the picture. We compare the deductible, copays, coinsurance and the maximum out-of-pocket, the most you would pay for covered in-network care in a year, so you can see your real cost in a quiet year and a bad one.
Self-employed? Your premium may be deductible
If you're self-employed with a net profit, you may be able to deduct up to 100% of the premiums you pay for yourself, your spouse and your dependents on your federal return, for any month you weren't eligible for an employer-subsidized plan. Your tax professional can confirm how it applies to you; we help you choose a plan that supports it.
When you can enroll
ACA marketplace plans generally follow open enrollment, which for 2027 coverage on HealthCare.gov runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 (choose a plan by December 15 for a January 1 start), unless you qualify for a special enrollment period such as losing other coverage. Private plans are not part of open enrollment: many accept applications year-round, with start dates set by the carrier after approval. We'll tell you which options are open to you today.
General information only, not tax, legal or medical advice. Plan availability, benefits, networks and pricing vary by carrier, state, county and eligibility. COBRA information is general; see the U.S. Department of Labor for full rules.