What is individual health insurance?

Individual health insurance is coverage you purchase yourself rather than through an employer. It includes ACA marketplace plans (which offer subsidies), off-marketplace private plans, short-term plans, and Medicaid for qualifying incomes. Most people buy individual health insurance when they're self-employed, between jobs, or when employer coverage isn't available or affordable.

How much does individual health insurance cost?

Individual health insurance costs vary widely. The unsubsidized cost for a benchmark Silver plan averages $475/month for a 40-year-old. With ACA premium tax credits, most individuals pay $0–$200/month depending on income. People earning under $20,120/year typically qualify for free Medicaid. Use our free quote tool to see your exact cost based on your ZIP code, age, and income.

What is the best individual health insurance?

The best individual health insurance depends on your health needs, income, and doctors. For most people, an ACA marketplace Silver plan offers the best combination of premium cost, deductible, and coverage. For very healthy people, a Bronze plan or catastrophic plan minimizes monthly cost. For those with ongoing health needs, Gold plans reduce out-of-pocket costs. A licensed agent can compare every option in your ZIP code for free.

2026 · All 50 States · 200+ Carriers

Individual Health Insurance
Plans & Quotes for 2026

Not covered through work? You have more options — and more savings — than you probably realize. Most individuals pay $0–$150/month with ACA subsidies.

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$0/moWhat many individuals pay

4 typesOf individual plans available

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Your 4 Individual Health Insurance Options

Ranked by overall value for most individuals. Your best option depends on income and health needs.

Best for Most

ACA Marketplace Plan

$0–$300/month

Subsidized private insurance through HealthCare.gov. Coverage can't be denied for any reason. Covers all essential benefits.

Premium tax credits reduce cost
Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum tier
Cannot be denied for pre-existing conditions
All essential health benefits covered
Annual open enrollment (+ special enrollment)

Free Option

Medicaid

$0/month

Free government coverage for low-income individuals. Eligibility varies by state. Year-round enrollment — no open enrollment required.

Single: income under ~$20,120/year
Comprehensive coverage, very low cost
Available year-round
Automatic screening when you apply on marketplace
Dental and vision sometimes included

Under 30 Only

Catastrophic Plan

$100–$200/month

Lowest premium of any ACA plan. Available only to people under 30 or those with a hardship exemption. High deductible protection.

Must be under 30 (or hardship exemption)
3 free primary care visits per year
Deductible ~$9,100 before most benefits
Not eligible for premium tax credits
Best for very healthy individuals

Temporary

Short-Term Plan

$80–$300/month

Not ACA-compliant. Gaps in enrollment between marketplace plans. Not a substitute for full coverage — consider carefully.

Coverage gaps between ACA plans
May exclude pre-existing conditions
Does not cover all essential benefits
Duration: 1–12 months typically
Use only as a bridge — not long-term

Individual Health Insurance by Situation

The best plan depends on your specific circumstances. Here's the right move for the most common situations.

If you just left a job

Get ACA Coverage — Faster Than COBRA

Losing employer coverage is a qualifying life event. You have 60 days to enroll in a marketplace plan. ACA plans are almost always cheaper than COBRA's full premium.

If you're self-employed

ACA Plans + Tax Deduction

Self-employed individuals can deduct 100% of health insurance premiums. A licensed agent helps you find the most affordable plan that qualifies for the deduction.

If you're a gig worker

Silver Plan with Cost-Sharing Reductions

Variable income? A Silver plan with cost-sharing reductions can dramatically lower your deductible and copays if your income falls in the qualifying range.

If you're under 26

Stay on Parent's Plan or Get Your Own

You can stay on a parent's employer plan until age 26. But if your income qualifies, your own subsidized marketplace plan may actually be cheaper and give you more control.

If you're retiring early

ACA Marketplace Bridge to Medicare

Pre-Medicare retirees (under 65) are one of the biggest ACA beneficiary groups. With reduced income in early retirement, subsidies can be enormous — even $0 premiums.

If your income is very low

Check Medicaid First

If you earn under ~$20,120/year as a single person, you likely qualify for Medicaid — free comprehensive coverage. Our agents screen you automatically at no cost.

Individual Health Insurance FAQs

Can I get individual health insurance at any time?

ACA marketplace plans have an Open Enrollment Period (November 1 – January 15). Outside of that, you can enroll during a Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event — losing job coverage, getting married, having a baby, moving states, or significant income changes. Medicaid is available year-round. Short-term plans can be purchased any time but are not ACA-compliant.

Is individual health insurance tax deductible?

For self-employed individuals: yes, 100% of your health insurance premiums are tax-deductible as an above-the-line deduction — you don't need to itemize. For employees who buy individual coverage outside work: premiums paid with after-tax dollars may be deductible if total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your AGI. ACA premium tax credits directly reduce what you pay and are separate from this deduction.

What's the best individual health insurance for someone with a pre-existing condition?

All ACA-compliant individual health insurance plans are required by law to cover pre-existing conditions with no exclusions and no extra cost. You cannot be charged more or denied coverage. The best plan for someone with ongoing health needs is typically a Silver or Gold ACA plan — the lower deductible means your coverage actually kicks in sooner when you use it regularly.

Individual Health InsurancePlans & Quotes for 2026