For the self-employed, freelancers, and 1099 workers
Health insurance for people who work for themselves.
No employer plan, income that changes year to year, and a lot of confusing options. I'll compare private and Marketplace plans for you and find what makes sense for your budget.
Sound familiar?
- You left a W-2 job and lost your employer coverage.
- Your income is too high for much of a Marketplace subsidy, so you'd pay full price.
- You're healthy, rarely see a doctor, and feel like you're paying for coverage you don't use.
Two paths worth comparing
Most self-employed people end up choosing between two kinds of coverage, and the right one depends on your income, health, and how you use care.
- Marketplace (ACA) plans. Anyone can buy one, pre-existing conditions are covered, and prices depend on your age and location. If your income qualifies you for a tax credit, these can be very affordable. You can generally only enroll during open enrollment or after a qualifying life event.
- Private plans. Priced on your age and health rather than your income. Many use medical underwriting, so health history can affect eligibility and what's covered. For healthy people who don't get much of a subsidy, the monthly price can come in well below a full-price Marketplace plan. Many can start any time of year.
I'll show you both side by side, with the deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and doctor network, not just the monthly price.
Income that changes year to year
Marketplace tax credits are based on what you expect your household to earn for the year. When your income swings, it's easy to guess wrong and owe money back at tax time. Private plans don't depend on income at all, which is one reason many 1099 workers prefer them. We'll talk through which approach carries less risk for you.
A note on taxes
Self-employed people can often deduct health insurance premiums. The rules depend on your situation, so check with your tax professional. I'm happy to give them the plan details they need.
Get your exact quote
Tell me a little about your situation and I'll put your private and Marketplace options side by side. I usually reach out within one business day, and there's never a cost to you.
- Private and Marketplace plans compared side by side
- One licensed advisor, no call center
- No cost and no obligation
Common questions
What's the cheapest health insurance for a self-employed person?
It depends on your income and health. If you qualify for a large Marketplace tax credit, a Marketplace plan is often cheapest. If you don't, and you're generally healthy, a private plan frequently costs less per month. The quick quote on my homepage shows both estimates.
Do I have to wait for open enrollment?
For Marketplace plans, yes, unless you have a qualifying life event like losing other coverage. Many private plans can start any time of year.
Can I keep my doctors?
Often, yes. Before you apply, I check whether your doctors and hospitals are in the plan's network.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
Marketplace plans must cover pre-existing conditions. Private plans may not accept everyone or may limit coverage, so we'll go over your situation honestly before you apply.
What clients say
Dalton was very informative and helpful! He made sure he explained everything we were doing and got my family the best coverage! A truly great person to work with!
Dalton has been a pleasure to work with. He's very knowledgeable, timely, and has went above and beyond to answer any questions we have had!