How to Buy Private Health Insurance on Your Own

If you do not get health coverage through a job, you can buy a plan on your own. This guide walks through where to shop, the main types of plans, when you can enroll, and how a licensed agent can help you sort it out.

Who usually needs to buy their own coverage

• Self-employed people, freelancers and 1099 contractors
• Part-time workers and anyone whose employer does not offer a plan
• Young adults coming off a parent's plan (dependents can usually stay on until age 26)
• People between jobs or leaving COBRA
• Early retirees who are not yet 65 and eligible for Medicare
• Spouses and children of someone who just moved to Medicare, since Medicare covers only the enrolled person

If you are 65 or older or have Medicare through a disability, the rules are different. See Medicare.gov or ask us about Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Part D options.

Where you can buy a plan

1. The Health Insurance Marketplace (on exchange)

The Marketplace is the government-run shopping site created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Most states use HealthCare.gov, and some run their own exchange. Plans here are sold by private insurance companies but must meet ACA rules.

• This is the only place to get premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, which are based on your household income.
• Plans are grouped into metal levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) by how costs are split between you and the plan.

2. Directly from an insurer or through an agent (off exchange)

You can also buy an ACA plan straight from an insurance company or through a licensed agent like us. Off-exchange ACA plans have the same consumer protections, but you cannot apply income-based savings to them. If you might qualify for help with premiums, we will usually start on the Marketplace.

3. Non-ACA options

Some plans are sold outside ACA rules. They can cost less for healthy people, but they may ask health questions, exclude pre-existing conditions or cover fewer services. Read the plan details carefully.

ACA plans vs. other options

Type	Who it fits	Things to know
ACA Marketplace plan	Most individuals and families, especially anyone who may qualify for savings	Covers essential health benefits and pre-existing conditions. Enroll during open enrollment or with a special enrollment period.
Catastrophic plan	People under 30, or people 30 and older with a qualifying hardship or affordability exemption	An ACA plan sold on the Marketplace with a low premium and a very high deductible. Covers preventive care and at least three primary care visits a year before the deductible. Learn about catastrophic plans.
Short-term health insurance	People with a temporary gap in coverage, where state law allows it	Not ACA coverage. Usually medically underwritten and does not cover pre-existing conditions. Banned in some states, including Illinois since January 1, 2025. Read our short-term guide.
Private PPO plans	Self-employed people and healthy individuals or families who want a national PPO network	Offered through a membership association. Some plans use a short health questionnaire, and you can apply outside open enrollment. See private PPO plan quotes (access code RKIL0783).

Common plan types

• HMO: you use the plan's network and usually need a primary care doctor and referrals for specialists. Premiums are often lower.
• PPO: you can see in-network and out-of-network providers without referrals, though out-of-network care costs more.
• EPO: in-network care only, except emergencies, but usually no referrals.
• POS: a mix of HMO and PPO features, with referrals and some out-of-network coverage.
• HSA-eligible high deductible plan: a higher deductible paired with the option to save pre-tax money in a health savings account.

When you can enroll

Open enrollment for 2027 coverage

On HealthCare.gov, open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027.

• Pick a plan by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1, 2027, then pay your first premium by the insurer's deadline.
• Enroll between December 16 and January 15 and coverage generally starts February 1.

States that run their own exchange can set different dates. For example, New Jersey's open enrollment runs through January 31, 2027. We can confirm the deadlines for your state.

Special enrollment periods

Outside open enrollment, you can buy an ACA plan if you have a qualifying life event. You generally have 60 days from the event to pick a plan. Common examples:

• Losing other coverage, such as a job-based plan, COBRA, Medicaid or CHIP
• Getting married, having or adopting a baby, or a divorce that ends your coverage
• Moving to a new ZIP code or county
• Other changes, such as becoming a U.S. citizen or leaving incarceration

Questions to ask before you choose

• Are my doctors, hospitals and pharmacy in network?
• Are my prescriptions on the plan's drug list, and what tier are they?
• What are the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum?
• What will I pay for office visits, specialists, urgent care and the ER?
• Do I need pregnancy, mental health or other specific benefits?
• Do I want to add dental or vision coverage?
• Can I lower my premium with a tax credit on the Marketplace?

A lower premium often means a higher deductible. Think about how much care you expect to use and what you could pay if something unexpected happened.

How an agent helps

Working with a licensed agent does not cost you anything extra. Plan prices are the same whether you enroll on your own or with us. We can:

• Check whether you qualify for Marketplace savings
• Compare ACA, short-term (where available) and private PPO options side by side
• Look up your doctors and prescriptions in each plan
• Help with the application and answer questions after you enroll

Talk to an agent

Tell us a little about your household and we will show you the plans that fit.

Get a Free Quote

Questions? Submit a ticket or call us at (312) 726-6565.

Sources: HealthCare.gov, dates and deadlines; HealthCare.gov, special enrollment periods; HealthCare.gov, catastrophic plans; Illinois Public Act 103-0649; Illinois Department of Insurance, short-term limited duration insurance; Medicare.gov.