What it is
Going without health coverage can happen for many reasons: a job change, a layoff, a move to self-employment, aging off a parent's plan, or simply never having been offered a workplace plan. Getting health insurance quotes means gathering estimates for plans you might buy on your own instead of through an employer.
Common options include individual health insurance, plans offered through the ACA Marketplace, and short-term health insurance. Each works differently, covers different things, and follows different rules, so they are not interchangeable.
Marketplace plans are generally bought during open enrollment, or outside it if you qualify for a special enrollment period, and losing employer coverage is one situation that may qualify. Some households may also qualify for premium tax credits that lower monthly costs. Rules, eligibility, and available plans vary by state, household income, and year, so confirm details with a licensed agent or healthcare.gov.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many people have traditionally started by looking at what their former employer offered, such as continuing that coverage for a limited time, and then comparing it to plans available on their own. Others have joined a spouse's or family member's plan if they were eligible.
Some shoppers go straight to the ACA Marketplace at healthcare.gov or their state's exchange, entering household details to see available plans. Others work with an independent agent who can explain plan types and provide health insurance quotes from several carriers.
Short-term plans have been used by some people as a temporary bridge between coverage periods. These plans can differ significantly from Marketplace plans in what they include and how they are regulated, so people often read the details carefully and ask questions before choosing.
How the right agent may help
The right licensed agent may help you understand the terms you will run into, such as premiums, deductibles, networks, and out-of-pocket limits, and how they fit together. They may also help you see which enrollment window applies to your situation.
A first conversation is generally a discussion about your household, your location, your income range, and what matters to you. Many people mention their preferred doctors, regular prescriptions, and how they like to balance monthly cost against costs when care is needed.
Good questions to ask include: Are you licensed in my state? Is my doctor in the network? How do these plan types differ in what they cover? Do I appear to qualify for a special enrollment period or premium tax credits? What are the deadlines? An agent may help you compare options, but the decision remains yours.
The bigger picture
Being without coverage can weigh on you. Worry about unexpected medical needs, paperwork deadlines, and budgets can add stress, and that stress may lead some people to put off choosing a plan. Taking things one step at a time, starting with gathering a few quotes, may help the decision feel more manageable.
Coverage is one part of caring for your whole self, alongside your finances and peace of mind. If you are also looking for care providers, a resource like Providers.plus may help you explore options. Whatever you choose, a plan that fits your life and routines is what tends to matter most.
Keep in mind
- This page is educational only and is not insurance, legal, tax, or financial advice, nor a recommendation of any plan or carrier.
- Plans, networks, subsidy eligibility, and enrollment rules vary by state, household income, and year, so confirm specifics with a licensed agent or healthcare.gov.
- Enrollment windows have deadlines, so it may help to check your timing soon after a change in coverage.
- Individual health coverage does not replace Medicare, Medicaid, or emergency care, and agents referred through this site must be licensed to sell health insurance in your state.
Agents who often help
Get matched privatelyFrequently asked questions
How do I get health insurance quotes if I don't have coverage?
You can request health insurance quotes through the ACA Marketplace at healthcare.gov or your state's exchange, directly from carriers, or with a licensed independent agent. Having your household size, income estimate, ZIP code, and any preferred doctors or medications handy may make the process smoother.
What can I do if I lost my employer health insurance?
Losing employer coverage is generally something people can explore a special enrollment period for in the ACA Marketplace. Other options may include continuing your former employer's coverage for a time, joining a family member's plan if eligible, or looking at individual plans. A licensed agent or healthcare.gov can confirm what applies to you.
Can I buy health insurance outside open enrollment?
Sometimes, yes. Marketplace plans are generally purchased during open enrollment, but a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, may open a special enrollment period. Rules and deadlines vary, so confirm your situation with a licensed agent or healthcare.gov.
What is the difference between ACA Marketplace plans and short-term health insurance?
They are different types of coverage with different rules, and short-term plans may not include the same benefits or protections as Marketplace plans. Short-term plans are generally meant as temporary coverage, and availability varies by state. Reading plan details closely and asking an agent to explain the differences can help.
Do premium tax credits help people without employer coverage?
Premium tax credits may lower monthly premium costs for some people who buy Marketplace plans, depending on household income, household size, and other factors. Eligibility and rules vary by year, so check with healthcare.gov or a licensed agent about your situation.
Does an independent agent cost extra for health insurance quotes?
Agent compensation arrangements vary, so it is worth asking directly how an agent is paid and whether it affects what you pay. An independent agent may be able to explain and compare several options, and they must be licensed to sell health insurance in your state.
Educational resource. EZ Health Quotes shares general information and connects people with independent agents. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.