You can purchase individual and family coverage during your plan's open enrollment period. The guidance below summarizes where to buy coverage, timing considerations, plan options, and special situations to help you prepare.
Know where to buy coverage
You can buy coverage from several sources depending on your needs and preferences.
Common places to shop
- Health insurance agent or broker
- Directly from an insurance company
- Your state’s health insurance marketplace
If you want to compare private offerings or storefront listings, see Individual Health Insurance for available options.
Purchase on time
Open enrollment typically occurs once per year, usually in the fall, but exact dates vary by state and year. Missing that window usually means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.
Common qualifying events
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Loss of employer-sponsored coverage
- Death or job loss of a spouse or partner who provided coverage
- Move outside your HMO’s service area
Verify when coverage starts
When you enroll during open enrollment, your plan documents will state the coverage effective date. Enrolling by your plan’s stated deadline generally leads to coverage starting at the beginning of the next coverage period, but late enrollments may have later effective dates.
Compare plan metal levels
Most marketplaces use metal-level names—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—to summarize tradeoffs between premiums and out-of-pocket costs. A lower-premium Bronze plan may be appropriate if you are healthy and rarely need care, while higher-premium plans reduce out-of-pocket costs for frequent care.
Review your current plan
Your existing policy usually renews automatically, but benefits, provider networks, copays, and prescription coverage can change year to year. Review renewal notices and compare alternatives before accepting automatic renewal. For more plan choices and comparisons, see Individual Health Insurance.
Consider short-term or catastrophic options carefully
Short-term plans may offer lower premiums but are generally not required to cover essential health benefits and can exclude prescription drugs, maternity care, and preexisting conditions. Understand the coverage limits and exclusions before choosing a short-term option.
Marketplace scope and the individual mandate
Open enrollment rules apply to individual and family health insurance sold through marketplaces and directly. Other insurance types, such as auto and life, can be purchased year-round. Penalties for not having coverage vary by jurisdiction; evaluate your health needs before deciding to go uninsured.
For personalized help, consider contacting an insurance professional to review your options and next steps: discuss with an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does open enrollment usually occur?
Open enrollment typically happens once a year in the fall, but exact dates vary by state and year, so check your state's marketplace for current deadlines.
What events qualify me for a special enrollment period?
Common qualifying events include marriage, birth or adoption of a child, loss of employer coverage, or a household move that changes plan availability.
Can I keep my current plan automatically?
Most plans renew automatically, but benefits and networks can change, so review renewal notices and compare alternatives before renewing.
Are short-term plans the same as regular health insurance?
No; short-term plans often exclude required essential health benefits and may not cover preexisting conditions or prescriptions.