
Health Insurance After 26
15 articles
When you turn 26, you lose coverage under your parent's health insurance plan. This change happens automatically, and it affects millions of young adults each year. Understanding what happens next—and what your options are—helps you avoid gaps in coverage and find a plan that fits your situation and budget.
The articles here explain how employer coverage, marketplace plans, and other programs work when you're on your own. You'll learn what to do before your current coverage ends, how to compare plan options, and what happens if you have a chronic condition or ongoing medical needs.


Catastrophic Health Plans: What They Cover and Who Should Consider Them

How COBRA Health Insurance Works When You Leave a Job

Employer Health Insurance vs. Marketplace Plans: What Changes When You're 26

What to Do Before Your 26th Birthday: A Health Insurance Checklist

Health Plan Terms in Plain English — What You Actually Need to Know

How the Health Insurance Marketplace Works When You're On Your Own

Choosing Between COBRA and Marketplace Health Insurance

How to Compare Health Plans When You're Choosing Your Own Coverage

How to Enroll in Marketplace Health Insurance

Estimating Your Health Costs for the Year Ahead

Finding Health Insurance When You Age Off Your Parents' Plan

How Marketplace Subsidies Work When You Age Off Your Parents' Plan

Special Enrollment Periods: When You Can Change Health Insurance Outside Open Enrollment

What Health Insurance Actually Costs When You're on Your Own