Individual Health Insurance

Last updated: December 9, 2025 Recently updated

Individual Health Insurance Guide

Coverage purchased on your own through the marketplace or directly from insurers

Not sure what coverage you need? Take our free 2-minute quiz to get personalized insurance recommendations.

What is Individual Health Insurance?

Individual Health Insurance provides essential protection for you and your family. Understanding how it works helps you make better coverage decisions.

Key Features

Coverage details and benefits
What’s typically included
Common exclusions to be aware of
Cost factors that affect premiums

Who Needs Individual Health Insurance?

Learn whether this type of coverage is right for your situation and how to determine the appropriate coverage amount.

How to Choose a Policy

Tips for comparing policies, understanding terms, and finding the best value for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about individual health insurance answered.

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Insurance for Recently Unemployed - Coverage during job transitions

Data Sources

Individual health insurance data in this guide come from Healthcare.gov (opens in new tab) , CMS (opens in new tab) , and state marketplace data. Learn more about our data collection methods on our Methodology page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get individual health insurance?

You can purchase individual health insurance through the ACA Marketplace (Healthcare.gov or your state exchange), directly from insurance companies, or through a licensed insurance broker. The Marketplace is often the best option as you may qualify for premium tax credits based on your income.

Do I qualify for health insurance subsidies?

You may qualify for premium tax credits if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (though enhanced subsidies currently extend beyond 400%). You can estimate your subsidy using the Healthcare.gov calculator or by applying through the Marketplace.

What if I can't afford individual health insurance?

Check if you qualify for Medicaid (income-based) or subsidized Marketplace plans. Many people who think they can’t afford coverage discover they qualify for significant subsidies. You may also consider short-term health insurance or health sharing ministries as alternatives, though these have limitations.