I Need Health Insurance and I need it NOW!

But Can I actually BUY Private Health Insurance Today?

Here’s a question more common right now than most people realize, “Can I buy private health insurance right now… today?” The answer is, “It depends on your circumstances.” The good news is, the odds are well in your favor.

First of all, if you’re looking to buy private health insurance today without any concerns regarding Medicare or utilizing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the short answer is “Yes.” We’ll explore those options and what to look for, as well as what to look out for a bit later.

But, if you’re currently on Medicare or if you are utilizing the ACA, then the first answer to your question regarding buying private insurance right now is “Yes, provided the annual enrollment period doesn’t affect you.” You see, the annual enrollment period, which runs from early November to mid-December each year, is obviously over with right now. However, even outside of the enrollment period, all is not lost. You may still be able to purchase private health insurance under certain provisions – and there are a number of them that may very well fit your situation.

For example, if, in the last 60 days, you got married or got a divorce, had a baby, lost your job and, with it, your health insurance coverage, began or ended your college education as a student and lost access to your student health insurance plan or aged out of the coverage provided by your parent’s health insurance plan, lost your Medicare or Medicaid coverage, moved to a new zip code or to a new county that is out of your carrier’s network, moved from a shelter to an apartment or moved to the United States then you are eligible to buy private health insurance no matter what time of the year we’re in, even if you are using the ACA or you are currently on Medicare.

What’s more, if you recently applied for coverage under the Affordable Care Act, and your income was too high, which made the premium too expensive to afford, but your income has since dropped, conversely making the premium for the coverage more affordable, you can buy the health insurance plan you need today. The IRS Premium Tax Credit — a key subsidy mechanism built into the ACA — is also recalculated when income changes, which can significantly reduce your monthly premium costs.

However, it is very important that you keep in mind these two things; if you don’t pay your premiums or if you choose to drop the insurance, you are not qualified for the “outside of the special enrollment period” option. Likewise, if you didn’t try to obtain health insurance during the open enrollment season, but you’ve since been diagnosed with a medical condition, you are not eligible for the special enrollment option.

If you discover that you may not be eligible to get a major medical plan outside of the open enrollment period, you can likely still get products from what are called the Federal Marketplaces by going to what is known as the Healthcare Solutions Team. The Team may be able to guide you to other options for health insurance throughout the entire year. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees both the Federal Marketplace and Medicaid programs, also maintains a 24/7 helpline at 1-800-318-2596 for consumers who need immediate guidance.

On the other side of this same issue, if you’re not affected by Medicare, Medicaid or the ACA, and you still want to buy private health insurance for yourself or your family, then, by all means, do so. In fact, here are some suggestions to consider in your quest for private health insurance.

First, try going on the Internet to do your research and, ultimately, your purchase. The Internet provides a number of advantages over traditional insurance shopping methods. For one thing, rather than scheduling an array of appointments with a host of agents coming to your home over the course of several days or weeks, you can visit countless insurance companies online in a very short period of time. This also makes it easier to review all of the different company plans, options, and prices “side by side” in an “apples to apples” comparison because almost every reputable health insurance company has a web presence these days. In addition, whatever questions or concerns you may have about your particular health insurance policy or how it can help you or members of your family can be answered via email or, if you prefer, over the phone using a phone number listed on their website that has a knowledgeable agent available, often 24/7.

You can also check out the companies you wish to talk with before you actually talk with them by going, again, online to the insurance rating website known as A.M. Best Company. A.M. Best will give you a clear understanding of your potential health insurance company’s financial health and reliability. In addition, you can check out your potential health insurance policy provider with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) that rates the quality of the health insurance plans you might be considering. The NCQA’s Health Plan Ratings evaluate performance across more than 90 quality measures, making it one of the most comprehensive consumer tools available. And, of course, you can also check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) about the company or companies with whom you’re considering doing business. Your state’s own insurance regulatory body — typically called the State Insurance Commissioner’s office — is another powerful resource; the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) maintains a directory of every state regulator’s contact information.

Once you’ve selected a company or companies to consider, make sure you take a look at their privacy policies before you submit any personal information, especially over the Internet. Be certain that their websites utilize the latest security software that will maintain the security and integrity of your personal information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides consumer guidance on identifying whether a health insurance website’s data practices meet current federal privacy standards. And remember, it’s usually not necessary to give out any of your personal details if you are just trying to obtain a quote.

In all likelihood, considering the variety of products and services available across the board, as well as the technology to get your policy in place immediately, there are very few reasons to keep you from buying the private health insurance you are in need of right now… today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy health insurance outside of Open Enrollment right now?

Yes, in many cases you can. If you have experienced a qualifying life event within the past 60 days — such as job loss, marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a move to a new coverage area — you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that lets you enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan immediately. If you are not using the ACA at all, non-ACA private plans such as short-term health insurance and indemnity plans are available for purchase every day of the year.

What qualifies as a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) life event?

A qualifying life event includes losing job-based health coverage, getting married or divorced, having or adopting a child, losing Medicaid or CHIP eligibility, aging off a parent’s plan at age 26, moving to a new ZIP code outside your current plan’s network, or becoming a U.S. citizen or lawful resident. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that most SEP enrollments be completed within 60 days of the triggering event.

How long does a Special Enrollment Period last?

A Special Enrollment Period typically lasts 60 days from the date of your qualifying life event, according to CMS guidelines. Missing this 60-day window generally means waiting until the next Open Enrollment Period, which runs from November 1 through January 15, unless another qualifying event occurs.

What is the difference between an ACA plan and a private non-ACA plan?

ACA-compliant plans must cover the 10 essential health benefits — including prescription drugs, mental health services, and preventive care — and cannot deny coverage or charge more based on pre-existing conditions. Non-ACA plans, such as short-term health insurance, do not have to meet these requirements, which means they are typically less expensive but offer less comprehensive protection and may exclude pre-existing conditions entirely.

Can I get health insurance today if I just lost my job?

Yes. Job loss that results in the loss of employer-sponsored health coverage is one of the most common qualifying life events triggering a Special Enrollment Period. You have 60 days from your last day of coverage to enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan. You may also be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, which extends your former employer’s plan for up to 18 months, though premiums are typically much higher since your employer no longer contributes.

How do I verify that a health insurance company is financially stable?

Check the insurer’s financial strength rating through A.M. Best Company, which is the most widely used independent rating agency for insurance carriers. A rating of A- or higher generally indicates strong financial stability. You can also check with your state’s insurance commissioner through the NAIC’s online directory to confirm the company is licensed and in good standing in your state.

What is the NCQA and why does it matter when choosing a health plan?

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is an independent, nonprofit organization that rates health insurance plans on more than 90 measures of quality, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and member satisfaction. A high NCQA rating is a strong signal that a health plan will deliver consistent, high-quality care and honor its coverage commitments. You can find current NCQA ratings at ncqa.org.

Is short-term health insurance a good option if I need coverage immediately?

Short-term health insurance can be a practical stopgap if you need coverage immediately and do not qualify for an ACA SEP, but it comes with significant limitations. These plans typically do not cover pre-existing conditions, mental health, maternity care, or prescription drugs. They are best used as temporary bridge coverage — for example, between jobs — rather than as a long-term health insurance solution. Premiums average around $124 per month for an individual in 2026, making them one of the most affordable immediate options.

Can I get ACA subsidies if my income recently dropped?

Yes. If your income has dropped since you last applied or since the last Open Enrollment Period, you may now qualify for a premium tax credit under the ACA — or for a larger credit than you previously received. A mid-year income change counts as a qualifying event that allows you to update your Marketplace application and potentially enroll in or switch to a more affordable plan immediately. The IRS manages these Premium Tax Credits, which are calculated based on your projected annual household income.

What should I look for in a health insurance company’s website before entering personal information?

Before submitting any personal data to a health insurance website, confirm that the site uses HTTPS encryption (look for the padlock icon in your browser address bar). Review the company’s privacy policy to understand how your data will be used and whether it will be shared with third parties. The FTC recommends verifying that any site collecting health and financial information complies with applicable federal privacy standards. Most reputable insurers will allow you to obtain a quote using only basic, non-identifying information such as your ZIP code, age, and tobacco status.