What You Need to Know to Find Health Insurance When Freelancing (2024)

A freelance worker, independent contractor, or self-employed person is someone who does businesson their own and is not a company employee. If you're self-employed, you might enjoy benefits like flexibility and a better work-life balance. But you also have to manage all aspects of your benefits yourself—like health insurance.

Health care is an essential consideration no matter who you are but may be overlooked if you're self-employed, especially if you're used to getting coverage through an employer. Fortunately, you have options. And you may even qualify for a better plan or lower premium than you could with an employer.

Key Takeaways

  • Freelancers and those without health insurance can buy it in the Health Insurance Marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
  • If you recently left a position, you may be eligible for COBRA, which can extend your employer-based plan for up to 36 months.
  • You can explore health care coverage through professional associations such as the Freelancers Union.
  • Short-term health insurance plans provide some basic, temporary coverage, but they don't meet the standards of the ACA.
  • Health insurance is based on many factors, including your personal situation and needs are crucial in finding the best plan for you.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost for Freelancers?

Each person's health insurance costs can vary. As of 2022, the average lowest-cost bronze tier monthly premium is $329, and the average lowest-cost gold tier premium is $462, according to theKaiser Family Foundation.

Besides Health Insurance Marketplace plans, you also have other options to find affordable health insurance.

Note

Expanded subsidies for Marketplace plans have been extended through 2025 as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act. Those who qualify will see lower costs in 2023 when you shop for Marketplace insurance plans beginning Nov. 1, 2022.

Where To Get Health Insurance If You're Self-Employed

A major challenge facing independent, self-employed, and freelance workers is finding affordable health insurance. Luckily, there are several options to choose from. With a little research, you can find a good plan to protect your health and get care when you need it.

1. Health Insurance Marketplace

Ever since theAffordable Care Act (ACA), or "Obamacare," came into effect, people have been able to find health insurance through the Marketplace at Healthcare.gov or through their state's health insurance marketplace. You may be able to do so as either an individual or as a small business.

Marketplace health insurance plans are divided into four categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each category shows how you and your plan share costs. Open enrollment for ACA plans runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 of the following year, but you need to sign up by Dec. 15 to get coverage by the beginning of January.

Note

Depending on your family size and income, you could qualify for premium tax credits that reduce the cost of your Marketplace plan. Visit the plan finder at Healthcare.gov to find out.

If you miss open enrollment, you can visit the Marketplace and see if you qualify for a special enrollment period. Certain life changes and circ*mstances, such as a marriage, the birth of a child, or the loss of an employer plan, make it possible for you to qualify outside the open enrollment period for health insurance. You can also get health coverage if you qualify for Medicaid.

2. Your Spouse or Domestic Partner's Plan

If your spouse works and has coverage through their job, you may be able to join their plan. Because it's an employer-based plan, it may also save you money. It may charge a lower premium since the employer will usually pay into the plan.

Even if you are not married, you may qualify as a domestic partner if you share the same home and live a domestic life together. But you cannot be legally married to anyone else.

3. COBRA Coverage

If you recently left or are about to leave your full-time job to become self-employed, you may be able to continue your current coverage for at least 18 months. Your plan provider will inform you of your eligibility for COBRA coverage.

Note

"COBRA" is short for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. It allows you to continue your health insurance coverage for up to 36 months when your group health insurance would otherwise be lost.

Individual COBRA plans are often more expensive than what you paid while working because your employer is no longer contributing to the premium. They may also be more expensive than a Marketplace plan. Keep in mind that if you are leaving your job, you probably qualify for a special enrollment period. In other words, you could enroll in a Marketplace plan outside of the general open enrollment period in the fall. Be sure to compare options, and remember that COBRA is temporary coverage.

4. Professional Associations

In some fields, your profession may have associations. Or, you might become a member of a self-employed worker or independent worker association. In those cases, you may be able to get group insurance through these kinds of memberships.

Group insurance allows individuals to band together as members of a group (of self-employed workers). This could be similar to group insurance through an employer. One example of a group that offers a health insurance plan is the Freelancers Union. The group also offers dental coverage and term life insurance among other options.

5. Short-Term or Temporary Insurance

A short-term, or "limited duration," health insurance plan may be a temporary option to consider if you missed the open enrollment period and want to be covered until you get a different plan. Short-term plans typically provide basic, temporary coverage for medical emergencies and not necessarily everyday medical care or prevention.

Note

Short-term health insurance plans are not ACA-compliant, meaning that they do not provide the minimum essential health coverage provided by health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act.

How Can You Cut Health Insurance Costs?

If you find the plan prices too costly, you could look into a high deductible health plan (HDHP). Or, you may want to choose a lower tier in the marketplace. You can also talk to a health insurance broker who represents several companies and can search health plans for you. The more you shop for your health insurance, the more likely you are to save money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do freelance workers get health insurance?

If your spouse has coverage through work, it might be cheaper to join that plan since employers usually pay a portion of the insurance costs.

If you recently left your full-time job to become self-employed, check with your employer about COBRA, which can extend insurance for 18-36 months.

Due to theAffordable Care Act (ACA), freelancers can get insurance through the Marketplace at Healthcare.gov or their state's insurance marketplace.

How much does health insurance cost for freelance works?

Although health insurance costs can vary, in 2022, the average lowest-cost bronze tier monthly premium is $329, while the average lowest-cost gold tier premium is $462 per month, according to theKaiser Family Foundation.

What You Need to Know to Find Health Insurance When Freelancing (2024)

FAQs

How does health insurance work for freelancers? ›

If you're self-employed, you can use the individual Health Insurance Marketplace ® to enroll in flexible, high-quality health coverage that works well for people who run their own businesses. You're considered self-employed if you have a business that takes in income but doesn't have any employees.

What are 3 things you need to consider when choosing your health insurance? ›

These may have more benefits and the cost sharing may vary. Below are four things you should think about when choosing coverage - Costs, provider network, benefits, and quality.

How do freelancers get benefits? ›

Get healthcare as a business

You may be able to obtain freelancer health insurance at lower rates for your family, and any employees you may have, by applying for it through your business. (Yes, you'll need to be a legit, registered business.) Check out the federal Small Business Health Options Program, for one.

Do freelance workers need insurance? ›

While larger companies might have enough money to recover from an expensive liability or malpractice claim, most freelancers certainly do not and will most likely end up financially crippled if they don't have the help of insurance in the event of an expense claim being filed against them.

Can freelancers write off health insurance? ›

This is one deduction you don't want to miss on your taxes. If you're a self-employed person, you may deduct up to 100% of the health insurance premiums you paid during the year.

How much does insurance cost as a freelancer? ›

How much does business insurance for freelancers cost? According to the digital insurance marketplace Insureon, the average cost of small business insurance is $42 per month for general liability insurance and $61 per month for professional liability insurance.

What are the 4 most common health insurance plans? ›

Preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. Health maintenance organization (HMO) plan. Point of service (POS) plan. Exclusive provider organization (EPO)

What are the 5 factors of health insurance? ›

Five factors can affect a plan's monthly premium: location, age, tobacco use, plan category, and whether the plan covers dependents.

What are the 4 most important insurances? ›

Most experts agree that life, health, long-term disability, and auto insurance are the four types of insurance you must have. Employer coverage is often the best option, but if that is unavailable, obtain quotes from several providers as many provide discounts if you purchase more than one type of coverage.

How do freelancers show proof of income? ›

1099 Form

As self-employed, you'll get these forms from clients or businesses that pay for your services. Typically, these are only used for self-employed people, investors, contractors, and rental income. There are several different types of 1099 forms, so be certain the one you are using is the correct one.

What is the disadvantage of freelancers? ›

Con: Unstructured Work-Life Balance

Freelancing may offer the flexibility to work when you want, but this also means that no set schedule or structure is required to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. There is always the risk of taking on too much work and burning out.

Do you have to have insurance as a freelancer? ›

Legal protection

Professional indemnity insurance isn't required by law, but many freelancers buy it for access to affordable legal help. Instead of paying expensive, upfront fees if someone takes legal action against you, professional indemnity insurance is a more affordable option.

Does freelance count as being employed? ›

Freelancers and Taxes

Freelancers have to pay FICA taxes (for Social Security and Medicare) as both the employer and the employee because the IRS considers them to be self-employed. This obligation is referred to as the self-employment tax.

How to get health insurance as a freelance artist? ›

Local chamber or business group

Many cities offer health insurance for freelancers. These are group plans through business organizations or local chambers, and they can be substantial depending on your location.

Can you write off health insurance? ›

Health insurance premiums are deductible if you itemize your tax return. Whether you can deduct health insurance premiums from your tax return also depends on when and how you pay your premiums: If you pay for health insurance before taxes are taken out of your check, you can't deduct your health insurance premiums.

How do freelancers ensure they get paid? ›

Accepting payments as a freelancer

The most common ways to get paid as a freelancer are: Bank transfer. Credit or debit card payment. Wire transfer.

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