Americans spend a massive $3.4 trillion on medical care every year, so picking the right individual health coverage can really make a difference. A good plan helps you avoid big out-of-pocket costs and ensures you’re only paying for the coverage you actually need.
That’s why many people choose private health insurance plans as they’re often more affordable and flexible. You can easily get individual health insurance through a private exchange like AHiX Marketplace or government marketplaces. Unlike employer group health plans, these options provide a wider range of choices, allowing you to find a plan that better fits your needs.
Affordable Individual Health Insurance for Your Needs
At AHiX, we make it easy to find the right health insurance for you. Our private health coverage gives you the freedom to choose a plan without needing an employer. If you’re self-employed, between jobs, or need personal coverage, an individual health insurance plan is a smart choice. It offers affordable options and flexibility, and you can add family members if needed.
Explore your options today and get the coverage that fits your needs! Here are some of the benefits of individual health plans:
- You have the freedom to choose your own health plan, including the insurance company, coverage options, and benefits that best fit your needs.
- You can renew or change your health insurance plan every year during the Open Enrollment Period to ensure it continues to meet your healthcare needs.
- Losing your job doesn’t mean losing your health coverage, since individual health insurance isn’t tied to an employer, you stay covered no matter where you work.
- Individual health insurance lets you choose from PPO, POS, EPO, and HMO networks (depending on where you live) to access the doctors and hospitals you prefer. PPOs and POS plans offer more flexibility, while HMOs and EPOs may have stricter networks.
- Depending on your income, you may qualify for government subsidies to help lower your monthly premium costs, making health insurance more affordable.
How Can You Get Approved for a Personal
Health Insurance Plan?
Getting personal health insurance is easier than you think! ACA plans are guaranteed issue, meaning you can’t be denied coverage. However, you must apply during Open Enrollment (OE), which runs from November 1 to January 15. If you miss this window, you can still enroll through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) such as losing coverage, getting married, or having a baby.
While Medicare is an option, ACA subsidies aren’t available if you’re eligible for it. Whether you’re self-employed, between jobs, or looking for better coverage, options are available!
Marketplace Health Insurance: Marketplace plans are available as on-exchange or off-exchange options. On-exchange plans can lower costs with subsidies and cost-sharing reductions based on income, while off-exchange plans are purchased directly from insurers without financial assistance. Both options can be purchased through AHiX Marketplace.
Short-Term Health Insurance: Need temporary health coverage? Short-term insurance plans are an affordable option you can enroll in anytime during the year. They help bridge gaps in coverage when you’re between jobs or waiting for a long-term plan.
Government-Sponsored Health Insurance: Programs like Medicare and Medicaid help people who qualify. Medicare is for those 65 and older, individuals with disabilities, or serious health conditions. Medicaid provides low-income health coverage for families, pregnant women, children, and SSI recipients.
If you need ACA-compliant health insurance, you can buy it from an insurance company, a private exchange, or your state’s health insurance marketplace. The rates for these qualified health plans remain the same no matter where you purchase them. Programs like Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare offer government-assisted health coverage based on income or age, and certain life events like marriage or adoption may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) outside of the Open Enrollment Period.
If you need temporary health insurance, short-term health plans are an affordable option. These non-ACA plans provide gap coverage until you enroll in an ACA-compliant plan through AHiX Marketplace or your employer. However, keep in mind that short-term insurance does not cover maternity, mental health, substance abuse, or pre-existing conditions.
How Much Does Individual Health Insurance Cost?
At AHiX, we know cost is a key factor when choosing individual health insurance. With government subsidies, 4 out of 5 people get coverage for less than $10 per month. However, higher-income individuals who don’t qualify for subsidies may pay thousands per month. Your actual premium depends on age, location, tobacco status, and household size.
Buying an individual health insurance plan through the ACA marketplace or private providers ensures access to essential health benefits like doctor visits, prescriptions, and preventive care. A comparable employer-sponsored health plan may cost up to $6,435 per year, making individual medical health insurance a cost-effective choice for many.
Some plans have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs, while others have lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles. At AHiX Marketplace, we help you compare options and find affordable individual health insurance that fits your budget and healthcare needs.
What Type of Health Insurance for Individuals Should You Choose?
The right health insurance for individuals depends on your needs, budget, and coverage preferences. Here are common personal health insurance plans to consider:
Provides coverage through a network of healthcare providers and requires referrals for specialist care.
Offers flexibility to see any healthcare provider, with higher out-of-pocket costs for out-of-network care.
Features lower premiums and higher deductibles, suitable for individuals who are relatively healthy and can afford higher out-of-pocket costs.
Accompanies an HDHP and allows individuals to save pre-tax funds for medical expenses.
Combines aspects of HMO and PPO plans, offering coverage within a specific network without requiring referrals.
Consider your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences when choosing the right individual health insurance plan for you. Its also advisable to compare plan features, premiums, and coverage options to find the best fit for your circumstances.
Why Health Insurance for Individuals is Important
Health insurance gives you access to essential care and financial protection. Whether you’re self-employed, between jobs, or need coverage outside of an employer plan, having a personal health plan ensures you’re covered when it matters most.
Choose a plan that meets your needs, from comprehensive coverage to basic care.
Unlike job-based insurance, your plan stays with you, no matter where you work.
Some plans let you see the doctors and hospitals you trust.
Get ongoing treatment for chronic conditions without denial.
Access check-ups, screenings, and vaccines, often at no extra cost.
Avoid massive medical bills with coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergencies.
Many plans include telemedicine, wellness programs, and prescription coverage for added convenience.
At AHiX Marketplace, we make it easy to compare and find an individual health plan that fits your budget and lifestyle.
When Can You Enroll in Individual Health Coverage?
You can sign up for an individual healthcare plan during the Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period. To qualify for Special Enrollment, you must have a major life change, like losing your current health coverage, getting married, or having a baby.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, check the list of life events that allow enrollment and explore your options for private individual health insurance.
Option #1:
Medicare or Medicaid
When searching for an individual health plan, you might come across Medicare and Medicaid, but they are for different situations.
Medicare: A national health insurance program started by SSA for people who are 65 and older or those with certain disabilities.
Medicaid: A federal health insurance program that helps low-income individuals by covering medical expenses based on financial need.
If you already have Medicare, you can’t buy a subsidized personal health insurance plan through the marketplace.
Option #2:
Qualified Health Plans
How you and your insurance plan split costs
Estimated averages for a typical population. Your costs will vary.
| Plan Category | The insurance company pays |
You pay |
| Bronze | 60% | 40% |
| Silver | 70% | 30% |
| Gold | 80% | 20% |
| Platinum | 90% | 10% |
If you don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, the best option is a qualified (ACA-compliant) health plans that follows Affordable Care Act (ACA) guidelines. These plans cover essential health benefits like emergency care, maternity services, and preventive care.
While the exact premiums change from year to year, the percentage of payment for each of the metal plans remains the same. There are four main plan categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. If you’re under 30, you may also consider a Catastrophic Plan for lower monthly premiums.
One of the benefits of employer-sponsored plans is that they handle all the research and work for you. However, if you choose an individual health insurance plan, you’ll need to manage the process yourself. A smarter way to find the best personalized medical insurance is by using a certified enrollment partner like AHiX Marketplace. AHiX offers both ACA-compliant and non-ACA plans, making it easier with a simple, transparent, and agent-guided enrollment process for consumers.
Option #3:
Non-qualified Health Plans
Non-qualified health plans are a more affordable alternative to ACA-compliant plans, and you can enroll at any time of the year. However, these plans may not cover all the essential health benefits required by the ACA.
Each state insurance department reviews these plans, but they don’t follow ACA guidelines. Some non-qualified health insurance plans may also deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, depending on the insurer’s rules.
Frequently asked questions
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What is individual insurance coverage?
Individual insurance coverage is a health insurance plan you buy for yourself or your family, separate from employer-provided coverage. It helps cover medical expenses like doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care.
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Who qualifies for private health insurance?
Anyone can apply for private health insurance, including self-employed individuals, freelancers, and those without employer-sponsored coverage. You may also qualify for lower-cost ACA health plans with subsidies based on your income.
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How do I get individual health insurance?
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Are family health insurance plans cheaper than individuals?
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Are individuals required to have health insurance?
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Can I cancel my individual health insurance at any time?
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How long does it take to get health insurance after applying?
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Does individual health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
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What is the difference between an individual health plan and an employer-sponsored plan?
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Can I customize my individual health insurance plan?
Get Low-Cost Individuals Health Insurance with AHiX
At AHiX Marketplace, you can easily find affordable individual health insurance plans with ACA and non-ACA plans. Our platform offers a secure and simple application process with up-to-date healthcare coverage options. Talk to our live agents today to check your eligibility and choose the best individual medical insurance for your needs.