Turning 26: how to get your own health insurance
You can usually stay on a parent’s plan until 26; coverage often ends around your birthday or at the end of that month, so check the plan. Losing it lets you sign up for a marketplace plan within about 60 days, and you can often apply before it ends. Compare your employer’s plan, a marketplace plan with income-based help, Medicaid if your income is low, or COBRA. Check premiums, deductibles, doctors and medicines.
Your checklist
- Find out when your coverage ends
- Sign up within your 60-day window
- Compare your job plan, marketplace, Medicaid and COBRA
- Check for help with the cost
- Learn premium, deductible, copay and out-of-pocket max
- Check your doctors and medicines
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
When coverage ends
You can usually stay on a parent’s plan until you turn 26. Coverage often ends around your birthday or at the end of that month; some plans differ, so check.
Your sign-up window
Losing coverage lets you sign up for a marketplace plan outside open enrollment, usually within 60 days. You can often apply before your coverage ends, so there’s no gap.
Your options
- Your employer’s plan, if offered. Turning 26 usually counts as a reason to join mid-year.
- Marketplace (HealthCare.gov or your state’s site), with tax credits based on income.
- Medicaid, if your income is low enough in your state.
- COBRA, to stay on a parent’s job plan for a while, usually at full price.
Four words
- Premium: what you pay each month.
- Deductible: what you pay before the plan starts paying for many services.
- Copay: a set fee for a visit or prescription.
- Out-of-pocket maximum: the most you’ll pay in a year for covered care.
Before you choose
Check that your doctors are in network and your medicines are covered. Be careful with very cheap short-term plans that may not cover pre-existing conditions or major care.
Official sources, and where to look
- HealthCare.govhealthcare.gov
- U.S. Department of Labor: COBRAdol.gov
healthcare.gov special enrollment period[your state] Medicaid eligibility
Common questions
Can I stay on my parent’s plan after 26 if I’m in school?
Generally no; the age-26 rule doesn’t depend on being a student. Some plans or states have special rules, so check with the plan. More ›
Is COBRA a good option?
It keeps the same coverage, but you usually pay the full cost plus a small fee. Compare it with marketplace plans, which may cost less with income-based help. More ›
When exactly does coverage end when I turn 26?
It depends on the plan. Many end on your 26th birthday or at the end of that month; some at the end of the plan year. Ask the plan or a parent’s HR office. More ›
Can I sign up for a marketplace plan before my coverage ends?
Often yes. You can usually apply up to 60 days before you lose coverage, so your new plan starts without a gap. More ›
What is a special enrollment period?
A window, usually 60 days, to sign up for a marketplace plan outside open enrollment because of a life change like losing coverage, moving or having a baby. More ›
How much does COBRA cost?
Usually the full cost of the plan, including the part the employer used to pay, plus up to a 2% fee. It’s often more than a marketplace plan with income-based help. More ›
Find health insurance help near you
Free marketplace helpers are available in many areas.
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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.