Best Health Insurance & Coverage Options For Freelancers 2024
Best Health Insurance & Coverage Options For Freelancers
Being a freelancer does not mean you should live without health coverage, even if you think you can’t afford it. Several options can help you access affordable coverage that fits within your budget. Some of these options include: the Affordable Care Act, gaining coverage through a spouse, COBRA Coverage, and the Freelancer’s Union.
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Best Health Insurance for Freelancers
Several factors determine what freelancers should be looking for when they are deciding upon health insurance. Each person’s needs are different and you should consider the factors listed below when determining your type of coverage and how much coverage you need:
- How frequently do you see a primary care physician or specialist?
- How frequently do you seek emergency care?
- How expensive is your medication?
- Are you expecting children or plan on having children?
- Do you have any upcoming surgeries?
- Do you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or cancer?
- How much are you willing to pay for monthly premiums?
- How much out-of-pocket are you willing to pay?
Clearly, not all health insurance and coverage options are suitable for everybody. Some people may be in good health and rarely see a doctor. For these individuals, a plan with higher out-of-pocket costs and lower monthly premiums might be a better choice. At the same time, other individuals may have chronic illnesses and need to see doctors and receive medication frequently. For these people, a plan that pays a higher portion of your medical costs, but has higher monthly premiums may be better.
Outlined below are just a few options and who they might be suitable for:
Best Health Insurance Options for Freelancers 2021
| Health Coverage Type | Most Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Spouse’s Policy | People who are married or in relationships |
| COBRA | People who just left an employer-based job. |
| ACA Exchange (healthcare.gov) | People who are categorized as low-income. |
| Freelancer’s Union | Individuals who plan on freelancing in the long-term and want additional benefits, such as education and advocacy. |
| Mira | People seeking affordable coverage or who want to supplement a high deductible plan |
Spouse’s Employer Coverage: Best if You Have a Working Spouse
Many freelancers simply add themselves to a spouse or partner’s health insurance plan to maintain coverage. If you are married or in a serious relationship, this should be the first option you consider when seeking health insurance because you might get the most coverage while just adding a bit on top of what your partner is currently paying for their own coverage.
In some cases, you may be able to get added to your spouse’s insurance plan for free. However, in other circumstances, you may have to pay your part of the premium to be added to the policy. Prior to being added to your spouse’s plan, you should determine how much monthly premiums may cost.
Getting all the facts prior to being added to your spouse’s coverage can allow you to conduct a cost comparison of all your
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Spencer is a Public Health & Biology undergraduate student at New York University.