How Can I Get Health Insurance as a Real Estate Agent?
Many real estate agents discover great pleasure in finding forever homes for their clients. As rewarding as it seems, being self-employed has many ups and downs. One major challenge is finding health insurance for you and your family. Luckily there are several options for self-employed health insurance, such as COBRA, Mira, Family plans, and much more. Knowing your options and their pros and cons will allow you to make an excellent decision without breaking the bank.
Health Insurance for Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents aren’t the only ones struggling to obtain health insurance. Unfortunately, several entrepreneurs, freelancers, independent contractors, and individuals needing insurance find it challenging to acquire health coverage. Whether you are a full-time or part-time real estate agent, the following options will help you narrow down the best health coverage for you and your family.
Healthcare MarketPlace
Purchasing an individual healthcare plan through Healthcare.gov is one of the top options for the self-employed. There are many available plans based on your state. Healthcare Marketplaces help fulfill the necessary coverage, such as the Affordable Care Act’s health benefits. The open enrollment period (OEP) to purchase a plan begins November 1st and will end January 15th of the following year.
The easiest method to navigate health plans is to examine the “metal ratings,” which allows you to estimate the out-of-pocket costs.
For instance:
Metal Level | Insurance Pays | You Pay (Deductible) | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
Bronze | 60% | 40% | $ |
Silver | 70% | 30% | $$ |
Gold | 80% | 20% | $$$ |
Platinum | 90% | 10% | $$$$ |
Understand that Insurance companies that cover the majority of the out-of-pocket expenses will result in high monthly premiums cost.
If overwhelmed by the options, these two websites can help guide you through the plans and find one quickly. – Stridehealth & Simply Insured
| Assist in providing clarity for independent workers. | Catered to small business owners. |
| It helps you search for available plans that are best for you financially and medically. | Quick application process. |
| No hidden fees or unnecessary costs. | Compares Health plans through their benefits. |
COBRA
If you left a job with health insurance or were laid off by your employer, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows you to continue the coverage from your former employer for up to 36 additional months. However, eligible applicants must come from a private or government company with over 20 employees.
If a former employer contributed to your premium, the cost would increase, having you pay more for the same insurance you had when employed. COBRA can be expensive, especially for entrepreneurs, so carefully examine this option.
Short-Term Health Insurance
Short-term health insurance is perfect if you’re transitioning from 9-5 into real estate and need coverage. This option provides a temporary plan and low cost; however, it is known to provide limited coverage. Depending on your state, the period can last between one month to one year. Not all states offer short-term health plans, so be sure to check Healthinsurance.org to determine whether it’s available in your state.
Get Mira - Health Benefits You Can Afford.
Get doctor visits, lab tests, prescription, and more. Affordable copays. Available in 45+ states. Only $45/month on average.
Family Plan
Self-employers can also join their spouse’s or parent's insurance. If you are married or under age 26, your spouse or parents probably have health coverage through their employer. Through that, they’ll be able to add you to their plan.
Keep in mind that their premium cost may increase once you’re added. Discuss the premium changes (or no changes) with your spouse or parents before officially enrolling.
Mira
Mira is an excellent health plan that provides affordable health coverage ten times less than traditional health insurance plans for an average of $45 a month. Whatever previous struggle a real estate may have dealt with regarding health insurance, Mira can help you:
- Find a primary care physician
- Meet with a mental health therapist, as sessions prices are lower
- Waive off 20% at over 10,000 gyms
- Provide discounted prescriptions, bloodwork, and more.
Not only is Mira great for you, but it meets the needs of children 12 and over. Mira is also great option if you have high deductibles. We cover over 2,000 clinics while ensuring your experience with Mira is pleasant.
Associations
If you are a member of an association, such as the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) or the National Association of Realtors (NAR), they may offer health benefits for joining.
Health benefits for joining NAR:
- Access to a health insurance exchange
- Wide selection of ACA Medical insurance plans
- Assist in out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred through illness or accident
- Access to certified physicians 24/7 to help with prescriptions or refills and medical issues through telehealth.
Health benefits of joining NASE:
- Access to health insurance for you and your family
- Offers small business health insurance through USHEALTH group insurance, subsidiaries, MetLife, Assurant, Golden Rule, and others.
Association-affiliated insurance may be convenient if you are already an association member; however, the health plan is already funded before you sign up. The associated fee may be more expensive than the benefit itself. Before signing up, do thorough research!
Insurance for Real Estate Agents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The following section will answer some frequently asked questions about finding the cost of health insurance if self-employed, reasons to get health insurance, receiving health insurance through your agency, and more.
Virtual care for only $25 per visit
Virtual primary care, urgent care, and behavioral health visits are only $25 with a Mira membership.
How much does health insurance cost if you are self-employed?
Individual health insurance plans, and premiums, vary; however, a primary dependent on the expenses is your location, income, and age. For personal coverage, the average cost could range from $484 to $1,230 for families.
Why should a Real Estate Agent get Health Insurance?
Healthcare coverage protects your health and finances from potential harm. Getting sick or hurt is never on your bucket list. Health insurance allows you to prepare yourself from harm's way and protects you from extremely high medical costs. As a realtor or aspiring real estate agent, your life is fast-paced. Ensuring you have the right policy takes off a load of your many responsibilities.
Can I get Health Insurance through my Agency?
While many real estate agents are self-employed, a significant percentage work for companies such as Keller Williams, Long & Foster, and more. There is a high chance that you can receive health insurance through your agencies. Often the cost is much lower because of the amount your employers cover.
Can I get health insurance from the government?
If you’re unable to get health insurance through your real estate agency, consider getting government insurance. Medicaid, a government-based insurance, is common among real estate agents. This option is best if you’re starting in the field and not making much money. Most real estate agents use Medicaid temporarily until they can afford the private sector. Before applying, know that government insurance has strict income requirements.
Bottom Line
As a realtor, the pressure to find quality health insurance for yourself and your family while remaining self-employed and creating smiles on home seekers' faces may not have been smooth sailing. Thankfully, multiple options available under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can help ease the burden.
Sarah Fadahunsi is a native of Prince George's County, Maryland. She is currently a senior majoring in Public Health at Salisbury University. She is fiercely committed to reducing health inequalities in the United States, especially towards minorities.
