What it is
Health benefits plans for self-employed people are the ways an independent worker protects their health, income and family without an employer's group plan. Freelancers, contractors, gig workers and small business owners often build this protection themselves, piece by piece.
Three types of coverage come up most often. Individual and family health insurance helps with medical costs. Disability and supplemental insurance is designed to replace part of your income if illness or injury keeps you from working. Life insurance is designed to provide a benefit to the people you name if you die.
Some options are insurance policies, and some are memberships or other arrangements that work differently. Terms, exclusions and eligibility vary by carrier, state and year, so it helps to read the details of each one. 2A Benefit is not an insurer and does not sell policies.
Medicare, Medicaid and the ACA marketplace are public programs that some self-employed people use. 2A Benefit is an independent, privately run site. It is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, CMS, Medicare.gov, HealthCare.gov or any government agency.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many self-employed people have shopped for individual health coverage directly, either through a carrier, through the ACA marketplace, or with the help of an agent. Others have joined a spouse's plan or used a professional or trade association option where one is available.
Disability and life insurance have traditionally been bought separately from health coverage. Some people buy them when their families or businesses grow. Others look at them when they first go out on their own.
Some people compare options on their own, while others work with a licensed agent. Each approach can be reasonable. The right fit depends on your budget, your health needs, your family situation and how comfortable you are with the paperwork.
How the right agent may help
The right agent may help you sort through your options and explain how they fit together. A first conversation is usually a chance to talk about your work, your household, your health needs and your concerns. It is not a commitment to buy anything.
Good questions to ask include these. Which carriers are you appointed with? Are you licensed in my state? How do networks, deductibles and waiting periods work in plain language? What does each plan exclude? What happens if my income changes? An agent may also point out where you should compare terms directly with the carrier or provider.
An agent can provide licensed quotes, and you decide what, if anything, fits. You can confirm any agent's license with your state insurance department. An agent may not be able to find a solution for every situation, and no one can guarantee acceptance, savings or that a plan is the best one.
The bigger picture
Working for yourself can bring freedom, and it can also bring worry about what happens if you get sick, get hurt or cannot work. Having a plan, even a simple one, may bring some peace of mind and let you focus on your work and your family.
Your wellbeing and your finances are closely linked. If you are also looking for support from health and wellness professionals, Providers.plus is a related directory you may find useful. Take your time, and make choices that fit your life and values.
Keep in mind
- This page is educational only. It is not insurance, legal, tax, medical or financial advice.
- Costs, benefits, waiting periods and eligibility vary by carrier, state and year, so ask for current details in writing.
- Agents must be licensed in each state where they sell, so confirm a license with your state insurance department.
- Some options are memberships rather than insurance, so compare terms directly with the provider and never assume coverage.
Agents who often help
Get matched privatelyFrequently asked questions
What are health benefits plans for self-employed people?
Health benefits plans for self-employed people are coverage options you arrange yourself instead of through an employer. They often include individual health insurance, disability protection and life insurance. A licensed agent may help you understand how they fit together.
How do self-employed people usually get health insurance?
Many buy an individual or family plan from a carrier, through the ACA marketplace, or with an agent's help. Others use a spouse's plan or an association option where available. Availability depends on your state and situation.
Is the ACA marketplace connected to 2A Benefit?
No. 2A Benefit is an independent, privately run site. It is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government, CMS, HealthCare.gov or any government agency. For official marketplace information, visit the official site or ask a licensed agent.
Why would an independent worker consider disability insurance?
Disability insurance is designed to replace part of your income if you cannot work because of illness or injury. Self-employed people have no employer benefits to fall back on, so some choose to look at it. Waiting periods, definitions and exclusions vary, so read the terms carefully.
Do I need life insurance if I work for myself?
It depends on who relies on your income and what obligations you have. Many self-employed people with families or business debts look at life insurance. An agent can explain the general types, but this is not advice on what you should buy.
How do I know an insurance agent is legitimate?
Ask for the agent's license number and confirm it with your state insurance department. Agents must be licensed in each state where they sell. For Medicare plans, agents must also be appointed with each carrier they sell.
Educational resource. 2A Benefit shares general information and connects people with independent agents. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.