Choosing health insurance can feel overwhelming. There are unfamiliar terms, dozens of plans, and real money at stake. This guide breaks the decision into a series of simple steps, so you can move from "where do I even start?" to a confident choice.
You don't need to read it all at once. Use the chapter list to jump to the part you need, and come back as your situation changes.
Where your coverage can come from
Before comparing plans, it helps to know which doors are open to you. Where you get coverage affects the prices you see, the help you can get paying for it, and when you're allowed to enroll.
Through an employer
Many people get coverage through their job or a family member's job. Employers often pay part of the premium, and you enroll during your employer's open enrollment or when you're first hired. If you're offered job-based coverage, it's usually the first option to look at.
Through the Health Insurance Marketplace
If you don't have affordable job-based coverage, you can buy a plan through the Marketplace. Depending on your income, you may qualify for financial help that lowers your monthly premium, and sometimes your out-of-pocket costs too. You generally enroll during the annual open enrollment period, or during a Special Enrollment Period after certain life events.
Through Medicaid or CHIP
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide low- or no-cost coverage to people who qualify based on income and other factors. Rules vary by state, and you can apply any time of year.
Through Medicare
Medicare is federal health insurance mainly for people 65 and older, and for some younger people with certain disabilities or conditions. It has its own enrollment periods and choices — see our Medicare guide if this applies to you.
Directly from an insurer or through an agent
You can also buy individual coverage directly from an insurer or with help from a licensed agent. An independent agent can show plans from more than one insurer and, in many cases, help you enroll in Marketplace plans too.
| Source | Who it's for | When you can enroll | Help with cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer | Employees and their families | Employer open enrollment or new hire | Employer often pays part |
| Marketplace | Individuals and families without affordable job coverage | Open enrollment or Special Enrollment Period | Income-based financial help |
| Medicaid / CHIP | People who meet income and other rules | Any time | Low or no cost |
| Medicare | Mostly people 65+ | Medicare enrollment periods | Varies by plan |
Frequently asked questions
What's the most important thing to check when choosing a plan?
For most people it's whether their doctors and prescriptions are covered by the specific plan, followed by the total yearly cost in a typical and a bad year.
Is the cheapest plan the best value?
Not always. A low premium often comes with a higher deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. If you use a lot of care, a plan with a higher premium can cost less overall.