Buy Health Insurance Outside Marketplace May 2026

These are temporary plans designed to bridge gaps in coverage. : Generally much cheaper than ACA plans.

: Some trade groups or unions offer private group insurance to their members. Key Considerations

These are not traditional insurance but rather groups of people who share medical costs based on common ethical or religious beliefs. They are often exempt from ACA requirements. How to Purchase Off-Exchange Coverage buy health insurance outside marketplace

: Outside of open enrollment, you typically need a "life event" (like moving or losing a job) to sign up, unless buying a short-term plan.

These are sold directly by insurance companies or through brokers. They offer the same "essential health benefits" as Marketplace plans, such as: Maternity care Mental health services Pre-existing condition coverage No annual or lifetime limits 2. Short-Term Health Insurance These are temporary plans designed to bridge gaps

: Visit the websites of major carriers (like UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield) to view their direct-to-consumer options.

: Most ACA-compliant private plans still follow the standard Open Enrollment Period (usually Nov 1 – Jan 15). Key Considerations These are not traditional insurance but

Buying health insurance outside the federal or state Health Insurance Marketplace is a process often called purchasing "off-exchange" coverage. While you lose access to government subsidies, you may gain access to a wider variety of plans and networks. Why Buy Outside the Marketplace?