How to Find Health Insurance for the Self-Employed

Finding health insurance for the self-employed can be tricky at best and nearly impossible at worst. So what do you so if you're self-employed and in need of health insurance? Follow the steps in this article to find solutions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Are you eligible for COBRA benefits? If you are leaving a job in which you have health insurance, you may be eligible for COBRA benefits. This keeps you insured while you look for other options. COBRA is temporary and is usually more expensive that what you are currently paying so look to it as a short-term solution.

2. Does your spouse have insurance through an employer? If so, this is probably your best best for having easy access to health insurance. Find out the particulars - coverage offered, cost, when you can enroll -to evaluate this option

3. Look into individual health insurance plans. A health insurance plans that you buy as an individual can be a great solution, particularly if you are young and healthy. You can evaluate some health insurance plans directly, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield. Others are best investigated through a health insurance agent or broker.

4. Consider professional organization. Depending on the line of work in which you are involved, there may be professional organizations that offer health insurance to members of their group. Check with any organizations of which you are a member. Also, talk to colleagues in the same line of work to see if they have any health insurance leads for you. Finally, some organizations for the self-employed have health insurance options. Just be sure to evaluate all policies carefully.

5. As a last resort, consider a state pool. If you find that you are uninsurable due to health conditions, the state you live in probably has a high risk pool of which you can become a member. This should probably be your last resort since, depending on the state, these health insurance coverages are typically bare bones and expensive.

[johnseretecdel]

on 11/15/2009 Great article 5 stars

There are only a few online sites for health insurance that are not scams.I know a site that can offer you 30% discount.That really works.You should try it.

http://www.MyOnlineInsurance.info

[mosscampion]

on 12/8/2008 Health insurance for the self employed can be expensive, so thanks for this useful information!

[TheWriteGuy]

on 12/7/2008 Great article about finding health insurance if you're self employed. This also works right after a layoff. I just signed up with Blue Cross - a life saver and much cheaper than COBRA. Thanks, 5*