Do I lose my parents' health insurance when I turn 26?

Asked by: Prof. Aaliyah Christiansen  |  Last update: August 22, 2025
Score: 5/5 (19 votes)

If you're covered by a parent's job-based plan, your coverage usually ends when you turn 26. But check with the employer or plan. Some states and plans have different rules. If you're on a parent's Marketplace plan, you can remain covered through December 31 of the year you turn 26 (or the age permitted in your state).

Do I lose my parents' insurance on my 26th birthday?

You can stay on your parent's plan until coverage ends December 31, even if you turn 26 mid-year. But be sure to apply for your own Marketplace plan for next year during Open Enrollment (November 1 – January 15 each year). Act by December 15 for coverage to start January 1.

Do I lose my parents insurance the day I turn 26 United Healthcare?

Since 2010, young adults have been able to stay on their parents' health insurance plan until they turn 26. They can even stay on it if they have a job that offers health insurance, are married, are in school or no longer live with their parents.

Why do I get kicked off my parents insurance at 26?

At 26, you are no longer able to remain on your parent's health insurance because you can no longer legally be considered your father's dependent.

Does turning 26 count as a life event for insurance?

Turning 26 is a milestone birthday when it comes to health insurance because you're no longer eligible to stay on your parents' health plan. However, turning 26 is considered a qualifying life event—which makes you eligible (qualifies you) to buy health insurance during a special enrollment period.

Kicked off your parent's health insurance? Here are some tips

22 related questions found

Do I lose my parents insurance the day I turn 26 Aetna?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires plans and issuers that offer coverage to children on their parents plan, to make the coverage available until the adult child reaches the age of 26, even if the young adult child no longer lives with his or her parents, is not a dependent on a parent's tax ...

How much is insurance when you turn 26?

Best health insurance options when you turn 26. In 2024, a Silver health insurance plan costs an average of $468 a month for a 26-year-old paying full price. Young adults have access to the cheapest rates because the cost of health insurance increases with age.

Do I get kicked off my parents' car insurance the day I turn 26?

There is no age limit that prevents you from staying on your parents' car insurance policy as a listed driver, as long as you live at home or if you're a full-time college student. That means you're still covered when you drive your parents' vehicles.

Do I lose my parents insurance the day I turn 26 on Cigna?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurers to allow children to stay on a parent or guardian's plan until the end of the year that they turn 26. This applies to married children as well.

Why does insurance drop at 26?

Car insurance costs will decrease as you age because younger drivers are seen as riskier by insurers given they are inexperienced and statistically more likely to file claims.

Can you stay on your parents insurance after age 26 in Texas?

In most cases, turning 26 means you won't be covered under your parent's health plan anymore.

Do you get kicked off dental insurance at 26?

It is important to note that age 26 is not always the cut-off. Some dental plans will only cover dependents up to age 19. This will vary based on your insurance provider and particular plan.

What happens if you get pregnant while on your parents' insurance?

If you are on your parents' health insurance plan and get pregnant before turning 26, your parents' plan will cover your prenatal care, childbirth/delivery, ultrasound and regular check-ups during your pregnancy.

Do I lose my parents' insurance the day I turn 26 in Illinois?

The new law permits unmarried young adults to remain on or be added to their parents' health insurance plans up to age 26, or up to age 30 for military veterans.

Can I stay on my parents' insurance if I have a full-time job?

Can I stay on my parent's policy? If you are under age 26, yes. Eligibility for health benefits through your own job does not make you ineligible to be covered as a dependent on your parent's policy up to the age of 26.

What happens to my parents insurance when I turn 26?

If you're covered by a parent's job-based plan, your coverage usually ends when you turn 26. But check with the employer or plan. Some states and plans have different rules. If you're on a parent's Marketplace plan, you can remain covered through December 31 of the year you turn 26 (or the age permitted in your state).

Can I get cobra when I turn 26?

To elect COBRA coverage, notify your parents' employer in writing within 60 days of reaching age 26. In turn, your plan should notify you of the right to extend health care benefits under COBRA. You will have 60 days from the date the notice was sent to elect COBRA coverage.

How much is a cobra for a 26 year old?

Cost Of COBRA Continuation For Adult Children

As the parent's employer is no longer subsidizing a portion of the adult child's health insurance, the full monthly premium is the responsibility of the insured. The average is $400 – 700 per month when continuing on COBRA.

Can your parents kick you off health insurance before 26?

Most states allow you to stay on your parents' health plan until you turn 26 years old, though there are a few states that offer extensions under certain circumstances. You can choose to get your own health insurance before you turn 26, or your parent might remove you from their plan before then.

Can a 26 year old be on parents car insurance?

Can a 26-year-old be on their parents' car insurance? Car insurance has no age limit, meaning you can stay on your parents' policy indefinitely. As long as their home is your permanent residence, you can remain a listed driver on their policy.

Can I stay on my parents insurance after 26 Florida?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act permits married or unmarried dependent children to be covered under the health plans to the age of 26. An unmarried dependent child may be covered for health beyond age 26 to age 30, if the criteria established by Florida Statute are satisfied (see following Q & A).

What is the age 26 rule for insurance?

The Affordable Care Act requires plans and issuers that offer dependent child coverage to make the coverage available until a child reaches the age of 26. Both married and unmarried children qualify for this coverage.

What is special about turning 26?

Of all the milestone birthdays in life, you may not think much about turning 26 … but you should. At age 26, you will more than likely need to go off your parents' health insurance plan. Turning 26 is a qualifying life event that impacts your eligibility to enroll in a health plan.

How long after you turn 26 can you stay on your parents insurance with Cigna?

If you've turned 26,1 you're no longer covered by your parents' plan. So it's time to choose the plan that's right for you. Wondering where to start?