How long does health insurance last after quitting a job?

Asked by: Wendy Goldner  |  Last update: June 21, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (33 votes)

The COBRA coverage lasts for 18 to 36 months—the exact amount of time varies depending on specific circumstances and the state you live in. According to the Department of Labor, you have 60 days to enroll in COBRA once your employer-sponsored health insurance ends.

Does your health insurance end the day you quit?

When Does Health Insurance Expire After Leaving a Job? Although there are no set requirements, most employer-sponsored health insurance ends on the day you stop working or at the end of the month in which you work your last day.

How long does my insurance cover me after I quit?

In most cases, your health insurance coverage will end on the last day of the month in which you quit your job. However, this is not a hard and fast rule and can vary depending on the terms of your specific health insurance plan.

Is insurance good for 30 days after quitting a job?

If you have an employment-based insurance plan, coverage typically ends on your last day of work or the last day of the month in which you leave your job. You may be able to continue receiving coverage through your employer's health plan with COBRA for 18 months or longer, but this option is often costly.

When you quit a job, do you lose benefits immediately?

It depends on your employer's policy, but they can't cut you off any sooner than the day you quit. So in theory, if you had medical stuff done on Monday and then also quit later in the day on Monday, your bills would still be covered.

How Long Does Federal Health Insurance Last After Quitting

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How do I keep my benefits after leaving my job?

COBRA. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, lets you continue with your former employer's group coverage if you leave a job, are laid off, or get fired—so long as there was no gross misconduct. You're also eligible for COBRA if your hours are reduced below the threshold for benefits.

Is COBRA coverage worth it?

If you're close to meeting your deductible on your current insurance plan and you have high health care costs, it may be worth it to temporarily stay on your COBRA plan,” explains Donovan. The same holds true if you're far into your employer plan's year and have already met your deductible.

How long does health insurance last after being laid off?

If you've been laid off, you probably have less than a month until your employer-sponsored health plan expires. You'll get the option to continue your employer-sponsored coverage via COBRA, but it's often expensive.

How expensive is cobra insurance?

The average monthly cost of COBRA Insurance premiums ranges from $400 to $700 per individual.

Do I get COBRA if I quit?

Whether you quit, get fired or are laid off, you may be able to choose your former employer's health plan under a federal law called COBRA. That stands for Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act. It's available if: You were enrolled in an employer-sponsored medical, dental or vision plan.

How to qualify for COBRA?

You must meet three basic requirements to be entitled to elect COBRA continuation coverage: Your group health plan must be covered by COBRA; • A qualifying event must occur; and • You must be a qualified beneficiary for that event.

Can you cancel your health insurance through your employer at any time?

You generally can't cancel your policy anytime if you have group health insurance through your employer. To cancel your employer's healthcare plan outside your company's open enrollment period, you must experience a QLE. This will trigger a SEP. If you have COBRA, you can cancel at any time.

How long is your insurance valid after you quit?

COBRA lets you keep your existing health insurance for up to 18 months for most people after you leave your job. You can qualify for COBRA regardless of whether you quit, were laid off or fired.

Does health insurance end the day you quit United Healthcare?

Your core health benefits (medical, dental and vision) end on the last day of the month your employment ends. All other benefits end on your last day of employment.

Does COBRA coverage begin immediately?

Assuming one pays all required premiums, COBRA coverage starts on the date of the qualifying event, and the length of the period of COBRA coverage will depend on the type of qualifying event which caused the qualified beneficiary to lose group health plan coverage.

Which is cheaper, COBRA or Obamacare?

Typically ACA insurance is more affordable than COBRA insurance because you can be eligible for federal ACA subsidies, depending on your income.

What are the disadvantages of cobra insurance?

COBRA coverage is not cheap. Why? Because you're now responsible for paying your portion of your health insurance: The cost your employer contributed to your premium, in addition to the 2% service fee on the cost of your insurance.

How long can I keep my health insurance after I quit my job?

COBRA coverage lets you pay to stay on your job-based health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months). You usually pay the full premium yourself, plus a small administrative fee. Contact your employer to learn about your COBRA options.

What happens to benefits when you get laid off?

If you are laid off, your employer benefits like health insurance are also terminated. However, a federal program known as COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) allows you to keep your group plan for up to 3 years after your employment ends.

How much does COBRA cost?

The cost of your COBRA coverage is equal to the total cost of the premium under your group health plan. That means it includes the premium you already were paying as an employee—plus what your employer was paying on your behalf. In addition, your plan may charge you a 2% administration fee.

Who is not eligible for COBRA?

Why would an employee not qualify to enroll in Cal-COBRA? The employee is enrolled in or eligible for Medicare. The employee does not enroll within 60 days of receiving the notice of eligibility from the employer. The employee is covered by another health plan.

What is the 60 day COBRA loophole?

You have 60 days to enroll in COBRA once your employer-sponsored benefits end. Even if your enrollment is delayed, you will be covered by COBRA starting the day your prior coverage ended.

Am I eligible for a COBRA if I quit?

Yes, You Can Get COBRA Insurance After You Quit Your Job

To be eligible for COBRA, you need to have been a covered employee and must have had insurance coverage at the time of your employment termination.