How much is health insurance for a 26 year old?

Asked by: Ewald Kassulke  |  Last update: July 16, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (27 votes)

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.

Is $200 a month good for health insurance?

On average, in the United States, health insurance premiums for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan without subsidies are around $477 per month2. For a Silver plan, the average cost is about $621 per month. So, $200 a month is actually quite reasonable compared to these averages.

What insurance should I get as a 26 year old?

If you're 26 years old or older, you are no longer eligible to stay enrolled on your parent's plan, but you have other options for health coverage. Just as you did before age 26, you may be able to get health insurance through an employer-sponsored plan, an individual and family plan, or Medicaid (if you're eligible).

How to get health insurance as a 26 year old student?

What Should I Do When I Turn 26 and Need My Own Health Insurance?
  1. Enroll in Job-Based Coverage. If you are employed, and your employer offers health benefits, you may qualify to enroll in health insurance through your employer. ...
  2. Enroll in a Health Insurance Marketplace Plan. ...
  3. Student Health Plans.

Do I lose my parents' insurance the day 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).

Turning 26 and Getting Health Insurance For the First Time

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Why is 26 the cut-off 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. This rule applies to all plans in the individual market and to all employer plans.

How much should I pay for health insurance at 26?

How much does health insurance cost for a 26-year-old? A Silver health insurance plan through the marketplace costs an average of $468 a month for a 26-year-old. You may qualify for ACA subsidies if you earn between $14,580 and $58,320 a year ($30,000 and $120,000 for a family of four).

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

How many 26 year olds have health insurance?

By 2023, the uninsured rate for 19 to 25-year-olds (13.1 percent) was slightly lower than the rate for 26 to 34-year-olds (14.0 percent) and slightly higher than the rate for 35 to 44-year-olds (12.3 percent). Source: American Community Survey Public Use Microdata (IPUMS), 2009-2023.

Does insurance get cheaper at 26?

On average, auto insurance rates for 25-year-olds are cheaper than rates for younger drivers. Auto insurance premiums tend to decrease as you get older, until about age 75. But your age is just one factor insurers consider when setting rates.

Is turning 26 considered a life event?

However, turning 26 is considered a qualifying life event—which makes you eligible (qualifies you) to buy health insurance during a special enrollment period.

How much of your paycheck should go to health insurance?

In 2025, a job-based health plan is considered "affordable" if your share of the monthly premium in the lowest-cost plan offered by the employer is less than 9.02% of your household income. The lowest-cost plan must also meet the minimum value standard.

Is Blue Cross expensive?

Overall, Blue Cross Blue Shield is more expensive for individual health insurance than its competitors. BCBS has an average monthly rate of $603 for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan. That makes BCBS one of the most expensive options among major health insurance companies.

Who is not eligible for Obamacare?

Must live in the United States. Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses. Cannot be incarcerated in prison or jail.

How does insurance work after 26?

Exploring Insurance Options After Age 26

From ages 26-30, you can qualify for a minimum coverage health plan, commonly known as a catastrophic plan. This subset of insurance plans is one of the most affordable options on the market and generally covers preventive health visits and significant emergency medical bills.

Is Obamacare good?

Proponents of the health care legislation, frequently referred to as Obamacare, have called it a historic political achievement and landmark legislation that reformed the US health care system by lowering health care costs, making health care more affordable, and protecting consumers.

Can I put my 26 year old on my health insurance?

Most states require adults to get their own insurance by age 26. However, eight states allow young adults to apply to stay on their parent's plan beyond age 26. These states are Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wisconsin (as of March 7, 2022).

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.

Is insurance cheaper after 26?

States Where Age Does Not Affect Rates

Although most people in the U.S. will find their prices change according to this timeline, there are a few states in which insurers can't use age to determine your rate. In California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, age won't have a direct effect on how much you pay for car insurance.

Does medical expire when you turn 26?

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).

Why do you lose healthcare at 26?

That's because, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), young adults typically qualify for dependent coverage under a parent's insurance plan until the end of the year they turn 26. In some states, you can stay on a parent's plan past age 26. You have many options when coverage under a parent's plan ends.