Is health insurance mandatory in New York?

Asked by: Jenifer Wilderman DVM  |  Last update: January 26, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (47 votes)

Individuals. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires almost every individual and each of his or her dependents to have health insurance coverage. If they do not have health insurance, they must claim an exemption or pay a tax penalty on his or her federal income taxes the following year.

Is there a penalty for not having health insurance in New York State?

The individual mandate penalty will not be in effect in 2019. Starting in 2019 there will no longer be a financial penalty for not having health insurance. However, there are still numerous financial and health related reasons to consider signing up for a low-cost-health insurance plan.

Is it illegal to not have insurance in New York?

You must have New York State-issued automobile liability insurance coverage to register a vehicle in New York State. If you do not maintain coverage, DMV can suspend your vehicle registration and your driver license. The DMV does not provide information about the rates or premiums for New York automobile insurance.

Can I go to the hospital without insurance in NYC?

NYC Health + Hospitals is dedicated to providing the highest quality health care services to all New Yorkers with compassion, dignity and respect, and regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay.

What insurance is mandatory in NY?

NY State Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage Minimum Requirements. New York state law requires that you carry Bodily Injury Liability limits of at least $25,000 per-person and $50,000 per-accident. The Property Damage liability limit is required to cover at least $10,000.

NY State of Health – Health Insurance. It’s What Adults Do.

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Is it a law to have health insurance in New York?

Individuals. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires almost every individual and each of his or her dependents to have health insurance coverage. If they do not have health insurance, they must claim an exemption or pay a tax penalty on his or her federal income taxes the following year.

How long can you go without insurance in New York?

About Insurance Lapses

If the registration suspension period is more than 90 days, you must surrender your vehicle registration and plates. The DMV will also suspend your driver license. Your driver license will be suspended for the same number of days as your registration suspension.

What happens if a tourist gets sick in the USA without insurance?

If a tourist gets sick in the USA without insurance, they are responsible for covering all medical expenses out of pocket. Healthcare in the USA is expensive, and even basic treatments or emergency services can result in significant bills.

Is health care Free in New York?

NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services offered by NYC Health + Hospitals to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance based on federal guidelines.

Which state does not require health insurance?

New Jersey, California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia require their residents to have health insurance coverage or face penalties. Vermont recommends that residents have coverage, but there's no noncompliance penalty.

How much is health insurance a month for a single person in New York?

Health insurance in New York costs an average of $1,038 per month, but you could pay $247 per month after discounts. Platinum and Gold plans have expensive monthly rates, but you pay less when you visit the doctor or get a prescription filled.

Can you go to jail for no insurance in New York?

The state may fine you up to $1,500, suspend your driving privileges, charge an additional fee of $750 to restore a revoked license, impound your vehicle or even require you to serve jail time.

Are you still fined for no health insurance?

The effect went into place on January 1, 2019, meaning that those who were uninsured in 2019 no longer had to pay tax penalties, but those who were uninsured in 2018 still had to pay the fine. Looking for ACA compliant coverage?

What is the maximum income to qualify for free health care in NY?

How do you qualify for the NY Essential Plan? If you're 19 to 64 years old and earn between $20,783 and $37,650 annually, or if your family meets the 2025 essential plan income eligibility, check the Eligibility Chart to see if you qualify.

Does NY State of Health automatically renew?

Changes are coming to health insurance. GetCoveredNYC is here to make the transition easy! Since 2020, Medicaid, Essential Plan, and Child Health Plus health insurance plans have been automatically renewed. Now, these automatic renewals have ended.

What happens if I don't have health insurance in NY?

The Uninsured Care Programs provide access to free health care (Drugs, Outpatient Primary Care, Home Care, Insurance Premium Payments, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection) for New York State residents who are uninsured or underinsured.

How much is a hospital bill without insurance?

The average per-day hospital cost in the U.S. is $2,883, with California ($4,181) the most expensive, and Mississippi ($1,305) the least. The average hospital stay is 4.6 days, at an average cost of $13,262. If surgery is involved, hospital costs soar through the roof.

What is the penalty for not having health insurance in New York in 2024?

If you had no health coverage

If you didn't have coverage during 2024, the fee no longer applies. This means you don't need an exemption in order to avoid the penalty.

What happens if a Canadian gets sick in the USA?

US health care services are for profit. There is no universal health care system in the US. Foreigners who get sick while visiting US must pay for their health care services provided by the US doctors and the hospitals. US Medicare will not cover health care services to the foreigners.

Can I stay in US without health insurance?

The United States government does not require most expatriates or even US citizens to obtain health insurance in America.

Do I need health insurance to travel to USA from Canada?

If you plan to travel outside Canada—even for a day in the United States—you should buy trip interruption and travel health insurance before you leave.

How long can you stay in New York without being a resident?

You are a New York City resident if: your domicile is New York City; or. you have a permanent place of abode there and you spend 184 days or more in the city.

Is insurance required in New York?

Driving without insurance in New York can lead to significant penalties. If caught, you may face fines and potential license suspension. These penalties are in place to ensure that all drivers have the necessary insurance coverage to protect themselves and others on the road.

Is it illegal to not have insurance in NYC?

New York state law requires all drivers to have a 25/50/10 policy. This means that each driver must have the following minimum coverage: $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability. $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability.