What happens to my health insurance when I quit?

Asked by: Tressa Kohler MD  |  Last update: April 22, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (27 votes)

Most employees lose their employer-sponsored health coverage either on their last day of work or at the end of the month during which they stop working. You'll likely have access to COBRA—temporary coverage that lets you continue your health plan—after leaving a job, but you'll have to pay the full cost of premiums.

Does your health insurance end the day you quit?

When you leave or are let go from a job, your health insurance either expires on your last day of work or at the end of the month of your exit, says Andy Gillin, attorney and managing partner at GJEL Accident Attorneys. For example, if you quit on July 15th, your coverage usually continues until July 31st.

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.

Can I keep my insurance if I quit my job?

One of the first health insurance programs to take a look at when thinking about quitting your job is the Consolidated Budget Omnibus Reconciliation Act, or COBRA. COBRA allows you or your family to remain on the same plan that was provided to you by your employer, even after leaving your job.

What happens to insurance when you get laid off?

No, your insurance doesn't cut off the moment you lose your job, or even at the end of your severance. Depending on some timing, you generally have about 30 days from the last time your employer paid out your regular premium. If this headline's timing is right, she'll still have insurance at the time of birth.

Health Insurance Claim Process | Cashless Claim or Reimbursement Claim ? | Health Insurance 2022 🏥

45 related questions found

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.

Am I eligible for a 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.

Is quitting a job considered a life-changing event?

Is losing or getting a new job a qualifying life event? Yes, if you lose your employer-sponsored health care, you're eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. There's no distinction between leaving your place of employment willingly, like in the case of resignation, or unwillingly, like with a layoff or firing.

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.

What happens to my benefits if I quit my job?

Some benefits may continue longer than others when an employee quits. Although medical, dental and vision insurance coverage typically either ends on the day the employee quits or continues through the last day of the month, benefits such as life insurance may continue through the end of the year or even indefinitely.

How expensive is COBRA?

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

What is the best health insurance for unemployed people?

The best health insurance for unemployed individuals depends on your specific needs and financial situation. Medicaid offers health coverage for those with little to no income. For others, the Health Insurance Marketplace may provide affordable plans, especially for those eligible for financial help to lower costs.

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.

Do you lose health benefits when you quit?

Most employees lose their employer-sponsored health coverage either on their last day of work or at the end of the month during which they stop working. You'll likely have access to COBRA—temporary coverage that lets you continue your health plan—after leaving a job, but you'll have to pay the full cost of premiums.

How long is your insurance valid after you quit?

1. COBRA. This federal law allows you to extend your insurance up to 18 months (or longer in some states and under certain conditions) after quitting. COBRA can be expensive, because you have to pay your employer's portion of your premium in addition to what you were already paying.

How to keep health insurance after quitting a job?

You may be able to keep your job-based health plan through COBRA continuation coverage. 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.

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.

Is COBRA cheaper than Obamacare?

COBRA costs an average of $599 per month. An Obamacare plan of similar quality costs $462 per month—but with the government subsidies available, the average cost of an Obamacare plan on HealthSherpa is less than $10 per month. But ultimately, it depends on your situation.

When you resign from a job, what happens to your insurance?

How long after quitting a job do you lose benefits? Although there is no set policy that is followed by all employers, most will end your benefits on the day you stop working or at the end of the month in which you leave your job. If you're able to, it's best to change jobs at the beginning of the month.

Do employers get upset when you quit?

Think Rationally

Leaving a job can be an emotional experience for you and your boss. When you tell your supervisor you're quitting, you are essentially stating that you are firing him as your boss. He may feel shocked, angry, or defensive. He may have to answer to a superior about why you decided to leave.

Can I add my spouse to my health insurance if they quit their job?

For example, if your spouse is laid off from a job and loses their employer-sponsored health plan, you can add them to your plan during a SEP. Other qualifying life events include: Changes in income that effect the type of coverage you qualify for.

Does COBRA kick in immediately?

An employee eligible for COBRA insurance must opt for it within 60 days of their employer-sponsored insurance termination date. The coverage starts the day the previous coverage ends.

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.

Can I get Obamacare if I have no income?

There is no income limit. To be eligible to enroll in health coverage through the Marketplace, you: Must live in the United States. Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present).