Self-employed individuals often face unique challenges in finding affordable, comprehensive health insurance. Fortunately, there are several providers and plans designed to meet the needs of freelancers, contractors, and small business owners. Here’s a look at some of the best health insurance providers for self-employed individuals in 2024, offering a range of options based on budget, coverage needs, and flexibility.
1. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a nationwide provider with a strong reputation for offering extensive coverage options and a large network of providers.
- Why It’s Great for Self-Employed: BCBS offers a variety of plan options, including high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) that work well with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which are ideal for self-employed individuals looking to save on taxes and manage medical expenses.
- Plan Types: HMOs, PPOs, and EPOs, as well as catastrophic plans in certain states.
- Coverage Area: BCBS has a broad provider network and offers plans in all 50 states through regional affiliates, making it easy to find in-network providers.
- Tip: Look into Blue Cross Blue Shield’s marketplace options if you’re purchasing through the ACA Marketplace, as they often offer subsidies to lower-income individuals and families.
2. UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare offers a wide range of individual health insurance options, with a large provider network and flexible coverage options that cater well to self-employed individuals.
- Why It’s Great for Self-Employed: UnitedHealthcare’s options include both short-term and more comprehensive health plans, along with access to telehealth services and wellness programs that cater to busy freelancers and small business owners.
- Plan Types: PPOs, HMOs, EPOs, and high-deductible plans compatible with HSAs.
- Coverage Area: Available in most states, with one of the largest provider networks in the U.S.
- Tip: UnitedHealthcare’s short-term insurance options can be a good choice if you’re between long-term plans or want a more affordable monthly premium.
3. Cigna
Cigna is known for its comprehensive health plans that offer broad coverage and access to wellness programs. Cigna’s plans are particularly well-suited for those seeking preventive care and telehealth services.
- Why It’s Great for Self-Employed: Cigna offers both on-exchange and off-exchange plans with various coverage levels, including bronze, silver, and gold options that provide flexibility depending on budget and healthcare needs.
- Plan Types: PPOs, EPOs, and HMO plans, as well as options with HSAs.
- Coverage Area: Available in select states, but with a large network of providers in areas where they operate.
- Tip: Cigna offers perks like gym discounts, mental health resources, and telehealth options, which can benefit self-employed individuals looking for convenient healthcare options.
4. Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is unique in that it combines insurance with its own network of doctors and hospitals, making it an excellent choice for self-employed individuals looking for a simplified, integrated approach to healthcare.
- Why It’s Great for Self-Employed: Kaiser’s integrated care model provides comprehensive coverage with fixed costs, which helps with budgeting for healthcare expenses. The focus on preventive care and a streamlined network can also save time for busy self-employed individuals.
- Plan Types: Primarily HMO plans, which keep costs predictable and require using Kaiser facilities and providers.
- Coverage Area: Limited to select states, including California, Washington, Colorado, and a few others.
- Tip: If you live in a state where Kaiser operates, it’s worth considering due to its emphasis on coordinated care and comprehensive services, especially for those who prioritize preventive care.
5. Oscar Health
Oscar Health is a newer provider that has gained popularity for its user-friendly digital platform, easy-to-use mobile app, and access to virtual healthcare services, making it an attractive option for tech-savvy self-employed individuals.
- Why It’s Great for Self-Employed: Oscar Health offers telemedicine options at no cost and a simplified digital experience. It’s great for individuals looking for straightforward insurance with easy access to virtual care.
- Plan Types: EPO plans with varying levels (bronze, silver, gold, platinum), some of which are compatible with HSAs.
- Coverage Area: Limited to certain states, including New York, Texas, Florida, and California.
- Tip: Oscar’s app provides around-the-clock access to doctors via telemedicine, which can save time and money, making it ideal for freelancers and remote workers.
6. Aetna
Aetna is a reliable and established health insurance provider that offers individual health plans, including some that are designed for self-employed individuals through the Marketplace.
- Why It’s Great for Self-Employed: Aetna has a variety of plans that provide access to a wide network and affordable prescription drug coverage, which is helpful for self-employed individuals who may need ongoing prescriptions.
- Plan Types: PPOs, EPOs, and HDHPs for those looking to pair with an HSA.
- Coverage Area: Aetna has a vast network across most states, but individual plans are available in limited states.
- Tip: Aetna’s additional benefits, like wellness programs, mental health support, and discounts for fitness, can be advantageous for self-employed individuals aiming to prioritize wellness.
7. Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare specializes in offering affordable health plans on the ACA Marketplace, making it a great choice for those eligible for subsidies or with limited budgets.
- Why It’s Great for Self-Employed: Molina is known for affordable plans that focus on preventive care and essential health benefits, helping self-employed individuals access comprehensive healthcare without high costs.
- Plan Types: Primarily HMO plans available at bronze, silver, and gold levels.
- Coverage Area: Molina is available in select states, primarily in regions with high ACA Marketplace participation.
- Tip: Molina is ideal for those who qualify for subsidies, as their Marketplace plans are competitively priced and can lower out-of-pocket expenses significantly.
8. Health Care Sharing Ministries
Though not traditional insurance, health care sharing ministries can provide coverage for self-employed individuals seeking a low-cost alternative to health insurance. These plans operate as cost-sharing programs, where members pay into a community fund that covers healthcare expenses for other members.
- Why It’s Great for Self-Employed: Health care sharing ministries often have lower monthly contributions than traditional health insurance plans, making them a cost-effective option for healthy individuals.
- Coverage Type: Not insurance; instead, members contribute monthly and request funds for qualifying medical expenses.
- Notable Providers: Medi-Share, Liberty HealthShare, and Christian Healthcare Ministries.
- Tip: Health care sharing ministries are ideal if you’re comfortable with limited coverage, as they may not cover all services or pre-existing conditions.
9. Humana (for Supplemental Insurance)
While Humana doesn’t currently offer ACA-compliant individual health insurance plans, they do provide valuable supplemental insurance options for self-employed individuals, such as dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
- Why It’s Great for Self-Employed: If you already have a primary health plan, Humana’s supplemental insurance can fill coverage gaps for dental and vision, which are often not included in basic health insurance plans.
- Coverage Options: Dental, vision, prescription, and Medicare Supplement insurance.
- Coverage Area: Nationwide for supplemental plans.
- Tip: Pairing supplemental coverage from Humana with a basic health plan can provide a more comprehensive package without the high cost of full coverage insurance.
10. HealthMarkets (Comparison Marketplace)
HealthMarkets is an online health insurance comparison tool that helps self-employed individuals compare multiple insurance providers at once, simplifying the search for affordable coverage.
- Why It’s Great for Self-Employed: HealthMarkets allows you to see plans from various insurers and compare costs, deductibles, and benefits side-by-side. It’s particularly useful for finding ACA-compliant plans or short-term insurance options tailored to individual needs.
- Coverage Types: Marketplace plans, short-term health insurance, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options.
- Coverage Area: Nationwide, offering plans from various insurers in every state.
- Tip: Use HealthMarkets if you’re new to the Marketplace or want to compare options without contacting individual insurers directly.
Conclusion
Finding the best health insurance as a self-employed individual requires balancing cost with coverage, flexibility, and access to providers. Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare offer robust options with broad networks, while Kaiser Permanente and Oscar Health provide more focused plans with unique features like telehealth. Health care sharing ministries may appeal to those looking for budget-friendly alternatives, and comparison tools like HealthMarkets can simplify the selection process. Evaluate each option based on your budget, health needs, and location to choose a plan that protects your health and finances as you navigate self-employment.