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For Floridians under 30 and others who qualify · Licensed in 30+ U.S. states

Catastrophic
health insurance
in Florida.

A catastrophic plan is an ACA plan with a very high deductible. Premiums vary by plan. It is built for the worst-case year, and not everyone can buy one.

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Built for big bills

Big deductible.
Real protection.

A catastrophic plan is still an ACA plan, with the same core protections. Three things young Floridians ask us first:

What does it pay before the deductible?

Covered preventive care at no cost to you, plus at least three primary care visits a year. For most other care, you pay until you reach the deductible.

How high is the deductible?

Under current rules, it equals the ACA's yearly out-of-pocket limit. For 2027, that limit is $12,000 for one person.

Can I use a tax credit on it?

No. Federal tax law leaves catastrophic plans out of the premium tax credit. If you qualify for a credit, a bronze or silver plan may cost you less.

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Who can buy one

Who can buy a catastrophic plan.

Federal rules limit these plans to two groups of people.

People who are under 30 on the first day of the plan year.
People 30 and older who get an approved hardship or affordability exemption.
On a family plan, every person covered has to qualify on their own.
A newer rule would have let more people qualify for a hardship exemption based on their projected income. As of October 17, 2026, a federal court has paused that rule while a lawsuit continues, so it is not in effect. We check the rules in force when you enroll.

Across a plan year

How a catastrophic plan works across a year.

Routine care

Covered preventive care costs you nothing, and at least three primary care visits are covered before the deductible. Check your plan for any copay.

A big claim

Once you reach the deductible, which is also your out-of-pocket limit, the plan pays for covered in-network care for the rest of the plan year.

HSA option

Starting in 2026, IRS rules treat catastrophic plans available through the Marketplace as HSA-eligible. Other HSA rules still apply, so check with your tax pro.

Catastrophic plans in Florida

Few Floridians
pick catastrophic.

3,437

Floridians picked a catastrophic plan for 2026.

Under 0.1%

of the 4,538,772 Marketplace plan selections in Florida.

1,677,199

Floridians picked a bronze plan, the lowest metal level.

Source: CMS 2026 Marketplace Open Enrollment public use files (Florida, plan selections from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026). The under 0.1% is our math: 3,437 of 4,538,772, or 0.08%. Counts, not a recommendation.

Paul DanielsLicensed health advisor · NPN 20986580

Working with Paul

Straight answers on
catastrophic plans.

Paul Daniels owns Daniels Health Advisors, an independent brokerage licensed in 30+ U.S. states. Young Floridians, students, and people just starting out call us when they want the smallest premium and aren't sure what they give up. We check whether you qualify, price a catastrophic plan next to bronze and silver after any tax credit, and help you enroll. If another ACA plan doesn't suit you, we can also show private PPO options. Some private plans ask health questions, and approval is not guaranteed. Some may not cover care for health problems you had before you enrolled.

Coming off a parent's plan? Our turning 26 guide walks through your choices.

Worst-case math, done with you
Licensed in 30+ U.S. states · Paul Daniels, NPN 20986580 · FL license G065122
You do not pay us for our help. We are paid by the insurance companies when you enroll. Your price for a plan is the same whether you use us or sign up on your own. Commissions can differ by company.

Your first call

Choosing catastrophic in three steps.

Tell us your age and income

Birth dates, zip code, and a careful estimate of next year's income.

We compare three options

Catastrophic, bronze, and silver, each priced after any tax credit.

Enroll in the right window

Pick your plan during open enrollment or a special enrollment period.

Book a 15-minute call

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What people say
about working with us.

“I’ve know Paul for years and definitely trust him in the health advisor dept! Working with small business owners he has been a great partner with explain options and provide solutions!”

Sandra D.
Facebook recommendation

“Paul was very helpful in my search for business group insurance. He was able to explain my options and answer all the questions I had before signing up. Highly recommend working with him!”

Adil J.
Facebook recommendation

Before you choose catastrophic

Plan for the
bad year too.

A catastrophic plan keeps the monthly bill down, but a single hospital stay could leave you owing up to the full deductible. Make sure you could cover that, or set money aside in an HSA if you are eligible. You will leave with:

A clear yes or no on whether you qualify
Catastrophic, bronze, and silver priced side by side
Your worst-case yearly cost for each one
Doctors and prescriptions checked in each network

A checklist for

Deciding if catastrophic fits.

Check how old you will be on January 1 of the plan year.
Estimate next year's household income for a tax credit check.
List the care you expect to use, including prescriptions.
Decide what you could pay if you hit the deductible.

Catastrophic plan questions

Catastrophic plan FAQ.

What is catastrophic health insurance?

It is an ACA plan with a very high deductible, sold to people under 30 and to some people with an approved exemption. It covers preventive care and at least three primary care visits a year before the deductible.

Who qualifies for a catastrophic plan in Florida?

People who are under 30 on the first day of the plan year qualify. If you are 30 or older, you usually need an approved exemption. It can be for hardship or because other plans cost too much for you. On a family plan, everyone covered must qualify.

Can I get a tax credit with a catastrophic plan?

No. The premium tax credit can't be used on a catastrophic plan. If you qualify for a credit, compare bronze and silver plans, which may cost less after the credit.

Does a catastrophic plan cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes. Like other ACA plans, it can't turn you down or refuse to cover care for a condition you already have. You still need to enroll during open enrollment or a special enrollment period.

What happens when I turn 30?

Eligibility is based on your age on the first day of the plan year. If you turn 30 during the year, you can generally keep the plan until that plan year ends. After that, you need an exemption or a different plan.

Do I have to wait for open enrollment?

For a private plan (not from the Marketplace), you can often apply any time of year. Some private plans ask health questions, and approval is not guaranteed. Some may not cover care for health problems you had before you enrolled. Marketplace plans, and other plans that follow ACA rules, work differently. As of October 17, 2026, under current law, open enrollment for 2027 plans runs from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027. A court case about these dates is still on appeal, so confirm the dates before you enroll. To start coverage January 1, pick a plan by December 15 (the deadline under current law). Outside those dates, you may need a special enrollment period. Losing job-based coverage is one example.

See if catastrophic
is right for you.

Book a free 15-minute call or start a quote online.

Book a 15-minute call Get a quote online

By Paul Daniels, licensed insurance agent (NPN 20986580).

Disclaimer

Daniels Health Advisors LLC is an independent brokerage, not a carrier, HealthCare.gov, or CMS. Agent: Paul Daniels, NPN 20986580, Florida license G065122. This page is about personal and family health insurance. It is not business liability or workers' comp insurance. We are not part of any union or trade group. Job and pay numbers are from public government data and describe groups of workers, not you. Tax credits, plans, networks, and prices depend on your state, zip code, income, and household. We never guarantee approval, a doctor, or a price. Not medical, legal, or tax advice.

Catastrophichealth insurancein Florida.

Big deductible.Real protection.