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For people in their 20s buying a first plan · Licensed in 20 U.S. states

Health insurance
for young adults.

Maybe you just moved out, started a job that has no benefits yet, or stopped being claimed on a parent's taxes. Here is how to pick a first plan of your own without overpaying.

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Out on your own

Your first plan.
Your own name on it.

The age-26 deadline gets its own walkthrough in our turning 26 guide. This page covers the other ways people in their 20s end up shopping alone. Three we see often:

A new job that makes you wait.

A job-based group plan can make new hires wait before coverage starts, but federal rules say the wait can't run longer than 90 days. If nothing covers you in between, plan for that stretch before day one.

A job with no health benefits.

Not every employer offers a plan, and employers aren't required to cover part-time workers. With no job-based offer, you can apply through the Marketplace and may get a tax credit that lowers your monthly premium.

Still on a parent's tax return.

If a parent claims you as a tax dependent, you can still buy a Marketplace plan, but you won't get savings based on your own income. Once no one claims you, you apply as your own household.

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Applying on your own

Your income, not your parents'.

The Marketplace bases tax credits on your household income for the year you are covered.

Once no one claims you as a dependent, the income you expect this year, not your parents' income, sets your savings.
Count wages, tips, and profit from any side work. A first paycheck times 12 can miss raises, overtime, or a slow season.
A modest first-year income may mean a bigger tax credit, within the income limits. A very low income may point to Medicaid, depending on your state.
Got a raise or picked up a second job? Update your application so your advance credit keeps pace.

Young adults in numbers

Adults 19 to 25 have the highest
uninsured rate of working-age adults.

14.5%

Of U.S. adults ages 19 to 25 had no health insurance in 2025, the highest rate of any working-age group.

13.3%

Of U.S. adults ages 26 to 34 had no health insurance in 2025.

8.6%

Of U.S. adults ages 45 to 64 were uninsured, the lowest rate among working-age adults.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2025 (P60-291), released September 15, 2026. Uninsured means no coverage at any time during calendar year 2025. U.S. figures only.

Paul DanielsLicensed health advisor · NPN 20986580

Working with Paul

A broker for your
first plan.

Daniels Health Advisors is the independent brokerage Paul Daniels founded, licensed in 20 U.S. states. We help young adults who just moved out, started a job without benefits, or are weighing a catastrophic plan against a bronze plan. Marketplace plans are usually where we start, since a starter income may qualify you for a tax credit. If a credit looks unlikely, we can also go over 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.

First plans come with new words. We explain the deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum, and the network in plain terms before you pick.

Short calls that fit around a work shift
Licensed in 20 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

Young adult coverage in three steps.

Tell us what changed

Moved out, new job, or no longer a dependent, plus the date any coverage you have now ends.

We estimate your income

Pay, tips, and side work you expect this year become one number for the application.

Compare starter plans

Catastrophic, bronze, and silver options side by side, with your doctors and prescriptions checked.

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

Pick a deductible
you could really pay.

A low premium can come with a deductible in the thousands. Catastrophic plans have low premiums and very high deductibles, and HealthCare.gov notes that if you qualify for a premium tax credit, a bronze or silver plan may be a better value. If you take advance credits and end up earning more than you estimated, you may owe some back when you file. Under current law, starting with 2026 taxes, there is no cap on that payback. You will leave our call with:

An income estimate for your first year on your own
A side-by-side of catastrophic, bronze, and silver costs
Network results for your doctor, clinic, or urgent care
A start date for coverage that avoids a gap

A checklist for

Young adults buying a first plan.

Find out whether anyone plans to claim you as a dependent this year.
Ask a new employer how long you wait before job coverage starts.
Write down the date your current coverage ends. Losing coverage can open a special enrollment period.
Under 30? Read about catastrophic plans in Florida and compare one with bronze before you choose.

Young adult questions

Young adult health insurance FAQ.

Is there a special health plan for young adults?

Not exactly. Young adults shop the same individual plans as everyone else. The one plan type tied to age is the catastrophic plan, open to people under 30. People 30 and older need a hardship or affordability exemption to buy one.

What does a catastrophic plan cover?

It covers the same 10 essential health benefits as other Marketplace plans, plus certain preventive services at no cost and at least 3 primary care visits per year before you meet the deductible. Premiums are low, but the deductible is very high, and catastrophic plans might not be available in all areas.

Is a catastrophic plan always the cheapest choice?

Not always. HealthCare.gov says that if you qualify for a premium tax credit or extra savings, a bronze or silver plan may be a better value. Compare the price after any credit, not just the sticker price.

My new job makes me wait for coverage. What can I do?

Federal rules cap the wait for job-based group coverage at 90 days. If you are losing other coverage, such as a parent's plan, that loss can open a special enrollment period for a Marketplace plan. A private plan can often be bought any time of year, though it may ask health questions.

Can I stay on a parent's plan if I have a job?

In most cases, yes, until age 26, even if you are married, don't live at home, aren't a tax dependent, or turn down your own job's plan. Some states have different rules. Our turning 26 guide covers what to do when that ends.

Do I have to wait for open enrollment?

Not for every plan. A private plan (not from the Marketplace) can often be bought 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 23, 2026, under current law, open enrollment for 2027 plans on HealthCare.gov runs from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027. To start coverage January 1, pick a plan by December 15. States that run their own Marketplace may set different dates, so check with your state's Marketplace. A federal appeal about these rules is pending (City of Columbus v. Kennedy, 4th Cir. No. 26-1938), with oral argument set for October 30, 2026, so confirm the dates before you enroll. Outside open enrollment, you need a special enrollment period, such as one after losing job-based coverage.

Your first plan,
picked with care.

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 health insurance for young adults. It is not tax or legal advice. Coverage figures are from public government data and describe groups, 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.

Health insurancefor young adults.

Your first plan.Your own name on it.