Turning 26 soon and aging out of your parents’ health coverage? It can be a little overwhelming when you’re not sure what comes next, but there are plenty of options young adults can investigate – from student health insurance and marketplace plans to employer-sponsored options and private health coverage.

Let’s break it down piece by piece to help ease the transition off your parents’ health plan so you can understand the different options that might work for you.

How long can you stay on your parents’ health insurance plan?

For most young adults in the U.S., the cutoff age for staying on a parent’s health insurance plan is 26 per the Affordable Care Act. Before your 26th birthday, you can be covered by either or both parents’ employer-sponsored or marketplace plans – and you don’t have to be classified as a dependent on your parents’ taxes to do so. You can stay on your family’s plan even if you:

  • Live separately from your parents
  • Are married
  • Have a child
  • Are currently in school
  • Have access to other forms of health coverage

Turning 26 and health insurance grace periods

When exactly do you lose access to your parents’ health insurance coverage? Specific details depend on the rules of your parents’ plan, and the type of insurance they have.

For most young adults, coverage ends the month they turn 26. With employer-sponsored health insurance plans, though, coverage usually ends on their 26th birthday. And some marketplace plans may let you stay on for the full year that you turn 26. Make sure to check your parents’ plan details well before your 26th birthday so you know what to expect.

Some states offer extensions that allow you to stay on your parents’ plan after you turn 26, but you need to meet specific criteria. Check your state’s government website to see if it offers extensions and how you might qualify.

Health insurance is worth it for young adults

Having health insurance is a critical tool for taking care of yourself both now and in the future. Managing your health and wellness needs is a lifelong journey, and the earlier you start, the better. Having the right coverage means you’re taken care of – both for any issues or emergencies that may crop up (like illness and injury) and for preventing future concerns.

And you don’t have to break the bank. If you’re a student, you can consider student health plans offered through your college or university. You can also check out your state or federal health insurance marketplace or look into employer-sponsored coverage.

Some of the best private health insurance plans for young adults

Another option for health insurance is private health coverage, offered by insurers who offer a host of coverage and benefit options – some at a low cost. It’s important to shop around with budget and coverage needs in mind.

Check out a high-deductible plan

If you’re looking for a plan with lower monthly payments, consider a high-deductible plan. These plans offer coverage with lower premiums, though you can end up paying more out of pocket when you get care. But they’re a good choice for cost-conscious young people who don’t have many pre-existing conditions – this way you can go to routine doctor visits, and you’re covered in case of emergency.

And even when you’re paying out of pocket with a high-deductible plan, you’d still pay less than you would with no insurance, since most health plans offer negotiated discounts.

Consider your prescriptions and other benefits

Many private insurers offer budget-friendly plans with low-cost prescription coverage. This means you may be able to get prescription medicines and birth control covered at 100% or for a very low copay.

Also, some private plans, like those offered by HealthPartners, even offer additional benefits and perks like gym discounts, no-cost access to digital health tools, travel benefits and more.

Affordable health insurance for those with limited income

Young adults from low-income households or who are unemployed may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid – a federal and state assistance program that helps cover medical costs for those with limited income.

If you’re eligible, you can enroll immediately through your state Medicaid program. In Minnesota, this program is called Medical Assistance (MA). If you make a little too much for Medicaid, there are other options available to you, like subsidized health care.

Health insurance and enrollment periods when you turn 26

When you age out of your parents’ health plan, it triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), during which you get a specific window of time in which you can enroll outside of the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Often, SEPs will allow you 60 days before your coverage ends and 60 days after to shop for and enroll in a new health plan. However, each state operates differently, so make sure to confirm the length of your window in advance. After you enroll in a plan during your SEP, you’ll have the opportunity to adjust your coverage during your plan’s OEP.

Have more questions about individual health insurance?

Our experts will help you find a health plan you’re confident in – no matter your situation.