Working for yourself may offer freedom and opportunity unlike other work. However, it may also create unique challenges like getting great health insurance.
Don’t worry, you have options, including the Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA plans), short-term health insurance plans and TriTerm Medical health insurance. Plus, you can consider supplemental plans like vision, dental and term life insurance.
As an entrepreneur, contractor or freelancer, you have no shortage of both opportunity and challenges. Getting health insurance is no different. While you may not get coverage through an employer, you have several unique choices.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) gives you options to buy health insurance for you and your family through the ACA Marketplace. UnitedHealthcare offers Individual & Family ACA plans through the Marketplace.
Depending on your unique situation, you may qualify for tax breaks, premium tax credits, and other savings on these plans.
Marketplace plans are only available during open enrollment (from November 1 to January 15, in most states) or if you’ve had a qualifying life event.
Short term health insurance plans can fill in when you might have a gap in health care coverage. There are two types of plans in this category. Traditional short term plans can last between one and 12 months1 while TriTerm Medical plans last nearly three years.2
If you do not have employees and want to consider temporary options, a short term plan may be right for you.
Short term plans, sometimes called temporary or term insurance, can last up to three years with just one application. UnitedHealthcare-branded short term plans, underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, include a large network of health care professionals. Some plans can start the day after your application.
If you have between one and 99 employees working for you, your organization is considered a small business. UnitedHealthcare offers many options for small businesses, so you can find the right plan.
All UnitedHealthcare small business plans come with benefits such as 24/7 access to telehealth, incentives for healthy behaviors, and the vital medication program.
Even the best medical insurance plans don’t cover everything.
Supplemental plans offer additional coverage for specific needs. For example, vision plans can cover eye exams, glasses and contacts. Dental insurance is another common supplemental plan that can help you get benefits for many common preventive, basic and major dental services.
Other supplemental insurance plans pay lump sums to help you cover unexpected expenses related to accidents, serious illness and more. Make sure you’re covered for life’s curveballs with supplemental insurance.
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Being self-employed means you get to choose the health care plan that works for you.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Health insurance for the self-employed
Whether you’re a freelancer or small business owner, it’s important to know your options.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Self-employed with 0 employees
ACA Marketplace plans
If you're self-employed with no employees, ACA Marketplace plans offer a variety of reliable coverage
options designed to fit your needs and budget.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Getting married
Getting divorced
Having or adopting a baby
Loss of someone on your health plan
Moving to a new state
Earning U.S. citizenship
Turning 26 or 65
Change in employment status
You can enroll in an ACA plan in the Health Insurance Marketplace from November 1st to December 15th
(in most states), unless you have a qualifying life event.
Plus, you may qualify for financial subsidies, or savings, that will lower your monthly premiums.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Self-employed with 1–50 employees
Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)
If you're self-employed with up to 50 employees, look into the Small Business Health Options Program.
These flexible plans make it easier for you to support your employees' health and well-being.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Health Insurance Marketplace
Private insurance company
Once you’ve got a clear picture of what kind of coverage you need, head to the Health Insurance
Marketplace or a private insurance company, like UnitedHealthcare, to purchase a plan.
The right coverage is a smart investment not just in your health — but in your business, too.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: uhc.com
Health Plan coverage provided by or through a UnitedHealthcare company. Administrative services
provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.
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