For Self-Employed & 1099 Workers

Health Insurance for the Self-Employed

Freelancer, contractor, gig worker, or small-business owner? A licensed agent compares ACA and private plans built for people without employer coverage, and checks what you qualify for.

Plans for 1099, freelance, and gig income
May be tax-deductible as a business expense
Compare ACA subsidies vs private plans
Licensed agents — no fee, no pressure

Free quote · No obligation · Takes ~60 seconds

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Where are you located?

Plans and subsidies vary by ZIP code.

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What changed for 2026

The enhanced premium tax credits that lowered ACA premiums through 2025 expired at the end of that year. For 2026, many middle-income households no longer qualify for a subsidy and pay the full price on the exchange, which makes comparing private and off-exchange options more important than ever. A licensed agent checks both for you, free.

Coverage when you are your own employer

When you work for yourself, there is no HR department picking a plan and splitting the cost. That is actually an advantage: you get to choose coverage that fits how you use care and what you can afford, instead of taking whatever an employer offers.

A licensed agent compares ACA marketplace plans (which cover pre-existing conditions and essential benefits) against private, off-exchange plans, and helps you weigh premiums, deductibles, networks, and prescriptions so you are not guessing.

The self-employed health insurance tax deduction

If you are self-employed and turn a profit, you may be able to deduct your health insurance premiums for yourself, your spouse, and dependents, which lowers your taxable income. It is an above-the-line deduction, so you can claim it even if you do not itemize.

Rules and eligibility depend on your specific tax situation, so confirm the details with a tax professional. A licensed agent can make sure the coverage side is set up correctly.

Estimating your income for a subsidy

Self-employed income can be uneven, and subsidy eligibility is based on your expected annual household income. Estimating too high or too low can affect what you owe at tax time. A licensed agent helps you use a realistic estimate and shows you the after-subsidy price before you enroll.

ACA marketplace plans, with subsidies if you qualify
Private, off-exchange plans if you no longer qualify for a subsidy
Dental, vision, and supplemental coverage to round out a plan

Reviewed by licensed insurance agents

This information is provided by the licensed agents at Affordable Insurance Plans (National Producer Number 21004595), an independent broker. It is general education, not a plan recommendation. We are not affiliated with HealthCare.gov, any state marketplace, or any government agency. Speak with a licensed agent for advice about your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. If you do not have employer coverage, you can buy an individual ACA marketplace plan or a private plan. A licensed agent compares both and checks whether you qualify for a subsidy based on your expected income.

Often, yes. Self-employed people who show a profit can usually deduct premiums for themselves and their family as an above-the-line deduction. Confirm your eligibility with a tax professional.

Subsidies are based on your estimated annual income, so if your income changes you can update your Marketplace application. A licensed agent can help you plan for uneven income and avoid surprises at tax time.