Top Health Insurance Plans for Freelancers & Self-Employed
When you step into the world of freelancing or self-employment, freedom is one of the biggest perks—you set your schedule, follow your passions, and choose your work. But along with the freedom comes the responsibility of managing your own health insurance. Without an employer to provide coverage, finding affordable yet comprehensive health insurance can feel overwhelming.
The good news? Options tailored to your needs as a freelancer or self-employed professional are plentiful. From traditional plans to innovative alternatives, there’s a solution to fit almost every budget and lifestyle. This guide will introduce you to the top health insurance plans for 2025 and offer advice to help you choose the one that best suits your unique needs.
Why Health Insurance Matters for Freelancers
As a freelancer, you don’t just need health insurance because it’s legally required—you need it to safeguard your finances and well-being. Medical emergencies, even minor ones, can lead to financial setbacks if you don’t have the right coverage. Additionally, health insurance often covers preventive care, helping you stay healthy and avoid potential health issues before they escalate.
The Best Health Insurance Plans for Freelancers in 2025
Here are five top-rated health insurance options, each well-suited to freelancers or anyone who’s self-employed.
1. HealthCare.gov Marketplace Plans
Why It’s a Great Option
The federal and state Health Insurance Marketplace is one of the most popular choices for freelancers. These plans were created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to help individuals and families access comprehensive health insurance.
Key Features
- Coverage Types:
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- Offers Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers to suit varying budgets and coverage needs.
- Essential health benefits like preventive care, prescriptions, and mental health services are covered.
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- Subsidies:
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- Income-based subsidies help reduce premiums. Many freelancers qualify for significant savings.
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- Network Access:
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- Coverage networks vary by provider and state but offer a wide range of hospitals and doctors.
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Who It’s Best For
Individuals or families with modest incomes who need comprehensive coverage and value government-regulated standards.
Example
A Silver-tier plan is often a middle-ground option, offering lower out-of-pocket costs than Bronze plans while maintaining affordable monthly premiums when subsidies are applied.
2. UnitedHealthcare
Why It’s a Great Option
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) combines nationwide coverage with an extensive range of plans, making it well-suited for freelancers who travel frequently or need flexibility.
Key Features
- Plan Options:
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- Offers everything from short-term health insurance to individual ACA-compliant plans.
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- Virtual Care:
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- Telehealth options for medical and mental health consultations through the UHC app.
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- Extras:
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- Add-ons like dental, vision, and disability insurance.
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- Extensive Network:
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- Features one of the largest healthcare provider networks in the country.
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Who It’s Best For
Freelancers or self-employed individuals looking for a wide range of plan options and robust digital tools for managing healthcare.
Example
UnitedHealthcare’s ACA-compliant plans often come with telehealth services included, which is great for freelancers who might not have time for in-office visits.
3. Cigna
Why It’s a Great Option
Cigna is known for its quality customer service and diverse plan choices. They excel in providing global health insurance options, which is a bonus if you’re a digital nomad or frequently work from abroad.
Key Features
- ACA-Compliant Plans:
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- Includes preventive care with no additional cost and essential coverage like maternity services and prescriptions.
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- Health and Wellness Perks:
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- Offers discounts on gym memberships and access to wellness programs.
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- International Coverage:
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- Ability to access international healthcare (depending on the plan).
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Who It’s Best For
Freelancers focused on maintaining their health through a mix of coverage and wellness-based incentives.
Example
Cigna’s international health plans are highly beneficial for self-employed professionals who mix work with travel and need medical coverage globally.
4. Oscar Health
Why It’s a Great Option
Oscar Health is a newer player in the insurance game but quickly stands out for its user-friendly platforms and strong focus on technology.
Key Features
- Affordable Plans:
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- Oscar is known for competitively priced ACA plans with plenty of built-in benefits.
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- Telemedicine Access:
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- Unlimited virtual doctor visits included at no extra cost.
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- Intuitive Technology:
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- Comprehensive mobile app for managing benefits, viewing claims, and communicating with care teams.
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- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs):
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- Certain plans offer HSAs for tax-free health expense savings.
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Who It’s Best For
Tech-savvy freelancers who prefer managing their insurance via app and want free access to telehealth.
Example
If you’re a Millennial or Gen Z freelancer who’s always on the go, Oscar’s seamless app-based management simplifies tracking claims and scheduling care.
5. Medi-Share (Health Sharing Plan)
Why It’s a Great Option
While technically not insurance, Medi-Share is part of a growing trend of healthcare sharing ministries. Members contribute monthly to a shared pool of funds, which are then used to pay eligible medical bills.
Key Features
- Low Premium Alternative:
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- Monthly costs are often lower than traditional health insurance.
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- Shared Values:
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- Medi-Share is faith-based, and members agree to certain lifestyle commitments.
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- Community-Oriented:
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- Your contributions directly help another member, creating a sense of shared commitment.
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Who It’s Best For
Freelancers looking for an alternative to traditional insurance and who are comfortable with community-based cost-sharing.
Example
A full-time freelance photographer who doesn’t need comprehensive coverage but wants peace of mind for major medical events could benefit from Medi-Share’s affordability.
How To Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan
Selecting the best health insurance as a freelancer or self-employed worker can feel daunting. Here are some practical tips to simplify the decision-making process.
1. Evaluate Your Budget
Start by determining how much you can comfortably spend each month on premiums. Remember to factor in potential out-of-pocket costs like deductibles or co-pays.
2. Assess Coverage Needs
Decide what level of coverage is essential for you and your family. Do you need routine care, prescription coverage, or maternity benefits? Or are catastrophic plans sufficient?
3. Check Network Access
Research each plan’s network of healthcare providers. Ensure your preferred doctors or specialists are included to avoid surprise out-of-network costs.
4. Consider Flexibility
If you travel often or work internationally, prioritize plans with portability or global coverage (like those from Cigna).
5. Look for Discounts or Subsidies
See if you qualify for savings through ACA subsidies, or consider insurance companies offering discounts for healthy lifestyles or other incentives.
Final Thoughts
Health insurance is an important investment for freelancers and self-employed professionals—it’s not just about compliance, but protecting yourself from unexpected medical costs. Whether you choose a robust Marketplace plan, a tech-savvy provider like Oscar Health, or an alternative like Medi-Share, there’s an option to support your financial and health needs.
Start by analyzing your budget, coverage requirements, and lifestyle, then compare plans to find the one that offers the best blend of affordability and benefits. With the right policy, you can focus on growing your freelance business without the stress of unexpected medical bills.