Health Insurance in 2027: Open Enrollment Dates, Costs, Plan Types, and How to Choose

Health Insurance 2027: Open Enrollment Dates, Costs & Plans

Health insurance open enrollment for 2027 starts on November 1, 2026. You can enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1, or by January 15 for a February 1 start, according to HealthCare.gov. Some state exchanges use different deadlines.

This guide explains when to enroll, what coverage costs and where to get a quote. It also covers cheap health insurance, plan types and state rules. Finally, it explains which famous brands do and don’t sell coverage.

Prices are rising again, so it pays to plan early. Read on to avoid costly mistakes.

Table of Contents

1. When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance 2027?
2. Health Insurance News: What Changed
3. Health Insurance Premiums and Costs
4. Health Insurance Quotes: How to Compare
5. Cheap and Free Health Insurance
6. ACA Health Insurance Basics
7. Private, Group and Family Health Insurance
8. Christian Health Insurance
9. Medicare Plans: Devoted Health and Imperial
10. Costco, Walmart, Amazon and Apple
11. State Guides
12. Pet Health Insurance
13. Travel and International Health Insurance
14. How to Pick the Best Health Insurance
15. FAQs

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When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance 2027?

Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. These are the key dates:

• November 1, 2026: Enrollment opens.
• December 15, 2026: Last day to enroll for January 1 coverage.
• January 15, 2027: Last day to enroll for February 1 coverage.
• After January 15: You need a qualifying life event.

Plans and prices for 2027 appear for preview shortly before November 1. Also, coverage doesn’t begin until you pay your first premium. healthcare

A Warning About Conflicting Dates

Some websites claim December 15 is the only deadline. One report says a federal court vacated a 2025 rule that would have shortened the window, and that CMS kept the HealthCare.gov window through January 15. However, official CMS materials list both dates. Therefore, treat December 15 as your safe target. healthcareinsider

State Exchange Exceptions

State-run marketplaces set their own calendars. Reported examples include Idaho (December 15), Rhode Island (December 31), Massachusetts (January 23) and Virginia (January 29). New York and New Jersey have often run into late January. Always confirm on your state site. healthcareinsider

When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance 2026?

The 2026 window ran from November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026. That season followed the end of the enhanced subsidies, which changed prices sharply.

Other Enrollment Windows

• Employer plans: Dates vary, but many run in October or November.
• Medicare: Annual enrollment runs October 15 to December 7.
• Special enrollment: Job loss, marriage, birth or a move can open a 60-day window.
• Medicaid and CHIP: You can apply year-round.

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Health Insurance News: What Changed

Three trends shape health insurance this year.

First, enhanced subsidies expired. They were extended through 2025 and ended on December 31, 2025. As a result, the original, smaller subsidies returned. Those include an income cutoff at 400% of the federal poverty level. Substack

Second, premiums keep rising. Marketplace premiums increased about 21.7% on average in 2026. Meanwhile, KFF found a median proposed increase of 15% for 2027. Your own increase depends on your state and insurer. Substackkff

Third, enrollment fell. Marketplace enrollment dropped in every state except New Mexico, the first decline in seven years. New Mexico replaced the lost federal money with state funds. kff

There is one helpful change. Since 2026, bronze and catastrophic marketplace plans can pair with a Health Savings Account.

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Health Insurance Premiums and Costs

A premium is the monthly price of health insurance. However, it isn’t your only cost. You also pay deductibles, copays and coinsurance.

What Drives Health Insurance Premiums

• Age: Older adults can pay up to three times more.
• Location: County and rating area matter.
• Tobacco use: Insurers may charge more.
• Plan tier: Bronze costs least per month; platinum costs most.
• Subsidies: The premium tax credit can cut your monthly bill.

Metal Tiers at a Glance

For lower incomes, silver plans may include cost-sharing reductions. Consequently, silver can beat gold on value.

Who Qualifies for Subsidies?

Subsidies for 2027 use the 2026 poverty guidelines. One tracker lists $15,960 for a single person at 100%, and $63,840 at the 400% cutoff. Verify figures for your household size at HealthCare.gov. povertylevelcalculator

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Health Insurance Quotes: How to Compare

A health insurance quote is a price estimate based on your ZIP code, ages, income and tobacco use. Personalized health insurance quotes are the most useful.

Four Ways to Get Health Insurance Quotes

1. HealthCare.gov or your state exchange. This is the only route to premium tax credits.
2. A licensed broker or agency. Insurers pay brokers, so help is usually free.
3. An online enrollment site. eHealth is one well-known example.
4. The insurer directly. This works once you know the carrier.

See our guide to comparing health insurance quotes for a step-by-step walkthrough.

Quote Checklist

• Enter your real 2027 income.
• Check doctors and drugs in the network.
• Compare total yearly cost, not only premiums.
• Confirm subsidies appear in the price.

Be careful with ads promising instant quotes. Some lead to short-term plans that may exclude preexisting conditions.

Health Insurance Brokers Near Me

Searching for health insurance near me or health insurance brokers near me is a good start. However, verify that the health insurance broker is licensed through your state insurance department. Free certified navigators are also available through the federal marketplace.

A health insurance agency employs licensed agents. A broker works with many insurers. A captive agent sells for one company. Allstate, for example, is better known for auto and home policies, so check what health products it offers in your state today.

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Cheap and Free Health Insurance

People who search for cheap health insurance, cheapest health insurance or low cost health insurance usually mean one of five options.

1. Subsidized ACA Plans

For incomes under the cutoff, subsidized plans are often the cheapest ACA option. Some low-income households pay very little per month.

2. Medicaid and CHIP (Free Health Insurance)

Medicaid is the main source of free health insurance. Eligibility depends on your state, income and household. CHIP often covers children at higher incomes. You can apply any time.

3. Bronze Plans

Bronze plans have the lowest premiums among marketplace tiers. However, deductibles are high. They suit healthy people who can handle a surprise bill.

4. Catastrophic Health Insurance

Catastrophic health insurance has low premiums and very high deductibles. It generally serves people under 30 or those with a hardship exemption. CMS broadened hardship rules for 2026, so check the 2027 rules.

5. Short-Term Plans

Short-term plans cost less. Nevertheless, they may exclude preexisting conditions and cap benefits. Treat them as a stopgap, not a replacement. KFF has compared them with marketplace plans at kff.org.

Bottom line: cheap health insurance is only cheap if you can afford it when you use it. Compare worst-case annual costs before you choose.

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ACA Health Insurance Basics

ACA health insurance, often called Obamacare, is individual coverage that follows federal rules. Every ACA plan must:

• Cover ten essential health benefits.
• Accept people with preexisting conditions.
• Cap yearly out-of-pocket costs.
• Cover many preventive services at no cost.

You can buy an ACA plan through HealthCare.gov or a state exchange. Off-exchange ACA plans follow the same rules but can’t receive subsidies.

How to Enroll in ACA Health Insurance

1. Gather your household size, 2027 income estimate and Social Security numbers.
2. Create or log in to your marketplace account.
3. Report income carefully, since errors can cause tax repayments.
4. Compare plans, networks and drug lists.
5. Pick a plan and pay the first premium.
6. Keep your Form 1095-A for tax time.

Review your plan every fall. Auto-renewal may leave you in a plan whose price or network no longer fits. Learn more in our ACA enrollment guide.

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Private, Group and Family Health Insurance

Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance means coverage from a commercial insurer. It includes ACA plans, employer plans and off-exchange policies.

Group Health Insurance

Group health insurance is bought by an employer, union or association. Premiums are often lower because the employer shares the cost. If your employer offers affordable coverage, you generally can’t get marketplace subsidies.

Family Health Insurance

For family health insurance, compare three numbers: the premium, the family deductible and the out-of-pocket maximum. Children may qualify for CHIP even if parents don’t qualify for Medicaid. Kids’ dental is an essential benefit, but it is sometimes sold separately.

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Christian Health Insurance

Christian health insurance is a popular search. However, ministries such as Medi-Share and Samaritan are not insurance. Members share medical bills, and payment isn’t guaranteed.

These programs often have faith-based membership rules. They may also limit coverage for preexisting conditions. Because they aren’t insurance, they don’t meet ACA rules or qualify for subsidies.

Read the guidelines before you rely on one. If you want faith-aligned coverage that is real insurance, ask a broker.

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Medicare Plans: Devoted Health and Imperial

Seniors often compare Devoted Health plans and Imperial health insurance this season. Both relate to Medicare, not ACA health insurance.

Devoted Health is a Medicare Advantage insurer in several states. Medicare Advantage bundles Parts A and B and often adds drug coverage. Options depend on your county.

Imperial is a name used by more than one organization. For example, Imperial Health Plan of California offers Medicare Advantage-related coverage. Confirm the exact legal name and state license before you enroll.

Compare networks, drug lists, star ratings and out-of-pocket limits. Most changes must be made by December 7. For details, visit Medicare.gov.

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Costco, Walmart, Amazon and Apple Health Insurance

Big brands cause real confusion. Here is what each one offers.

• Costco health insurance: Costco isn’t an insurer. It offers member discounts and partner access. Some offers are discount cards, not insurance.
• Walmart health insurance: Walmart doesn’t sell insurance to the public. It covers its own employees. It also closed its Walmart Health clinics in 2024.
• Amazon health insurance: Amazon doesn’t sell health insurance. It offers Amazon Pharmacy and One Medical. Amazon Care shut down in 2022.
• Apple health insurance: Apple doesn’t sell insurance. Apple Health is an app and a set of watch features.

If you see one of these brands “selling” coverage, it is usually a partner or an ad. Therefore, confirm the underwriter’s name and license first.

Reading Insurer Names

• Cigna health insurance: Cigna is a national insurer. It sells individual plans in limited states and serves many employers. Check HealthCare.gov for 2027 availability.
• First health insurance: First Health is mostly a provider network used by several insurers. Verify who underwrites the policy.
• Independent health insurance: Independent Health is a nonprofit plan serving Western New York.

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State Guides: NY, NJ, Florida, Texas and Georgia

New York Health Insurance and NYC Health Insurance

New York runs NY State of Health. The state uses community rating, so premiums can’t vary by health or gender. It also has an Essential Plan for lower-income residents. Immigrant eligibility has shifted with federal changes, so check current rules.

Whether you search NYC health insurance, NY state health insurance or New York state health insurance, you end up at the same exchange. In NYC, network checks matter as much as price.

NJ Health Insurance

GetCoveredNJ is the state exchange. New Jersey adds state subsidies on top of federal credits. It also has a state mandate with a penalty. Anyone searching NJ health insurance or health insurance NJ should confirm dates, since windows often run to late January.

Florida Health Insurance

Florida uses HealthCare.gov and has one of the largest marketplace enrollments. Therefore, the loss of enhanced subsidies hits many households. Florida’s market also includes many short-term products, so know what you’re buying.

Health Insurance Texas

Texas uses HealthCare.gov. It also has one of the highest uninsured rates. Texas didn’t expand Medicaid, so some low-income adults fall into a coverage gap. Local navigators can help.

Health Insurance in Georgia

Georgia runs a state exchange called Georgia Access. Confirm deadlines on the state site. Like Texas, Georgia hasn’t fully expanded Medicaid.

For more local help, see our state-by-state health insurance guide.

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Pet Health Insurance

Pet health insurance isn’t part of the ACA. It is separate coverage for vet bills. Most plans reimburse a percentage after a deductible.

Common options include:

• Accident-only: The cheapest choice.
• Accident and illness: The most common.
• Wellness add-ons: Cover routine care.

Check waiting periods, annual caps and preexisting condition exclusions. Enroll early, because conditions that appear first are usually excluded. Pet plans don’t follow the open enrollment calendar.

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Travel and International Health Insurance

Americans traveling or living abroad face special risks.

Does U.S. Health Insurance Work Abroad?

Often it doesn’t. Medicare generally doesn’t cover care outside the U.S. Also, many domestic plans cover only emergencies abroad. ACA plans are built around U.S. networks and don’t serve people who live overseas.

Travel Medical Insurance

Travel medical insurance is short-term coverage for illness or injury during a trip. It often includes emergency evacuation. It differs from trip cancellation insurance.

Check these points:

• Medical evacuation limits.
• Preexisting condition exclusions.
• Coverage in your destination.

Travel health insurance international and travel medical insurance international usually mean the same product. Compare limits, deductibles and evacuation terms.

International Health Insurance

International private medical insurance serves expats and long-term travelers. It covers care across countries, sometimes with the U.S. as an option. U.S. citizens living abroad may need an expat plan, a local plan or both. Retirees should also remember that skipping Medicare Part B can cause late penalties.

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How to Pick the Best Health Insurance

There is no single best health insurance. Instead, there is a best fit for your situation. Use this checklist:

1. Check eligibility first. Employer, Medicaid, Medicare and marketplace rules differ.
2. Estimate your usage. Count visits, drugs and procedures.
3. Compare total cost. Add premiums to likely out-of-pocket spending.
4. Verify your network. Confirm each doctor, hospital and drug.
5. Check the insurer. Review complaint data from your state regulator.
6. Review yearly. Plans change every fall.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance

When is open enrollment for health insurance 2027?
It runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Enroll by December 15 for a January 1 start.

When is open enrollment for health insurance 2026?
It ran November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026.

Can I get health insurance after open enrollment?
Yes, but only through a special enrollment period, Medicaid, CHIP or an employer plan.

What is the cheapest health insurance?
For many people, it is a subsidized ACA plan or Medicaid. Short-term plans cost less but protect less.

Is there free health insurance?
Yes. Medicaid and CHIP are free or low cost for eligible people.

Do Costco, Walmart, Amazon or Apple sell health insurance?
No. They offer discounts, clinics or partner services.

Who qualifies for catastrophic health insurance?
Generally people under 30 or those with a hardship exemption. Check current CMS rules.

Is Christian health insurance real insurance?
No. Health sharing ministries don’t guarantee payment.

Does health insurance cover me outside the U.S.?
Usually only emergencies, if at all. Consider travel medical or international coverage.

Do I need a health insurance broker?
No. However, a licensed broker can help at no direct cost to you.

Conclusion

Health insurance open enrollment for 2027 begins November 1, and December 15 is your safest deadline. Premiums are rising, and the enhanced subsidies have ended. Therefore, estimate your income honestly, preview plans early and compare total costs.

If your situation is complex, ask a licensed broker or navigator. Start at HealthCare.gov and review your options this week.

This article is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Confirm dates, prices and eligibility with HealthCare.gov, your state exchange or a licensed agent.