A guide to buying individual health insurance in the United States in 2025: plans and costs, government subsidies, insurance companies and purchasing channels

HSA (Health Saving Account) : The concept of a health savings account (with a person, not a company). A certain amount of income is transferred to this account for medical expenses, and this amount is not taxable. To open an HSA, you must choose an insurance plan with a high deductible.

COBRA ( Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ): The full name is complicated, but in short, if you are suddenly without insurance cover for a period of time due to unemployment or job change, COBRA will continue to provide medical insurance, but the premiums will be slightly higher.

5. When to buy US health insurance (When)

If an individual wants to buy , renew, or change medical insurance, they must do so during the nearly two-month Open Enrollment period. The registration period for 2025 is from 2024/11/1 to 2024/12/15 , and medical insurance will only take effect on  2025/1/1  .

The Open Enrollment registration period for Covered California will start on November 1, 2024  , and will end on December 15, 2024. Insurance will only take effect on January 1, 2025. If you are late to register, California can extend the registration period to January 31, 2025  , but the effective time will be delayed, and not all insurance companies and plans will cooperate with the extension. It is recommended that you complete the registration within the specified time.

However, if there are any major changes, such as marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, or sudden loss of insurance (such as unemployment), this restriction does not apply and you can enroll at any time. You can use this website to find out whether you can purchase medical insurance outside of Open Enrollment.

6. How to buy US health insurance (How)

1. Assess personal health status: whether there are chronic diseases, regular follow-up, return for consultation and medication, etc.

2. Assess family situation: parents, spouse, children, etc., and decide on the content of the family plan based on the situation

3. Budget: If there is no government subsidy, the insurance premium will be more than 200 to 300 yuan per month .

4. Compare insurance plans: If you are too lazy to check on your own, ask an insurance broker to help you assess your needs and get a quote.

5. Understand the insurance options correctly and decide which one is best for you

6. Medical insurance in the United States does not include dental insurance and vision insurance. If necessary, you must purchase them separately.