Where can I buy health insurance on my own?
You can buy your own health insurance through the federal Marketplace (HealthCare.gov), your state’s exchange, directly from insurance companies, or through a licensed broker like GenerationHealth.me. A broker can compare plan options side-by-side, check your doctors and medications, and help you avoid junk plans—at no extra cost to you.
🩺 Where Can I Buy Health Insurance on My Own?
If you’re shopping for coverage without an employer plan, you’ve probably wondered, “where can I buy health insurance on my own?”
You might see ads for cheap plans, government websites, online marketplaces, and local agents—and it’s not always clear who to trust or where to start. The good news: you do have options, and once you understand them in plain English, this process gets a lot less scary.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
The main places you can buy your own health insurance
What each option really means (without the jargon)
How to avoid junk plans and scams
When it makes sense to use a local, licensed health insurance broker at GenerationHealth.me
By the end, you’ll know exactly where can I buy health insurance on my own and how to choose a plan that actually fits your needs and budget.
🧭 Where Can I Buy Health Insurance on My Own? Main Options Explained
When we talk about where can I buy health insurance on my own, there are five main “shopping locations” to know:
The federal Marketplace (HealthCare.gov)
Your state’s health insurance exchange (if your state runs its own)
Directly from insurance companies
Through your job if you have limited employer options (for example, part-time or COBRA)
Through a licensed health insurance broker or online marketplace like GenerationHealth.me
Let’s keep it simple and break each one down.
1. Federal Marketplace (HealthCare.gov)
This is the official government site where many people buy ACA/Obamacare plans. These plans:
Must cover essential health benefits
Can’t deny you for pre-existing conditions
May qualify you for tax credits to lower your premium
You can start at HealthCare.gov, answer a few questions about your income and household, and see if you qualify for financial help. For some people, this is the most affordable option.
Tip: If you’re comparing ACA plans and also thinking about Medicare in the future, you can later read guides like generationhealth.me/how-to-sign-up-for-medicare-parts-a-and-b/ to make a smooth transition.
2. State Exchanges
Some states have their own health insurance marketplaces separate from HealthCare.gov. The idea is the same: you compare ACA plans, see if you qualify for help, and enroll online.
Whether it’s federal or state, this is still one of the main answers to where can I buy health insurance on my own if you want ACA-compliant coverage.
3. Directly from Insurance Companies
You can also go straight to an insurance company’s website. This sometimes gives you access to “off-exchange” plans (still real, regulated plans, just not listed on HealthCare.gov).
This might be helpful if:
Your income is too high for subsidies
You want a very specific network or benefit design
You’re comparing multiple companies and want to see all options
But there’s a catch: when you go company-by-company, it can be hard to see the full picture. You may miss plans that are a better fit.
4. Employer Options, COBRA, or Short Gaps
If you’ve recently lost coverage, changed jobs, or gone part-time, you might have options like:
COBRA (keeping your old employer plan temporarily)
A short-term plan (with limitations)
A special enrollment period to buy a new plan
If you’re in between jobs and wondering where can I buy health insurance on my own, you might also want to review guides like generationhealth.me/health-insurance-brokers-near-me to see how local brokers can help you navigate those transition periods.
5. Licensed Health Insurance Broker / Online Marketplace
This is where GenerationHealth.me comes in.
A licensed health insurance broker can:
Show you plans from multiple companies
Help you compare costs, benefits, and networks
Explain confusing terms in normal language
Make sure you don’t accidentally pick a “junk” plan
And here’s the key: you don’t pay extra to use a broker. The plan you choose costs the same whether you enroll alone or with help.
If you want a human to walk you through where can I buy health insurance on my own based on your doctors, medications, and budget, working with a broker is often the easiest path.
🧩 Plan Types & When Medicare Comes Into the Picture
If you’re under 65, you’re usually choosing individual or family health insurance plans (ACA, off-exchange, short-term, etc.). But if you’re 65 or older—or getting close—Medicare becomes a big part of the conversation.
Think of it like this:
Age 64 and under → primarily ACA/Obamacare or private plans
Age 65+ or qualifying disability → Medicare (with options like Medicare Advantage and Medigap)
If you’re asking where can I buy health insurance on my own and you’re close to turning 65, bookmark:
Once you’re in Medicare, you’ll also look at:
Medigap (supplement plans) – see medigap-plans-in-north-carolina-plan-g-vs-plan-n
Medicare Advantage – see how-to-compare-medicare-advantage-plans-in-north-carolina
You can always verify official Medicare rules at:
🛡️ How to Avoid Junk Plans and Scams When Buying on Your Own
One of the biggest risks when figuring out where can I buy health insurance on my own is accidentally running into:
Discount plans that aren’t real insurance
“Fixed indemnity” plans that pay tiny amounts and leave big bills
High-pressure sales calls promising “$0 health insurance for everyone”
Red flags to watch for:
They refuse to send plan details in writing
They avoid talking about deductibles, networks, or out-of-pocket limits
They promise “approved in 2 minutes” without asking health questions or income details (for ACA subsidies)
They won’t tell you the actual insurance company name
To stay safe:
Use official sites like HealthCare.gov or your state exchange
Work with a licensed broker (you can verify licenses through your state insurance department)
Compare at least 2–3 plan options side-by-side
Make sure you see a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) in writing
If you’re shopping online and feel unsure at any point, that’s exactly when a conversation with a licensed broker at generationhealth.me/health-insurance-brokers-near-me can protect you.
❓ FAQ: Common Questions About Buying Health Insurance on Your Own
1. Do I have to use HealthCare.gov?
No. HealthCare.gov is one major answer to where can I buy health insurance on my own, but you can also use:
State exchanges
Insurance company websites
Licensed brokers and marketplaces like GenerationHealth.me
A broker can help you compare both on-exchange and off-exchange plans in many states.
2. Is it more expensive to use a broker?
No. A licensed broker is paid by the insurance companies, not by you. The premium is the same whether you enroll by yourself or with help. The difference is the guidance and protection you get along the way.
You can even request free Medicare quotes online or a free Medicare quote if you’re already or soon-to-be eligible.
3. Can I switch plans if I picked the wrong one?
Sometimes, yes—but not always right away. You typically need a Special Enrollment Period (life event like losing coverage, moving, or having a baby) or the annual Open Enrollment Period.
For Medicare, there are very specific windows. If you realize you enrolled wrong, guides like generationhealth.me/how-to-correct-a-medicare-application/ can help you understand your next steps.
4. How do I know if my doctors are in-network?
Always double-check:
With the insurance company’s provider directory
By calling your doctor’s office
With help from a broker who can look up networks for you
If you’re comparing Medicare plans, you can also learn how to compare free Medicare quotes online in North Carolina and include your doctors and drugs in the quote.
5. What if I’m turning 65 soon?
If you’re close to Medicare age and asking where can I buy health insurance on my own, your path will likely move from ACA or employer coverage into Medicare. To avoid gaps or penalties, read:
You can also talk with a Medicare agent near me in North Carolina for local help.
🧮 Simple Steps to Compare Plans (Without Losing Your Mind)
When you’re figuring out where can I buy health insurance on my own, the next step is knowing how to compare plans. Here’s a simple checklist:
List your priorities
Must-have doctors
Regular medications
Health conditions or upcoming procedures
Budget for monthly premium vs. out-of-pocket costs
Compare key numbers
Monthly premium (what you pay every month)
Deductible (what you pay before the plan really kicks in)
Out-of-pocket max (your worst-case yearly cost)
Co-pays/co-insurance for doctor visits, ER, hospital stays, and prescriptions
Check networks and drug coverage
Are your doctors in-network?
Are your medications on the formulary?
Look at total cost, not just the cheapest premium
A plan with a low monthly premium but a huge deductible might cost you more if you actually use care.
If you’re dealing with Medicare specifically, you can go deeper with:
🌐 Putting It All Together: The Smart Way to Shop
Let’s recap the big picture.
When you ask where can I buy health insurance on my own, you’re really asking:
Where can I see all my options?
Who can I trust to tell me the truth?
How do I avoid paying too much or picking the wrong plan?
You can:
Use HealthCare.gov or your state exchange
Go directly to insurance company websites
Or let a licensed broker bring it all together in one place
A broker like GenerationHealth.me acts as your translator and advocate:
We explain your choices in plain English
We help you compare real numbers, not just buzzwords
We double-check your doctors and medications
We guide you from ACA to Medicare when the time comes
And again, you don’t pay extra to use a broker. The plan price is the same—you just get more help.
By now, you’ve seen where can I buy health insurance on my own and how different paths work. The next smart move is to talk with someone who looks at your full situation, not just a generic quiz result.
✅ Conclusion: Get Confident, Local Help Today
Buying health insurance on your own can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
You’ve learned:
Where can I buy health insurance on my own (Marketplace, state exchange, carriers, employer options, and brokers)
How to spot junk plans and scams
How local, licensed brokers can help you compare real options without extra cost
Where Medicare fits in as you get closer to 65
If you’re feeling unsure, that’s exactly the moment to ask for help instead of guessing.
👉 Next step: Visit GenerationHealth.me and connect with a local, licensed health insurance broker who can walk through your options one-on-one. Whether you need ACA coverage, are turning 65, or want to compare free Medicare quotes online, we’ll help you find clear answers and better coverage—without the confusion.
👤 About the Author
Rob Simm is a licensed U.S. health insurance advisor and founder of GenerationHealth.me, specializing in Medicare, ACA Marketplace coverage, and supplemental health plans. With years of hands-on experience helping individuals, families, and seniors navigate complex insurance choices, Rob focuses on simplifying coverage options, breaking down costs, and guiding clients toward plans that truly fit their needs.
He is certified annually with top national carriers, trained in CMS compliance standards, and actively supports clients across North Carolina, Virginia, and multiple U.S. regions. Rob is known for his clear explanations, data-driven approach, and commitment to ethical, transparent insurance guidance.
When he’s not helping people compare plans or lower healthcare costs, Rob continues researching federal updates, Medicare rule changes, and marketplace trends to ensure every article at GenerationHealth.me reflects the most accurate, current information available.
For personalized help with Medicare or Marketplace coverage, connect with Rob at GenerationHealth.me.
📍 Based in North Carolina | ☎️ (828)761-3324 | ✉️ Contact Rob
💙 Clear answers. Trusted guidance. Local experience.
⚖️ Compliance & Trust Disclaimer
Information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice.
Plan availability, premiums, and benefits may vary by location and carrier.
Always verify specific details with a licensed insurance professional or directly with Medicare.gov before enrolling.
GenerationHealth.me and Robert Simm are independent agents and not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.