Best Tools for Shopping for Health Insurance Without Employer Plan (2026 Guide)

If you’re self-employed, part-time, retired early, or between jobs, shopping for health insurance can feel overwhelming. Rising premiums and so many plan options make it even harder to know where to start. Fortunately, there are reliable tools and expert strategies to help you find affordable coverage that actually fits your needs.

For a deeper look at how to shop smart and avoid common pitfalls, listen to my full conversation with Chet Pietras on the Disruptive Dialogue with Chuck Melendi podcast. This is the Apple link, but you can also find it on Spotify and YouTube.

1. Start at the Source: Healthcare.gov

If you don’t get insurance through work, the ACA Marketplace at Healthcare.gov should be your first stop. It’s the official federal site for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, sometimes called “Obamacare.” Here you can:

• Compare plans from multiple insurers

• Check if you qualify for premium tax credits or subsidies

• Estimate your monthly costs based on income and household size

• Enroll in coverage even with pre-existing conditions

Expert tip: Many people skip Healthcare.gov and go directly to an insurance company. That can be a costly mistake—if you qualify for subsidies, enrolling through the marketplace ensures you get the financial assistance you’re eligible for.

2. Use the “See Plans & Prices” Tool Before Creating an Account

Healthcare.gov offers a See Plans & Prices tool that lets you preview plan options in your ZIP code without creating an account. You can enter your estimated income and household information to see how subsidies might affect your monthly premium.

Expert tip: Enter realistic income estimates. If you underestimate, you might owe money at tax time. If you overestimate slightly, you could receive additional credit when you file.

3. Confirm Your Doctors Are In-Network

One of the most common mistakes people make is enrolling in a plan only to discover later that their doctor or preferred hospital isn’t covered. Before enrolling, use each insurer’s Find a Doctor or Provider Directory tool to confirm which providers are in-network.

• HMO plans generally cost less but limit you to a specific network.

• PPO plans cost more but offer more flexibility to see out-of-network providers.

Taking a few minutes to verify your providers can prevent expensive surprises later.

4. Review Prescription Coverage Before You Enroll

Prescription drug coverage varies significantly from plan to plan. Each insurer publishes a formulary, or list of covered drugs, on its website. Use the insurer’s formulary search tool to check:

• Whether your medications are covered

• What tier they fall under (which affects your copay or coinsurance)

• Which pharmacies offer preferred pricing

This simple step can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.

5. Work with a Licensed Insurance Agent (It’s Free)

Chet emphasizes that using a licensed health insurance agent costs you nothing. Agents are compensated by insurance carriers, not consumers, and a good one can help you:

• Compare plans across different insurance companies

• Understand subsidy eligibility

• Avoid overpaying for unnecessary coverage

• Adjust your plan if your income or needs change midyear

You can find licensed local agents through Healthcare.gov’s “Find Local Help” tool or your state’s Department of Insurance website. Or ask a trusted friend – referrals are a great way to establish instant trust.

6. Use Trusted Independent Comparison Tools

In addition to the ACA Marketplace, several independent websites offer valuable insights and calculators:

• KFF Health Insurance Marketplace Calculator – Estimate your premiums and potential subsidies.

• HealthSherpa.com – An ACA-certified enrollment partner that simplifies plan comparisons.

• Policygenius – Compare ACA and private market options in one place.

• FairHealthConsumer.org – Research typical out-of-pocket costs for medical services and procedures.

These tools can’t replace expert guidance, but they provide a strong foundation for understanding your options before you enroll.

Final Thoughts

Shopping for health insurance without an employer plan doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and clear information, you can make informed choices that protect your health and your budget.

Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through December 15, 2025. Take the time now to compare plans, review your options, and ensure your coverage fits your needs before the deadline.