Buying Health Insurance Outside Of Open Enrollment Apr 2026

Moving to a new ZIP code or county, or moving to the U.S. from a foreign country.

Certain programs do not follow the standard open enrollment schedule and accept applications at any time: Special Enrollment for Health Insurance | Anthem buying health insurance outside of open enrollment

Outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period, you can generally only purchase comprehensive health insurance if you experience a that triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) . If you do not qualify for an SEP, alternative options like Medicaid or short-term plans may be available depending on your situation and state. 1. Qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) Moving to a new ZIP code or county, or moving to the U

Most SEPs allow you a from the date of a major life change to enroll in a Marketplace plan. Common qualifying events include: If you do not qualify for an SEP,

Getting married, having or adopting a baby, or a death in the family that causes a loss of coverage.

Losing a job-based plan, aging out of a parent's plan at 26, or losing Medicaid/CHIP eligibility.

Becoming a U.S. citizen, leaving incarceration, or gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe. 2. Year-Round Enrollment Options