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Turning 26: What Happens to Your Health Insurance
Turning 26 means you can no longer stay on a parent's health plan as a dependent -- but it also opens a real enrollment window of your own.
Federal rules let you stay on a parent's health plan as a dependent until you turn 26. Losing that coverage due to age is a qualifying life event, opening a Special Enrollment Period so you're not left without options.
Exactly when coverage ends can vary slightly by plan
Some plans end dependent coverage on your exact birthday; others continue through the end of that month or plan year. Check your specific plan's rule, or call to confirm.
You get a real enrollment window either way
You can generally enroll in your own Marketplace plan starting up to 60 days before your coverage ends, or within 60 days after -- plenty of time to compare real options.
Your next step
Select turning 26 and your exact date to see your real window.
Also worth a look:
Common questions
Do I need to do anything, or does coverage just end automatically?
Coverage typically ends automatically based on your plan's rule, but enrolling in your own new coverage is something you need to actively do -- it doesn't happen for you.
Can I stay on my parent's plan a little longer if I ask?
Generally no -- the age-26 cutoff is a federal rule, not something a plan can choose to extend. A licensed agent can help you find your own coverage before the gap starts.
Questions are easier by phone.
Call 855-367-1095 to talk through your situation with licensed insurance help.
- Licensed insurance help
- No guaranteed eligibility, pricing, or availability
- Educational starting point
Information on this site is educational and does not guarantee eligibility, enrollment, pricing, or availability. It is not a recommendation to buy any specific plan or policy.