When Can I Buy Health Insurance?

If you’ve ever shopped for health insurance, you may have heard of the term “open enrollment.” This refers to the period of time each year — from November 1 through January 31 — when you can buy health insurance or change your health plan.

In most circumstances, you have to wait until open enrollment to buy a new health plan or change an existing one — and for good reason. Restrictive timing keeps the cost of health insurance under control for everyone by preventing individuals from enrolling only when they are sick or injured. You can’t wait and get homeowners insurance after your basement floods; the same rules apply for health insurance.

If you miss the enroll-by date, you might have to wait until the next open enrollment period — but there are some exceptions. If you go through a major life change, you may still be able to apply for health insurance with Covered California under special enrollment. A special enrollment window is triggered when you experience a qualifying life event — like losing your current health insurance, getting married, or having a baby — and for most qualifying life events, you have 60 days from the date of that event to enroll.

Common Ways to Qualify for Special Enrollment

Below are some common ways you may qualify for special enrollment, everything from moving to having a child.

Lost Coverage

Losing your employer-sponsored coverage, becoming ineligible for Medi-Cal or student health coverage, exhausting your COBRA or even aging out of your parent’s health plan can all qualify you for special enrollment.

Moved

You will qualify for special enrollment if you have relocated to California from out of state. Some health plans available through Covered California are regionally specific, so if you have moved within the state and now have access to new plans, you also qualify.

Just Married

If you’ve gotten married or entered into a domestic partnership, one or both members can enroll.

New Child

The birth or adoption of a child, or receiving a child through foster care, can trigger special enrollment for the entire family.

Low-Income Families

Those with an annual household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, who are not eligible for Medi-Cal, can enroll in coverage through Covered California any time of year. This new form of special enrollment doesn’t have a deadline. You can check if you qualify here by matching your household size and your income.

A more comprehensive list of qualifying life events also includes returning from active duty military service or gaining citizenship or permanent legal residency. While a serious chronic condition, terminal illness, or pregnancy itself is not considered a qualifying life event, your provider leaving your health plan network during your care for one of these conditions can trigger a special enrollment. Other unique options are also available for pregnant women who find themselves without insurance, including Medi-Cal, which enrolls qualified members year-round.

Special Enrollment Deadlines Still Apply

Remember: If you qualify for special enrollment, it’s important to take action and enroll for coverage as soon as possible. For most qualifying life events, you have 60 days from the date of your event to enroll in a Covered California health insurance plan or change your existing plan. Stay covered to protect your health, safeguard your finances, and avoid the California penalty that comes from going uninsured.

Use our Shop and Compare tool to understand your options or apply for health insurance today. If you have questions or need assistance, free expert help is available.