For most people, the only time of year you can buy or change your health insurance is during the Open Enrollment period. But, what if your life changes enough that you may need to reconsider which health insurance coverage you have? For example, what if you lose your job and your employer-sponsored health insurance along with it? Or, what if you have a baby and your health insurance priorities change? Well, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Outside of Open Enrollment, this is the only period of time when you can choose a different health plan than you already have. You typically have 60 days from a qualifying event to get new coverage. 

What is a qualifying life event? 

A qualifying life event is an event that triggers a special enrollment period, and allows an individual or a family to buy health insurance outside of the Open Enrollment period for that year. 

Some common qualifying life events include:

• Moving to a new address

• Turning 26 years old

• Losing your existing health coverage

• Getting married or divorced

• Adopting or having a child

Check and see if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period here.