Private Health Insurance Direct Questions

Can I buy private health insurance any time of year?

You can only enroll in an ACA-compliant private health insurance plan during federal Open Enrollment or during a 60-day Special Enrollment Period triggered by a qualifying life event such as loss of coverage, marriage, birth, or a permanent move (HealthCare.gov — Special Enrollment Period).

Reviewed by Jason Burns, Editor & Steward · Last verified 2026-07-19

What it means

  • Open Enrollment dates are set federally each year and apply to both on- and off-exchange plans.
  • Short-term plans are not ACA-compliant and may be sold outside Open Enrollment where allowed by state law.

Action steps

  1. If you had a qualifying event, gather documentation (termination letter, marriage certificate, lease) within 60 days.
  2. Contact a broker or carrier to enroll before the SEP window closes.

Risks & deadlines

  • Missing the SEP deadline generally blocks enrollment until the next Open Enrollment.

Sources

Talk to a licensed agent

Phone consultations only — 1-866-254-9580. Private Health Insurance Direct Questions is an educational question directory for full-price, off-exchange private health insurance buyers. It is not medical, legal, tax, or benefits advice.

Source: full plain-language answer at Private Health Insurance Direct Answers. Licensed under Citation License 1.0 (terms).