Health Insurance When You Are Self-Employed

Start with the subsidy estimate

Self-employed people often overestimate what coverage must cost. Marketplace premium tax credits are based on income and household size — quarterly profit swings mean you should estimate carefully and update the application when income changes.

Self-employed health insurance premiums may also be deductible on your tax return — ask a tax professional about your situation.

Common stacks

Many freelancers use a subsidized Marketplace plan, or an HDHP + HSA if they want lower premiums and tax-advantaged savings. Health sharing is a non-insurance alternative some healthy self-employed people consider after understanding the trade-offs.

Build a simple annual model: premium + expected care + worst-case out-of-pocket.

Frequently asked questions

Can I deduct my premium?

Often self-employed premiums are deductible subject to IRS rules; confirm with a tax advisor.

Is health sharing good for freelancers?

It can lower monthly cost for healthy people, but it is not insurance and may exclude pre-existing conditions.