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Health insurance, explained simply

Guides and comparisons to help you understand private PPO plans, COBRA alternatives, the Marketplace, and how to get covered with confidence.

  • Plain-English guides
  • COBRA & Marketplace comparisons
  • Tips for self-employed & more
  • Free advice from licensed advisors
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Health Insurance for the Self-Employed: A Practical 2026 Guide
Self-Employed

Health Insurance for the Self-Employed: A Practical 2026 Guide

No employer plan? Here's how self-employed professionals can find flexible coverage that fits a variable income.

Jun 4, 2026 ยท 9 min read

What Is a PPO Plan and How Does It Work?
Plan Basics

What Is a PPO Plan and How Does It Work?

PPO plans give you the freedom to see almost any doctor without a referral. Here's how they actually work.

May 28, 2026 ยท 7 min read

Can You Get Health Insurance Outside Open Enrollment?
Enrollment

Can You Get Health Insurance Outside Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment passed and you still need coverage? You have more paths than most people realize.

May 20, 2026 ยท 7 min read

Private Health Insurance vs. the Marketplace (ACA): Key Differences
Marketplace

Private Health Insurance vs. the Marketplace (ACA): Key Differences

Subsidies, networks, and enrollment windows are where private and Marketplace plans really differ. Here's a clear comparison.

May 12, 2026 ยท 8 min read

Health Insurance for Travel Nurses Between Contracts
Industries

Health Insurance for Travel Nurses Between Contracts

Agency plans end when your contract does. Portable private PPO coverage keeps you protected between assignments.

May 6, 2026 ยท 7 min read

How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in 2026?
Costs

How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in 2026?

Private health insurance pricing isn't one number. Here's what actually drives your premium and out-of-pocket costs.

Apr 28, 2026 ยท 8 min read

Losing Employer Health Coverage? Here Are Your Options
Coverage

Losing Employer Health Coverage? Here Are Your Options

Losing job-based coverage is a qualifying event โ€” and it opens more doors than just COBRA. Here's how to choose.

Apr 20, 2026 ยท 7 min read

Health Insurance for Early Retirees Before Medicare
Medicare

Health Insurance for Early Retirees Before Medicare

Retiring before 65 means covering yourself until Medicare begins. Here's how to bridge that gap.

Apr 12, 2026 ยท 7 min read

Do Health Insurance Brokers Charge Fees?
Working With a Broker

Do Health Insurance Brokers Charge Fees?

Short answer: working with a licensed broker is typically free to you. Here's how that works.

Apr 4, 2026 ยท 6 min read

PPO vs. HMO: Which Network Is Right for You?
Networks

PPO vs. HMO: Which Network Is Right for You?

PPO or HMO? The difference comes down to flexibility vs. cost. Here's how to choose.

Mar 26, 2026 ยท 6 min read

Health Insurance for Gig Workers and 1099 Contractors
Gig Economy

Health Insurance for Gig Workers and 1099 Contractors

Gig platforms don't offer benefits โ€” but you still have flexible, year-round coverage options.

Mar 18, 2026 ยท 6 min read

Ready to compare your options?

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Reviews

Trusted by people like you

Real stories from individuals and families we've helped find coverage.

โ€œThe process was simple, everything was clearly explained, and I felt confident choosing the right coverage for my needs.โ€
JJessica T.Self-employed, TX
โ€œI appreciated the personalized guidance and how easy they made it to understand all my options.โ€
VVictoria L.Family of four, FL
โ€œThey broke everything down in a way that actually made sense and helped me find a plan that fit my budget.โ€
BBradley O.Freelancer, CO
โ€œThe support was great from start to finish, and I never felt pressured at any point.โ€
SShannon M.Early retiree, AZ
โ€œClear communication, flexible options, and a smooth experience made this an easy decision for me.โ€
JJose R.Small business owner, CA
โ€œMy coverage finally follows me between assignments. No more gaps every time I switch contracts.โ€
MMarcus D.Travel nurse, multi-state
โ€œI was about to overpay for COBRA. They found me a PPO plan for a lot less with the same doctors.โ€
PPriya N.Consultant, NY
โ€œDidn't think I had options without an employer. They proved me wrong and made it painless.โ€
EEthan W.Rideshare driver, GA
โ€œFinally a plan that fits commission income. The advisor actually listened to my situation.โ€
KKaren S.Real estate agent, NC
โ€œStraightforward answers, no jargon, no pressure. I knew exactly what I was signing up for.โ€
TTom B.Contractor, OH
โ€œYear-round enrollment was a lifesaver โ€” I didn't have to wait months to get covered.โ€
AAisha R.Self-employed, IL
โ€œLost my employer plan and panicked. They had me covered within days, nationwide network and all.โ€
DDaniel K.Between jobs, WA
โ€œThe process was simple, everything was clearly explained, and I felt confident choosing the right coverage for my needs.โ€
JJessica T.Self-employed, TX
โ€œI appreciated the personalized guidance and how easy they made it to understand all my options.โ€
VVictoria L.Family of four, FL
โ€œThey broke everything down in a way that actually made sense and helped me find a plan that fit my budget.โ€
BBradley O.Freelancer, CO
โ€œThe support was great from start to finish, and I never felt pressured at any point.โ€
SShannon M.Early retiree, AZ
โ€œClear communication, flexible options, and a smooth experience made this an easy decision for me.โ€
JJose R.Small business owner, CA
โ€œMy coverage finally follows me between assignments. No more gaps every time I switch contracts.โ€
MMarcus D.Travel nurse, multi-state
โ€œI was about to overpay for COBRA. They found me a PPO plan for a lot less with the same doctors.โ€
PPriya N.Consultant, NY
โ€œDidn't think I had options without an employer. They proved me wrong and made it painless.โ€
EEthan W.Rideshare driver, GA
โ€œFinally a plan that fits commission income. The advisor actually listened to my situation.โ€
KKaren S.Real estate agent, NC
โ€œStraightforward answers, no jargon, no pressure. I knew exactly what I was signing up for.โ€
TTom B.Contractor, OH
โ€œYear-round enrollment was a lifesaver โ€” I didn't have to wait months to get covered.โ€
AAisha R.Self-employed, IL
โ€œLost my employer plan and panicked. They had me covered within days, nationwide network and all.โ€
DDaniel K.Between jobs, WA

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Our guides cover common scenarios, but the best way to get advice for your exact situation is a free chat with a licensed advisor.

Yes โ€” our content is produced by our team to explain coverage clearly and accurately, without industry jargon.

Of course. Every article includes a free, no-obligation way to have an advisor review your options.

We add and update guides regularly to keep pace with changes in health coverage and enrollment.

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