Between jobs

Health insurance after losing your job

Quick answer

After losing your job, you can get covered with a private plan right away: private PPO plans like Ameristead (Cigna PPO) and short-term plans can be bought year-round, and some coverage can start the next day. You also usually have 60 days to elect COBRA. Call (813) 724-3314 to compare.

Call a licensed agentMon–Sat 8 AM–9 PM ET · No fee for our help

Written and reviewed by licensed agents working with Ascend Health ConsultantsAgents licensed in all 50 statesUpdated November 11, 2026

Your timeline

  1. Day 0: Your employer coverage ends (often the last day of the month you leave).
  2. Within 60 days: Decide whether to elect COBRA. Private plans can be bought any time.
  3. Coverage start: Some private and short-term plans can start as soon as the next day.

Lost job? Health insurance options compared

If you…Usually look at
Have a new job starting within 1–3 monthsA short-term plan (where sold) or COBRA
Are starting your own businessSelf-employed options: private PPO plans like Ameristead

Private plans you can start any month

You don’t have to wait for open enrollment after a job loss. Ameristead Health plans on the Cigna PPO network start at $426/month for one person (HSA 8500 plan), with $0 preventive care, $0 teledoctor and copays from $25, and you can apply any time of year.

Health insurance between jobs

For health insurance for people who lost their job, start by checking when your employer coverage ends, then compare private PPO plans, short-term plans, COBRA and a spouse's plan. How long does health insurance last after leaving a job? Often through the end of the month you leave, but ask your employer for the exact date. These are your main leaving-employer health insurance options.

Turning 65 soon? We do not sell Medicare plans; visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Leaving work before 65 for good? Read health insurance for early retirees. Aging off a parent's plan? See health insurance at 26.

What to do this week after losing your job

  1. Get the exact date your employer coverage ends from HR or the plan, and keep your COBRA notice when it arrives.
  2. List your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions for everyone who needs coverage.
  3. Compare your paths: private plans you can apply for any month, COBRA, a spouse's plan, and the Marketplace. HealthCare.gov says losing job-based coverage can open a Special Enrollment Period if it happened in the past 60 days or is expected in the next 60 days.
  4. Pick a start date with no gap between your old coverage and the new plan.
  5. Call a licensed agent at (813) 724-3314 (Mon–Sat 8 AM–9 PM ET) to compare your options side by side.

Lost your job coverage? Talk it through with a licensed agent. We'll compare private plans with COBRA and any Marketplace option you qualify for, in one call.

Call (813) 724-3314

Monday–Saturday 8 AM–9 PM ET, Sunday closed · Get your free quote · Prefer a set time? Book a call. We never charge you a fee for our help.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to get health insurance after losing my job?

Private plans can be bought any time of year, and you usually have 60 days to elect COBRA.

If you expect to start a new job soon, see our guide to health insurance between jobs.

Related guides

Health insurance guides by state
Reviewed by licensed agents working with Ascend Health Consultants. We're an independent health insurance agency based in the Tampa Bay area. Ascend Health Consultants LLC works with licensed agents who are licensed in all 50 states, helping individuals, families and the self-employed find private health coverage. How we write and review content

Sources (checked November 11, 2026)

Plan availability and eligibility are determined by the carrier.