Retiring before 65

Health insurance for early retirees under 65

Quick answer

Health insurance for early retirees covers the years until Medicare starts at 65. Private PPO plans like Ameristead on the Cigna PPO network give you a national network, $0 preventive care and year-round enrollment, and COBRA can last up to 18 months.

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

Pre-retiree health insurance under 65: your options until Medicare

OptionHighlightsHow it works
COBRASame doctors and planContinues your current plan, usually for up to 18 months; you pay the full premium
Private PPO planNational networks; year-round enrollmentA short application; a licensed agent walks you through it
Spouse's employer planOften the lowest-cost optionEligibility depends on the employer's rules

Turning 65

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

Health insurance for pre-retirees under 65

Health insurance for pre-retirees under 65 works best with a national network and a plan level that fits your budget. Ameristead plans run from an HSA-eligible option to a $0-deductible plan.

Not sure which plan type fits your years before Medicare? Take the early retiree health insurance quiz.

What to do this week if you're retiring before 65

  1. Confirm the date your employer coverage ends and ask HR whether COBRA or retiree coverage is offered.
  2. List your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions for you and anyone else on your plan.
  3. Note when you turn 65 so your coverage bridges you to Medicare.
  4. Compare private plans you can apply for any month with COBRA and Marketplace options.
  5. Call a licensed agent at (813) 724-3314 (Mon–Sat 8 AM–9 PM ET) to compare your options side by side.

Retiring before Medicare? Talk it through with a licensed agent. We'll compare options that bridge you to 65, in one call.

Call (813) 724-3314

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best health insurance for early retirees?

Often a private PPO plan with a national network, such as Ameristead on the Cigna PPO network. We'll compare it with COBRA and your other options.

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 4, 2026)

  • U.S. Department of Labor — COBRA continuation coverage

Plan availability and eligibility are determined by the carrier.