Why self-employed people choose private PPO plans
- Built for business owners: Ameristead is designed for sole proprietors, small business owners and their employees.
- Cigna PPO network access.
- Enroll any month — your coverage doesn't wait for open enrollment.
- Tax-deductible premiums for most self-employed people (IRS Form 7206).
Self-employed health insurance options compared
When you work for yourself there's no HR department picking a plan for you. In practice, almost every self-employed person, freelancer or 1099 contractor ends up choosing between these private options:
| Feature | Private PPO plan | Short-term plan |
|---|---|---|
| When you can enroll | Year-round | Year-round where sold |
| Networks | National PPO networks, such as the Cigna PPO network on Ameristead plans | Often PPO, including the Cigna PPO network on Allstate short-term medical |
| Best fit | People who want a national PPO network, year-round enrollment and a choice of plan levels | Fast, flexible coverage that can start as soon as the next day |
How to choose, step by step
- List your must-have doctors and prescriptions. Network fit matters more than the premium for many people.
- Pick your coverage level: just you, you and your spouse, your children, or the whole family.
- Compare total yearly cost: premiums plus the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum you'd realistically hit.
The self-employed health insurance deduction
If you have net self-employment income and aren't eligible for an employer-subsidized plan (yours or a spouse's), you can generally deduct health, dental and qualifying long-term care premiums for yourself, your spouse and dependents on IRS Form 7206. Ask your tax preparer how it applies to you — we're insurance agents, not tax advisors. For a rough, in-browser estimate, use the self-employed health insurance cost and tax deduction calculator.
How we help self-employed and 1099 clients
We're an independent agency, so we can quote private options from carriers such as UnitedHealthOne/Golden Rule, UnitedHealthcare, Ameristead and plans using the First Health network, side by side. We'll show you which plan fits your budget, doctors and network needs.
Health insurance for 1099 workers and self-employed families
Health insurance for 1099 workers works the same as for any self-employed person: you buy your own plan and estimate your income. Health insurance for self-employed families usually means one family plan, or kids on CHIP and adults on their own plan. Family health insurance plans for self-employed parents are priced by every member's age and your ZIP code.
Health insurance for self-employed people: cost, PPO and private options
Health insurance for self-employed people depends on the plan, your age and your coverage level; Ameristead’s published plan chart starts at $426 a month for one person. Private health insurance for self-employed people and PPO health insurance for self-employed people with national networks can be bought year-round with a short application. Compare private plans.
Is health insurance tax deductible for self-employed people?
Often, yes. The self-employed health insurance deduction lets many sole proprietors, partners and S-corp owners deduct premiums for themselves and their family, within IRS limits (see IRS Form 7206; Publication 535 has been discontinued). Confirm with your tax preparer.
More for self-employed people: health insurance by occupation, working with a health insurance broker and our FAQ.
Talk to a licensed agent today. Call (813) 724-3314 (Monday–Saturday 8 AM–9 PM ET, Sunday closed) or Get your free quote in about a minute. We never charge you a fee for our help.
Not sure where to start? Take the health insurance quiz for the self-employed, or use the deductible vs. premium calculator to compare two quotes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest health insurance for self-employed people?
It depends on the plan level and who you cover. Ameristead’s HSA 8500 plan starts at $426 a month for one person on the Cigna PPO network, and an agent can compare it with UnitedHealthOne and short-term options.
Can I get a PPO if I'm self-employed?
Yes. Many private plans for the self-employed use national PPO networks (for example Cigna's PPO network on Ameristead plans, or the First Health network on some plans).
Is health insurance tax-deductible if I'm self-employed?
Generally yes, through the self-employed health insurance deduction (IRS Form 7206), if you have net self-employment income and aren't eligible for an employer-subsidized plan. Confirm with your tax professional.
Do I need an LLC or EIN to qualify for self-employed plans?
Not always. Some private group-style plans require proof of self-employment or business ownership; we'll tell you what a specific plan requires.
Own your business? Amerus Summit health plans through NBBA membership give the self-employed group-style coverage on the Cigna network, with year-round enrollment.
Many self-employed people can also lower the after-tax cost of coverage with the self-employed health insurance deduction.
Related guides
Health insurance guides by state
Deadlines, exchanges, average premiums and short-term plan rules differ by state. Popular state guides:
Sources (checked November 4, 2026)
- IRS — About Form 7206, Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction
- KFF — Examining Short-Term Limited-Duration Health Plans
Plan availability and eligibility are determined by the carrier.