Your Options
Agency Health Insurance
Most agencies offer plans with varying quality and cost. Day-one coverage vs. waiting periods, premiums, networks — all vary. Agency insurance usually reduces take-home pay since costs are built into your package. Always compare with and without.
ACA Marketplace
Portable coverage from healthcare.gov. Keep the same plan regardless of agency. Can't deny pre-existing conditions. Open enrollment Nov–Jan; losing employer coverage triggers special enrollment.
Short-Term Health Insurance
$100–250/month, up to 12 months, renewable. Real coverage — doctor visits, emergencies, hospitalizations. Pre-existing conditions usually excluded. Excellent for bridging gaps between contracts. Far cheaper than COBRA ($500–700+/month).
Spouse/Partner's Plan
Often the simplest option if available. Eliminates the complexity of managing coverage around contract transitions.
Never go uninsured between contracts. Short-term coverage can be activated within days and costs a fraction of COBRA. Even a two-week gap can be financially devastating if something unexpected happens.