In some limited cases insurance companies sell private health plans outside Open Enrollment that count as qualifying health coverage.
- The Marketplace doesn’t list or offer these plans. The only way you can enroll in a health plan through the Marketplace outside Open Enrollment is if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
- You can find these plans through some insurance companies, agents, brokers, and online health insurance sellers. If you buy a plan outside the Marketplace any time, during Open Enrollment or not, you can’t get premium tax credits or other savings based on your income.
- Insurance companies can tell you if a particular plan counts as minimum essential coverage. Each plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage also includes this information.
Note: Most health plans sold outside Open Enrollment don’t count as qualifying health coverage.