Most plans end dependent coverage either at the end of the month you turn 26 or on December 31 of that year. If your parents have a Marketplace plan through HealthCare.gov, you're covered through December 31 of the year you turn 26. Call your parent's plan administrator now to confirm your specific termination date.
How Long Can You Stay On Your Parents’ Insurance?
Updated: February 25, 2026
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Key Takeaways
You can stay on your parents' insurance until age 26 under federal law, regardless of marriage or employment status.
Eight states extend coverage past 26, with limits ranging from 27 to 31 years old based on eligibility requirements.
Losing coverage at 26 triggers a 60-day special enrollment period for Marketplace plans starting at $275 monthly.
Do You Lose Your Parents' Insurance the Day You Turn 26?
Your termination date depends on the plan type
Employer-sponsored plans end coverage on the last day of the month you turn 26. HealthCare.gov Marketplace plans must cover you through December 31 of the year you turn 26, your birthday. Some states also set a higher dependent age limit, so coverage may last longer depending on where you live.
Turning 26 triggers a special enrollment period (SEP) on HealthCare.gov
Losing dependent coverage at 26 is a qualifying life event on HealthCare.gov that lets you buy your own Marketplace plan outside of the annual open enrollment window. No need to wait until November.
You have 60 days, and the clock starts before coverage ends
The SEP begins 60 days before your plan's termination date, so you can have a new plan active with no gap in coverage. You also have 60 days after coverage ends to enroll. Miss both windows and you'll wait until the next open enrollment period.
States That Allow Dependent Coverage Past Age 26
Most states cut off dependent health coverage at 26 under the ACA. But eight states (Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wisconsin) extend that limit, ranging from age 27 to 31. Qualifying requirements differ by state: some only require you to be unmarried, while others require full-time enrollment, military service or state residency with no other coverage.
30 | Must live with their parent/s or be a student. Must be unmarried and have no dependent child of their own. | |
30 | Must be a veteran. | |
30 | Must be financially dependent on the parent. Must be covered as an eligible dependent at the time of coverage. | |
31 | Must be unmarried and have no dependents of their own. | |
29 | Must be unmarried. Must be a resident of New York. | |
30 | Must be unmarried and have no dependents. Must be a resident of Pennsylvania or enrolled as a full-time student. May also apply for full-time students whose studies are interrupted by service in the reserves or National Guard equal to the length of their deployment. | |
29 | Must be a full-time student. | |
27 | Must be unmarried. Must not be offered insurance through an employer. May be extended if you are a full-time student called to active duty in the armed forces. |
*State extensions apply to fully insured plans only, with one exception: Wisconsin's law also covers self-insured plans run by the state, counties, cities, towns, villages and school districts. Self-funded private employer plans are exempt nationwide under (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) ERISA.
CAN YOU STAY ON YOUR PARENTS' INSURANCE IF YOU'RE MARRIED OR HAVE A JOB?
You can stay on your parents' health insurance until age 26 regardless of marital status, employment or your parent's job status. The Affordable Care Act allows young adults to remain covered even if you marry, have a job with benefits, no longer live with your parents or your parent changes jobs or retires.
- Marriage doesn't affect coverage. You can stay on your parents' plan until 26 even after getting married. Your spouse cannot join your parents' plan but can get coverage through their own employer or the Health Insurance Marketplace.
- Employment doesn't end coverage. Having a job with health benefits doesn't require you to leave your parents' plan. You can stay on your parents' insurance, enroll in your employer's plan or carry both (though dual coverage increases costs and often provides no additional benefits).
How Much Does Health Insurance for a 26-Year-Old Cost?
Health insurance for a 26-year-old costs $275 to $1,080 per month, or $3,299 to $12,957 annually, depending on plan type and metal level. Catastrophic plans start at $275 per month for POS coverage, while Platinum plans reach $1,080 monthly for EPO coverage. HMO plans cost less than other plan types for most metal levels. Bronze and Silver plans range from $396 to $632 monthly, offering lower premiums than Gold and Platinum options.
Data filtered by:
HMO
Bronze
| HMO | Bronze | $412 | $4,943 |
Plan type and metal level affect your monthly premium. PPO plans cost 12% to 25% more than HMO plans at each metal level. HMO Bronze costs $412 monthly, while PPO Bronze costs $497 monthly. The same pattern holds across all levels. POS plans offer the lowest Catastrophic premiums at $275 monthly, while HMO plans have the lowest premiums for Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Gold and Platinum coverage.
How to Get Health Insurance After Losing Your Parents' Coverage
Apply for Health Insurance Marketplace plans, COBRA continuation, employer coverage, Medicaid or short-term health insurance after losing your parents' plan. You have 60 days from the date you lose coverage to enroll in most options. Marketplace plans and employer coverage require active enrollment, while you can apply for Medicaid any time. Your new coverage starts the first day of the month after you enroll and pay your premium.
- 1Health Insurance Marketplace Plans
Visit HealthCare.gov within 60 days before or after losing your parents' insurance to shop for ACA-compliant Marketplace plans. Your new plan starts the first day of the month after you lose coverage and pay your premium. Premium tax credits lower monthly costs if your 2026 income falls below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Compare plan options, estimated monthly premiums and coverage details from multiple insurers in your state.
- 2COBRA Continuation Coverage
You can stay on your parents' employer health insurance for up to 36 months through COBRA continuation coverage after losing dependent status. COBRA costs the full price of coverage plus a 2% administrative fee. You must enroll within 60 days of receiving your COBRA election notice. Your parents' employer must have 20 or more employees for COBRA to apply.
- 3Medicaid
Free or low-cost health coverage is available through Medicaid if your 2026 income is $21,597 or less in states that expanded coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Apply for Medicaid any time throughout the year with no enrollment deadlines. Coverage starts immediately once you're approved. Visit Medicaid.gov or call your state Medicaid office to check eligibility. Not all states expanded Medicaid, so income limits vary by location.
- 4Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
Work full-time and your company offers benefits? You qualify for employer-sponsored health insurance and a 30-day Special Enrollment Period after losing dependent coverage. This lets you join your employer's plan outside annual open enrollment. Employer plans cost less than Marketplace coverage because companies pay part of the premium. Ask your human resources department about plan options, monthly premiums and when coverage starts.
- 5Short-Term Health Plans
Temporary protection for three to 12 months comes from short-term health insurance while you transition between plans. These plans cost 50% to 70% less than ACA plans but don't cover pre-existing conditions or essential health benefits like maternity care and prescription drugs. Short-term plans work best for healthy young adults needing coverage between losing parents' insurance and starting employer coverage or a Marketplace plan.
Bottom Line
Federal law protects your coverage until age 26, and eight states extend this to 31 for eligible dependents. When your coverage ends, you qualify for a 60-day special enrollment period to choose Marketplace plans starting at $275 monthly. Start shopping before your termination date to avoid coverage gaps.
Can You Stay On Your Parents' Insurance After Age 26: FAQ
Turning 26 raises questions about how long you can stay on your parents' health insurance. We've answered frequently asked questions about dependent coverage:
Can I stay on my parents' insurance if I have a full-time job?
The Affordable Care Act lets you stay on your parents' health insurance until age 26 even if you have a full-time job with benefits. You can stay on your parents' plan, switch to your employer's plan or carry both, though dual coverage increases costs.
Can I stay on my parents' insurance if I live in a different state?
The Affordable Care Act lets you stay on your parents' health insurance until age 26 even if you live in a different state. Your residential location has no effect on dependent coverage eligibility. Verify your parents' plan has network coverage in your state before seeking care.
Can I get back on my parents' insurance if I lose my job before 26?
If you're still under 26 and lose your job, you can rejoin your parents' plan during their next open enrollment period or within 60 days of losing your employer coverage as a qualifying life event. Contact your parent's plan administrator to confirm enrollment options and timing.
How does health insurance work after leaving parents' coverage?
You have 60 days before or after losing your parents' coverage to enroll in a new plan. Options include Health Insurance Marketplace plans, COBRA continuation coverage, employer-sponsored insurance, Medicaid or short-term health plans. Your new coverage starts the first day of the month after enrollment.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.