People under 30
How to get or stay on a parent’s plan
If a parent’s health insurance plan covers dependents, you usually can be added to their plan and stay on it until you turn 26.
Covered by a parent’s plan and about to turn 26? Learn how to get your own health coverage.
How to get added to a parent’s insurance plan
Marketplace plans
When a parent applies for a new plan in the Marketplace, they can include you on their application if they plan to claim you as their tax dependent.
- They can add you to an existing Marketplace plan only during the yearly or a.
- If you’re on a parent’s Marketplace plan, you can stay covered on their plan through December 31 of the year you turn 26 (or the age permitted in your state).
If your parent pays the full cost of their Marketplace plan without a tax credit, then you can be included on their application and Marketplace plan, even if they don’t claim you as a tax dependent. Visit IRS.gov to learn who counts as a tax dependent.
Job-based plans
Your parent can choose to add you to their job-based health insurance plan during their employer’s yearly Open Enrollment Period or during a Special Enrollment Period. Your parent should check with their plan or their employer’s benefits department for details.
Generally, you can join and stay on a parent’s job-based plan until you turn 26 even if you:
- Got married
- Have or adopt a child
- Start or leave school
- Live in or out of your parent’s home
- Aren’t claimed as a tax dependent
- Turn down an offer of job-based coverage
Check with the employer or plan if you can stay on the plan after you turn 26. Some states and plans have different rules. Contact your state’s Department of Insurance for state-specific rules.