If you’re under 30, you can get health coverage a few different ways, some designed specifically for you. With a range of plan types and costs to choose from, it’s not hard to find insurance that works for your life and your budget.

Under 30? Get a customized health insurance decision guide

Answer a few fast questions to get a personalized guide that’ll help you make a coverage decision that works for you.

Getting or staying on a parent’s plan

Buying your own insurance plan

  • You might be able to buy your own plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
    • Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for savings based on your income. If you’re just starting your career and not making much money, you could get a very affordable plan – most people who apply can find a plan for between $50 and $100.
    • You can pick a “Catastrophic” health plan – an affordable way to protect yourself from worst-case scenarios.
    • Applying can be easy and fast. If you’re single or have a pretty straightforward family situation, applying and finding out what savings you qualify for won’t take much time at all.
    • One catch: If someone claims you as a tax dependent, you can buy a plan through the Marketplace but won’t qualify for savings based on your income.
  • Preview 2017 plans, with prices based on your estimated income. You don’t need to log in or even give us your name to check the plans out.
  • Still need 2016 coverage? Find out if you qualify.
  • Turning 26? See how to get your own health coverage.

In school? Student plans

  • If you’re in school, you may be able to enroll in a student health plan — and meet the requirement for having coverage under the health care law.

Medicaid and CHIP

  • If your income is low or you have certain life circumstances, you could qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid.
    • If your state has expanded Medicaid coverage, you can qualify based on your income alone – in most states that have expanded, that’s about $16,500 for a single person, about $22,000 for a married couple with no children. Do a quick check here.
    • In all states, you can qualify based on factors including income, some family situations like pregnancy and having young children, and disability.
    • If you have children, they might qualify for coverage under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid.

Learn more about Medicaid and CHIP and how to apply.

Get covered – or pay a fee

  • Under the health care law, you must have qualifying health coverage or pay a fee on your next federal tax return.
  • The penalty in 2016 is 2.5% of household income or $695 per adult (half of that per child), whichever is higher. The penalty rises with inflation in future years. Final 2017 amounts will be published when available. Learn more about the fee for not being covered.