Best Health Insurance for Freelancers

One of the advantages most employed people enjoy is the health insurance cover that takes care of their medical bills and their families. However, freelancing has become popular, and many people are earning through it as their main course.

Unfortunately, that means that they are not under any formal employer, hence no health coverage. Still, they need to be covered to have a policy that takes care of them when they or their family members are sick. This article outlines the best health insurance options available, and you may use it to get a hack.

1. Blue Cross Blue Shield 

Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance tops the list of the best health insurance for freelancers. This insurance covers 1.7 million providers and four insurance policies and cuts across 50 states, offering nationwide services. The extensive network has earned the company a good reputation, and it’s data-driven; hence it commits to quality and improvement. 

In fact, in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Commercial Member Health Plan Study, most insurance companies received high rankings, ascertaining that they offer some of the best terms for self-employed freelancers. 

If you are fortunate enough to be living in a state that benefits from the Blue365 plan, you will have access to additional products like a fitness plan and gym memberships. In addition, the insurance company has a website through which you create your account and access your medical summaries from time to time. 

However, some states do not give the high insurance rankings because they were not served satisfactorily. This variation results from the state difference, besides age, gender, health condition, and tobacco use.

2. UnitedHealthCare

When it comes to the best network coverage, UnitedHealthcare gets the big cake since it has more than 1.3 million providers in the network. And cuts across almost all states (49 states), with four insurance policies from which one can choose. It was started in 1977 and is a constituent of the UnitedHealthGroup, the U.S.’s best insurance cover. 

In the AM Best ratings, UnitedHealthcare received A ratings, showing that it’s one of the best, especially for freelancers and self-employed people. In addition, the 2021 J.D. Power Commercial Member Health Plan Study ranked among the top three most affordable insurance. 

However, it has a history of discriminating against substance abuse and mental issues patients. In addition, the insurance has mixed ratings across states, and you need to check what your state reviews say about it.

3. Kaiser Permanente 

Although Kaiser Permanente covers only eight states and offers three types of policies. It is one of the best insurances for freelancers because it emphasizes preventive care, critical for freelancers and the self-employed. 

The insurance company has more than 23,000 doctors across the eight states, has HSA access, and has been highly ranked by clients, showing great satisfaction. Because it emphasizes overall health, the NQCA gave it a high ranking of 4 out of 5, while the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Commercial Member Health Plan study gave it a standout rating of 5 out of the possible 5. 

Despite the high rankings, California’s insurance is highly scrutinized for skimping on behavioral healthcare and has faced fines and sanctions a few times. Still, it is one of the best insurances with high-quality but cheap services and has been in the market since 1945. It also offers financial assistance, and if you need it, you can apply through their website.

4. Cigna 

As a freelancer, you may get busy sometimes. You would not wish to go out to seek medical attention, especially if the problem is not so serious. Alternatively, you might not have a car, making travel a bit tricky. Consequently, you will likely appreciate an insurance provider that offers prescription deliveries and virtual healthcare, for which Cigna is primarily known. 

Cigna offers medical insurance in 10 states, has four types of policies, and has more than 1.3 million providers in the network. They say old is gold, and that’s why Cigna, dating back to 1792, is one of the best insurances for freelancers and the self-employed. Its virtual healthcare provision, prescription deliveries, and comprehensive services make it exceptionally reputable. However, as with other insurances in this list, Cigna has mixed reviews across the states.

5. Molina Healthcare

If you receive federal government assistance besides freelancing, Molina HealthCare would be the best health insurance because it offers some of the best terms and services to the self-employed and the underserved groups. The insurance serves seventeen states, and the policy types vary across them. 

Although it has had regulatory issues such as not taking care of grievances in the past, it has dramatically improved. It is among the best insurances, having plan transparency in its website and offering quality, affordable healthcare services.

6. Oscar 

Are you a freelancer who is looking for an insurance provider with excellent customer service? Oscar will be a good fit for you, mainly because it has sixteen types of insurance policies. In addition, it has a committed team of nurses and health experts who guide you and answer your questions quickly. Offering services in 19 states, Oscar has more than 560,000 clients. However, it was only established in 2012, and compared to its competitors, it still has a long way to go. 

Yet, its exemplary services give it top rankings. In addition, the insurance has not had regulatory issues and has not had clients complain about discrimination for substance abuse or mental health. If you want to sign up with Oscar healthcare insurance or get quotes, you can do so easily through their website. In addition, the insurance company has an app through which you can make inquiries and get virtual assistance.

The bottom line

If not on a good health insurance plan, freelancers and other self-employed people may find it hard to pay their medical bills. This article has made your search easy and has shared the best insurances for you as a freelancer. Each differs from the other in terms of network, coverage, and number of policies available.

Rose Rosie is a writer for the personal finance website, Joy Wallet, which provides readers with useful information, resources, and tools to help maximize their financial fitness.