How to Get Health Insurance When Your Employer Doesn’t Offer It in Phoenix
If you’re one of the many Arizonans without job-based benefits, finding health insurance without employer coverage in Phoenix can feel confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re self-employed, working part-time, or between jobs, there are several affordable and reliable ways to get insured for you and your family.
This guide explains your main options, how to apply, and how to make sure your coverage truly fits your needs and budget.
1. Start With Marketplace (ACA) Health Insurance
For most people looking for health insurance without employer coverage in Phoenix, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace is the best place to start. Marketplace plans cover essential benefits like preventive care, prescriptions, and hospital visits—and many Arizonans qualify for income-based savings through premium tax credits.
Open Enrollment runs from November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026, which means now is the time to apply or renew. If you lose job-based coverage midyear, you may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
These Marketplace plans are grouped into tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold) so you can compare based on your family’s care needs and budget.
2. Explore Private Health Insurance Options
Not everyone qualifies for Marketplace subsidies—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. You can still get private health insurance in Phoenix directly from a carrier. These plans can offer:
Flexible provider networks
Broader coverage for specific hospitals or specialists
Short-term coverage between jobs or transitions
Options for self-employed professionals and small business owners
A licensed local agent can help you compare private and Marketplace health insurance side by side to find the right balance between cost and coverage.
3. Add Dental, Vision, and Supplemental Coverage
When you buy health insurance on your own, remember that most plans don’t automatically include dental or vision care. Adding these plans separately helps protect your long-term health and avoids unexpected costs.
Supplemental insurance can also help cover out-of-pocket expenses from accidents, hospital stays, or critical illness—giving you extra peace of mind.
4. Special Options for Self-Employed and Part-Time Workers
If you’re self-employed, you can still apply for Marketplace coverage or a Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible plan. If you’re 65 or older, Medicare may be available instead.
For those between jobs or waiting for a new plan to start, short-term medical plans can bridge the gap, keeping you covered during transitions.
5. Get Local, Expert Help at No Cost
Finding health insurance without employer coverage in Phoenix doesn’t have to be stressful. Working with a licensed HealthMarkets agent like Daisy Nadolski gives you personalized help at no cost. Daisy can compare Marketplace, Medicare, private, dental, vision, and supplemental plans to help you find the right coverage and avoid common mistakes.
She works with clients throughout Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and Scottsdale, helping them save time, money, and frustration during Open Enrollment.
Final Thoughts
Not having employer coverage doesn’t mean you have to go without protection. With the right guidance, you can find affordable health insurance in Phoenix that fits your life and your budget.
If you’re ready to explore your options, reach out to Daisy Nadolski, licensed HealthMarkets agent, for a free, no-pressure consultation and get covered confidently for 2026.
