SECTION 1
Qualifying for Coverage
One of the biggest questions new independent consultants have is regarding benefits. Specifically, health insurance. This article will walk through options that U.S.-based consultants can consider.
Most Americans access health insurance via their employer. If you are your own employer, then it means you need to figure out health insurance on your own.
Fortunately, becoming an independent consultant is what the U.S. Government considers a “Qualifying Life Event.” That triggers a 60-day period where you can enroll in insurance plans.
Pro Tip: You have 60 days to figure out insurance when you go independent. Those 60 days can go very quickly, especially if you are busy with client work. For that reason, it’s worth having a plan for healthcare before you become an independent consultant.
SECTION 2
Coverage Options
There are four common paths that independent consultants take to get insurance.
#1: Join a Spouse’s Plan
If your spouse or partner has employer-sponsored insurance, this is often the easiest and most affordable route.
- Coverage is already vetted and likely includes good provider networks
- Minimal paperwork and no need to research new carriers
- Often cheaper than individual plans due to employer subsidies
#2: COBRA (Temporary but Convenient)
COBRA is a government program that allows you to continue your previous employer’s health coverage for up to 18 months after you leave the position.
- Keeps the same plan and provider network
- No new application process or provider switch
- You now pay the full premium cost (any employer subsidy you may have had as an employee goes away), which can be expensive
This can be a good stop-gap solution as it enables uninterrupted coverage for 18 months. If you are joining independent consulting from one of the large consulting firms, the odds are that the coverage will likely be very good.
#3: ACA Marketplace (Near-Term and Flexible)
The Affordable Care Act Marketplace gives you options to buy coverage for you and your family. Each state will have its own combinations of plans. These plans give you multiple options of coverage to pick from at varied costs, depending on the extent of coverage and how large your household is.
You can enroll at two points:
- Open Enrollment (Nov 1–Jan 15)
- A Qualifying Life Event (e.g., leaving a job to go independent)
A Fast-Track Option with Stride Health
Many Catalant Experts use Stride Health to find a plan quickly and affordably. Unlike government sites, Stride walks you through the process, matches you with top-rated plans, and connects you with unbiased advisors—at no cost.
- Over 50% of Stride users pay less than $50/month
- Advisors are available to help you compare plans
- Works during both Open Enrollment and Qualifying Life Events
#4: Private Insurance (Longer Term / At Scale)
As your consulting practice grows, you may formalize your operations with payroll, an S-Corp election, or even hiring a small team. At this stage, you can explore group health plans through your own company.
There are several companies that offer payroll services, many that also offer health insurance. This can be the most cost-effective and tax-efficient way to get healthcare coverage. However, this does require some recurring fixed costs and time. As a result, many consultants don’t opt for this path until they’ve reached a stable scale to their business.
SECTION 3
Final Thoughts
Healthcare isn’t glamorous—but it is essential. As an independent consultant, your ability to work, travel, and show up for clients depends on being well-covered and worry-free.
Take time before your 60-day window expires to evaluate your options. A little preparation now will help you avoid coverage gaps—and unnecessary stress—later.
Catalant Technologies, Inc. does not operate the Stride website linked above and does not provide any health, dental, vision or life insurance or any similar services. These services are provided solely by Stride Health, Inc. We advise you to review Stride’s terms and conditions that apply to your use of their services. Catalant provides these recommendations solely for convenience and in no way urges you to use a particular vendor or apply for a particular kind of insurance. Catalant is not a licensed insurer, insurance producer, or broker. We encourage you to shop around for policies that meet your needs and compare different quotes. Catalant is not responsible for Stride or your experiences with them. We make no representations about these services and disclaim any liability for any related damage or loss.