Introduction
Finding the best private health insurance options for self employed can feel hard. You don’t have an employer to help you. The Marketplace plans might not meet your needs. But here’s good news: you have more choices than you think.
Private health insurance gives you options the Marketplace doesn’t offer. You can pick your own doctors. You can choose plans that fit how you work. And you don’t have to wait for special sign-up times.
Many Texas business owners don’t realize these choices exist and believe the Marketplace is their only option.
We will show you what’s available. You’ll learn about private plans, small business group options, and smart ways to save money. For a broader breakdown of plan types, costs, and tax benefits, start with our best health insurance for self-employed in 2026 guide.
Why Consider Private Health Insurance When You’re Self Employed?
Private health insurance works differently from Marketplace plans. Here’s what makes it special.
More Doctor Choices
Private plans often let you see more doctors. You’re not stuck with a small network. This matters a lot if you already have doctors you like. Or if you need special care.
Many private PPO plans let you see any doctor you want. You might pay a bit more for out-of-network doctors. But you have the choice.
Pick Your Own Benefits
Want dental? Need vision? Looking for better mental health coverage? Private plans let you build what you need. You’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all package.
You can add or skip extras based on your life. If you’re healthy and just want protection for big problems, you can do that. If you need more coverage, you can get it.
Sign Up Anytime
This is huge. With the Marketplace, you usually have to wait for open enrollment. That’s just a few weeks each year. Miss it, and you’re stuck.
Private plans work with licensed brokers. You can often sign up any time of year. Life changes fast when you’re self-employed. Your insurance should keep up.
Your Coverage Stays With You
Business doing great this year? Struggling next year? Your private health insurance doesn’t change just because your income changes. You picked it. You keep it.
This gives you stability. You know what you’re paying. You know what’s covered.
Top Private Health Insurance Carriers for Self-Employed Texans
Texas has some of the best private insurance options in the country. Let’s look at who offers what.
Aetna
Aetna is known for big PPO networks. You can see doctors all over Texas. And if you travel for work, you’re covered across the country.
They offer good telehealth options. You can talk to a doctor from your phone. This saves time when you’re busy running your business.
UnitedHealthcare One
UnitedHealthcare makes plans just for individuals and small businesses. They have a huge network in Texas. Finding an in-network doctor is easy.
They offer lots of flexibility. HSA options help you save on taxes. Short-term plans work if you need something fast. Vision and dental add-ons give you complete coverage.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
BCBS is the most recognized name in Texas health insurance. There’s a reason. They have the biggest statewide network.
Almost every doctor and hospital works with Blue Cross. This matters in rural areas. It matters in cities, too. You just have more choices.
Humana
Humana focuses on affordable small group plans. If you have even a few employees, they’re worth checking out.
Their plans include wellness programs. You get discounts on gym memberships. They cover preventive care at no cost to you. This helps you stay healthy rather than just pay for care when you’re sick.
Cigna
Do you work across state lines? Do clients or projects take you around the country or world? Cigna might be your best pick.
They offer nationwide and international coverage. Their premium tiers work for different budgets. You can get basic coverage or top-tier protection.
Small Business Group Health Insurance Plans Explained
You might think group plans are only for big companies. Not true. If you have just one employee (even a family member), you might qualify for private health insurance options for self employed professionals.
What Counts as a Small Business
Under the ACA, a small business has 50 or fewer employees. In Texas, you can often get group plans with as few as two people. That could be you and your spouse. Or you and one employee.
This opens up new options you might not know about.
How Group Plans Differ From Marketplace Plans
Group plans don’t use the Marketplace system. You work directly with a broker and carrier. The enrollment is simpler. The networks are often better. And you have more control.
You don’t get subsidies like on the Marketplace. But you might not need them. Group plans can be cheaper on their own because you split costs with employees.
Real Savings Through Group Coverage
Here’s an example. A 5-person startup in Austin found they could cut per-person premiums by 30% by getting a group plan rather than having everyone buy individual coverage.
Why? Insurance companies give better rates to groups. They know groups are more stable. They spread risk across more people. You benefit from that math.
Your Responsibility as an Employer
If you offer group coverage, you’ll share costs with employees. Most Texas employers pay 50% to 75% of employee premiums. You decide the exact split.
You also need to follow some rules. The Texas Department of Insurance sets basic requirements. A good broker helps you stay compliant without stress.
Defined Contribution Plans: A Modern Alternative
This is where health insurance options for self-employed business owners get really interesting. QSEHRA and ICHRA plans flip traditional insurance on its head.
What Are Contribution Health Plans?
Instead of picking one plan for everyone, you give employees a cash allowance. They use that money to buy their own insurance. You control your budget. They control their coverage.
It’s like a health insurance allowance.
QSEHRA: For Smaller Operations
The Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement works for businesses with under 50 employees. You can’t offer group insurance if you use QSEHRA. It’s designed for companies that want to help but can’t afford traditional group plans.
2025 QSEHRA Limits:
- Single employees: Up to $6,350 per year (about $529 per month)
- Employees with families: Up to $12,800 per year (about $1,067 per month)
The money you give is tax-free for employees. You get tax deductions for offering it. Employees can choose any health insurance plan they want. You reimburse them up to your set limit.
ICHRA: Maximum Flexibility
The Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement is newer and more flexible. Any size business can use it. And there are no caps.
You can give employees $200 or $2,000 per month. It’s up to you and your budget.
You can also vary the amounts for different employee groups. Maybe full-time workers get more than part-time. Or managers get more than entry-level staff.
ICHRAs work great for businesses with 50+ employees that need to meet ACA requirements. The coverage counts as “affordable” if you structure it right.
Real-World Example
Imagine a Houston consulting firm with 12 employees that switches to QSEHRA.
They could give each person $400 monthly toward health premiums. This might save the company money on admin costs because there’s no big group plan to manage.
No more dealing with network complaints from employees.
Employees would be able to choose plans that fit their families.
One employee might keep her longtime doctor. Another might find a cheaper high-deductible plan because he’s young and healthy. This kind of flexibility helps everyone get what they need.
Expert Brokerage Services for Texas Businesses
Trying to figure all this out alone is hard. That’s why working with a licensed broker makes sense. He can help you find a better option for self-employed health insurance in Texas.
How Brokers Simplify Your Decisions
A good broker does the shopping for you. They know which carriers offer what. They understand the rules. They can compare five different companies in minutes.
You tell them what you need. They bring you options. You pick what works. Simple.
ACA Compliance Help
The Affordable Care Act has rules. Especially if you have 50 or more employees. Miss something and you might face penalties.
Brokers know these rules inside and out. They ensure your plan meets the requirements. You stay out of trouble without becoming an insurance expert yourself.
Custom Consultations and Real Quotes
Every business is different. Your industry matters. Your employees’ ages matter. Where you’re located in Texas matters.
Cookie-cutter advice doesn’t work. You need someone who looks at your real situation and finds real solutions.
Working with a licensed broker means getting quotes from multiple carriers. You see actual prices. You compare real benefits. You make informed choices.
Why Local Texas Expertise Matters
Texas has its own insurance rules. Out-of-state brokers might miss local details. A Texas-based broker knows the market. They know which carriers work best in Houston, Dallas, and rural areas.
They also understand Texas business culture. They speak your language.
Ready to explore your options? with a licensed Texas health insurance broker. Get custom quotes from Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare.
Comparing Private Plans vs. Marketplace Coverage
Let’s be clear about what’s different. Both can work. But they work differently for different people.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | Private Health Plans | Marketplace Plans |
Flexibility | High – many options | Limited – set plans |
Subsidies | None | Available (based on income) |
Provider Choice | Broad networks | Restricted networks |
Customization | Yes – build your plan | No – pick from set options |
Enrollment Window | Anytime (with broker) | Annual (Nov-Jan only) |
Best For | Small businesses, higher-income self-employed | Lower-income individuals, those eligible for subsidies |
When Marketplace Makes Sense
If your income is low enough to qualify for subsidies, the Marketplace can save you a lot of money. The government helps pay your premiums. This is based on your household income and family size.
For some people, especially those making under $50,000 a year, Marketplace subsidies make a huge difference.
When Private Plans Win
If you make too much to get subsidies, private plans often cost half as much as Marketplace plans. But you get more benefits. Better networks. More flexibility. Year-round enrollment.
Most successful self-employed people and small business owners do better with private plans. You’re not constrained by Marketplace limitations.
How to Choose the Right Private Health Insurance Plan
Ready to pick a plan? Here’s how to think through your options.
Step 1: Know Your Budget
What can you afford each month? Be honest. Insurance you can’t pay for doesn’t help you.
Remember that cheaper premiums usually mean higher deductibles. You pay less each month but more when you actually use the insurance. Higher premiums usually mean lower deductibles.
Find the balance that fits your situation.
Step 2: Compare Network Types
PPO plans let you see any doctor. You pay less for in-network doctors, but can go out-of-network if needed. These cost more but give you the most freedom.
HMO plans are cheaper. But you must use network doctors. You need referrals to see specialists. These work well if you like your primary care doctor and don’t need much specialized care.
Step 3: Look at Deductibles vs. Premiums
Your deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in. Let’s say you have a $3,000 deductible. You pay the first $3,000 of care each year. After that, insurance helps.
Healthy people often pick high-deductible plans with lower premiums. You’re betting you won’t need much care. If you do get sick, you have coverage for big problems.
People with ongoing health needs often pick low-deductible plans. You pay more each month but less when you actually use the plan.
Step 4: Check for Extra Perks
Some plans include great extras.
Telehealth: see a doctor from home. Wellness discounts on gyms. Free preventive care like checkups and screenings.
Cigna and Humana are especially good at offering wellness programs. Aetna has strong telehealth. Blue Cross Blue Shield has dental and vision partnerships.
Step 5: Work With a Licensed Texas Broker
Don’t do this alone. A broker shows you side-by-side comparisons. They explain confusing terms. They find plans you might miss on your own.
And it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Brokers get paid by insurance companies. You get expert help for free.
Compare your options with a broker who partners with all major carriers. He should be able to find right fit for your business in minutes, not hours.
Now that you understand the health insurance alternatives for self-employed Texans, let’s answer common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Health Insurance for Self-Employed Texans
Which insurance is best for the self-employed?
It depends on your needs. If you want maximum flexibility and a big network, Aetna or UnitedHealthcare PPO plans work great.
If you want the most recognized brand in Texas with the biggest network, go with Blue Cross Blue Shield. For budget-friendly small-group options, consider Humana. Need coverage across states or countries? Cigna is your answer.
The best plan is the one that fits your doctors, your budget, and your life.
How much is health insurance for the self-employed?
Plans vary widely based on your age, location, and coverage level.
A healthy 30-year-old in Texas might pay anywhere from $300 to $600 per month for individual coverage. A 50-year-old might pay $600 to $1,200 per month. Family plans cost more.
The only way to know your real cost is to get actual quotes based on your situation. Don’t guess. Get real numbers from a broker.
Can you buy your own health insurance in the USA?
Yes. You have two main paths. You can buy through the Marketplace during open enrollment. Or you can buy private insurance through a licensed broker at any time of year.
Private insurance works just like employer insurance. You pick a plan. You pay premiums. You get coverage. The main difference is that nobody else is helping pay for it (unless you set up a QSEHRA or ICHRA).
What insurance should a self-employed person have?
At a minimum, you need health insurance. Medical bills are the number one cause of bankruptcy in America. Even if you’re healthy now, one accident or illness can wipe you out financially.
Beyond health insurance, consider dental and vision coverage. Also look into disability insurance (pays you if you can’t work) and life insurance (protects your family if something happens to you).
Start with health insurance. Add the rest as your business grows.
Is health insurance 100% deductible for the self-employed?
Usually yes, but there are some rules. Self-employed people can deduct health insurance premiums from their taxes. This includes coverage for you, your spouse, and your dependents.
You can deduct premiums for medical, dental, and long-term care insurance. You take this deduction “above the line,” which means you don’t have to itemize.
You can’t deduct premiums for months when you were eligible for an employer plan (including your spouse’s employer). Talk to your tax advisor to make sure you do it right.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Health Coverage
Being self-employed means making your own choices. Your health insurance should work the same way.
Private health insurance gives you the freedom the Marketplace doesn’t offer. You can pick your doctors. Choose your coverage level. Sign up when you need to, not just during a small window.
Top carriers offer competitive plans built for Texas freelancers and small business owners.
If you have employees, group plans and defined contribution arrangements can save everyone money. You control costs. Your team gets good coverage. Everyone wins.
The key is working with someone who knows Texas insurance. A licensed broker takes the confusion out of the process. They do the shopping. You do the deciding.