Turning 26? Here’s What It Means for Your Health Coverage
20 August 2025
Turning 26 is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with an important change – your ability to stay on a parent or guardian’s health insurance plan ends once you reach your 26th birthday. If you’re in this situation, you’ll need to take steps to secure your own health coverage.
Why coverage changes at 26
Under federal law, young adults can remain on a parent or guardian’s health plan until they turn 26. After that, you’ll need to find your own coverage to avoid gaps in care and unexpected medical costs.
What happens when you turn 26
Employer health plan - If you’re covered through a parent or guardian’s employer, your coverage usually ends on the last day of the month you turn 26.
Marketplace health plan - If you’re covered through a parent or guardian’s Marketplace plan, your coverage will last through December 31 of the year you turn 26.
Special enrollment period: 60 days
Under federal law, young adults can remain on a parent or guardian’s health plan until they turn 26. After that, you’ll need to find your own coverage to avoid gaps in care and unexpected medical costs.
The good news is that turning 26 is considered a qualifying life event. That means you don’t have to wait for the annual open enrollment period – you have a 60-day window to enroll in a new health plan.
Your options for coverage
You have several paths to keep your health coverage and avoid high out-of-pocket costs:
Through your job - Many employers offer health plans you can sign up for once you turn 26.
Through the Marketplace - If your employer doesn’t offer coverage, or if you’re self-employed, you can explore plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Directly through Providence Health Plan - We offer a variety of health plans designed to meet your needs, whether you’re just starting out on your own or already building your career.
Were here to help
Choosing a health plan can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Providence Health Plan is here to make the process simple.
