ACA Marketplace Health Insurance
Comprehensive, ACA-compliant health plans with subsidies for most families. Open Enrollment runs Nov 1 – Jan 15; life events (job loss, marriage, new baby) can open a Special Enrollment Period any time.
Best for: most under-65 individuals and families who need real major-medical coverage.
Short-Term Medical Insurance
Temporary coverage to bridge a gap — between jobs, missing Open Enrollment, or waiting for Medicare to start. Lower premium, faster enrollment, but not ACA-compliant and often excludes pre-existing conditions.
Best for: healthy adults with a defined coverage gap of a few months.
Medi-Share
A Christian healthcare sharing ministry where members share each other's eligible medical bills. Not insurance — but a lower-cost alternative for families aligned with the statement of faith.
Best for: faith-aligned families seeking community-based cost sharing.
Individual Dental & Vision
Standalone dental and vision plans for people whose health plan doesn't include them. I recommend Ameritas — no waiting periods, a large nationwide network, and preventive care that doesn't count against your annual maximum.
Best for: individuals and families wanting predictable dental/vision costs.
International Travel Medical Insurance
Short-term medical coverage for U.S. residents traveling abroad — most domestic plans (and Medicare) don't cover you outside the country. It's day-rated, so you only pay for the days you're gone.
Best for: anyone taking a trip outside the U.S.