The yearly sign-up window, and the 60-day window after a move, losing coverage, marriage or a new baby.
You cannot buy health insurance on any day you like. You sign up in fixed windows.
Open enrollment (once a year)
On healthcare.gov, open enrollment for 2027 plans runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027.
Sign up by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Sign up later in the window and coverage usually starts February 1.
Some states run their own Marketplace with their own website and dates, often a little longer. This differs by state; see In your state below.
Already have a Marketplace plan? Log in during open enrollment and check next year's price. Prices and plans change every year.
Job plans have their own yearly window, often in October or November. HR will email you.
Special enrollment (after a life event)
A special enrollment period lets you sign up outside open enrollment after certain events. For the Marketplace you usually have 60 days after the event. For a job plan you usually have 30 days.
Common events:
Moving to a new area, for example arriving from abroad as a lawfully present immigrant, or moving to a new state or ZIP code. You usually must have had coverage before the move, but people moving from abroad are an exception.
Losing other coverage, for example leaving a job, a school plan ending, or losing Medicaid.
Getting married.
Having a baby or adopting a child. Coverage can start on the day of birth.
A change in immigration status that makes you eligible.
Steps
1
Note the date of the event. The clock starts then.
2
Go to healthcare.gov or your state site and choose "report a life change" or "apply".
3
Upload proof if asked: a new lease, a letter from your old insurer, a marriage or birth certificate.
4
Pick a plan and pay the first premium. Coverage does not start until you pay it.
Common mistakes
Waiting until you are sick. Special enrollment is for life events, not illness.
Missing the 60-day or 30-day deadline by a few days. There is usually no second chance until the next open enrollment.