Understanding how to get health insurance can help you save money, avoid surprises, and find a plan that fits your everyday life.
When you're thinking about getting health insurance, start by looking at how well a plan fits your daily life and needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you're getting started:
- Doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals partner with specific insurance companies to provide care. This group of partners is called a network. Make sure your favorite doctors and preferred local hospitals are in your new plan's network.
- Review your health needs for the year ahead. For example, if you take prescription medications regularly, make sure the plan covers them. Look for the plan's official list of covered medicines before you decide.
- Think about how often you see a doctor or need medical care. This helps you choose a plan that matches your lifestyle.
- Take note of any changes for the coming year, since health plans and coverage rules can change.
By taking the time to consider these factors, you’ll be one step closer to choosing a health plan that works well for you and your family.
Most people get their health coverage through an employer, family member, or buy it on their own. If your employer offers health benefits, your human resources team can help you enroll directly through your job.
If you don’t get health insurance through your job, you can use the Health Insurance Marketplace to find coverage. Visit HealthCare.gov or your state’s website to shop for affordable health plans. When you apply, the system will check what programs or support you may qualify for based on your income and household details.
Young adults also have a few extra avenues to explore. Under the Affordable Care Act, you can simply stay on a parent's health plan until you turn 26. You might also find reliable coverage through your college or university, or you can join your spouse’s employer-sponsored plan.
Whether it’s your first time signing up or you’re looking to update your coverage, enrolling in health insurance is an important step you can take to help protect your health – and your wallet.
If you get a new job that offers health insurance, you can enroll in your employer's plan soon after you start working. You often have about 30 days to sign up for benefits. Take time to review your health plan options as soon as you start, so you don't miss your opportunity.
Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to sign up for health insurance outside of a job or update a plan you currently have. This window typically happens just once a year, usually in November and December. Signing up during this time usually means your coverage starts early the following year.
Sometimes, life changes unexpectedly. If you lose your job, get married, or have a baby, you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This special window lets you update or change your coverage outside of the normal Open Enrollment period. These life events are called "qualifying events" and open up extra options for you and your family.
To make enrolling in a health plan easier, gather the information you'll need early. It's a good idea to keep the following documents handy:
- Income information, like pay stubs or tax returns
- Birthdates and social security numbers for everyone in your household
- A list of your current doctors and medications
- Notices about previous health coverage
Keeping these details on hand ensures you can move quickly through the application steps and avoid delays. If the process ever feels heavy, you can visit HealthCare.gov for extra guidance. By staying organized, you can step into the new year with a health plan that supports your entire family.
Get reliable answers to your insurance questions, such as how to get prior authorization and submitting a claim.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy and no-cost services available to you.
Information in other languages: Español 中文 Tiếng Việt 한국어 Français العَرَبِيَّة Hmoob ру́сский Tagalog ગુજરાતી ភាសាខ្មែរ Deutsch हिन्दी ລາວ 日本語
© 2026 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. ®, SM Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. All other marks and names are property of their respective owners. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.