Non-ACA health insurance
Private Health Insurance Plans
Non-ACA coverage with national networks and premiums priced for your health — available any day of the year. See how it compares to the Marketplace before you renew.
- Enroll any time of year
- National PPO networks
- Compared side by side with ACA
- Licensed & independent
- 100% no-cost guidance
- 25+ years of experience
- Year-round, real-person support
What is private (non-ACA) health insurance?
Private health insurance is coverage you buy directly from an insurance company rather than through the government Marketplace at HealthCare.gov. Because these plans can use medical underwriting, the carrier prices your policy based on your actual health profile instead of charging everyone the same rate. For healthy applicants, that frequently means meaningfully lower premiums, nationwide PPO networks and the freedom to enroll any day of the year.
American Medical Plans has specialized in private health insurance for individuals, families and small groups for more than 25 years. We know which carriers are financially strong, how their underwriting works and which plans actually pay claims the way they promise.
Why more people are switching in 2026
The enhanced ACA premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025. That brought back the “subsidy cliff”: households earning more than 400% of the federal poverty level now receive no premium assistance at all, and subsidies shrank for many households below that line. For a lot of self-employed professionals and early retirees, Marketplace premiums jumped sharply with no change in coverage.
A private plan won't be the right answer for everyone — but if you're healthy and paying full price for an ACA plan, it's worth a side-by-side comparison.
Benefits of private health plans
- Lower premiums for healthy applicants: underwriting rewards good health instead of averaging everyone together.
- Broader networks: many plans use national PPO networks, so you can see specialists and travel without losing coverage.
- Enroll year-round: no waiting for Open Enrollment or proving a qualifying life event.
- Flexible plan design: choose deductibles, copays and add-ons such as dental, vision, life and critical illness.
Things to understand before you apply
Private plans are not Marketplace plans. Depending on the plan type, they may decline applicants, exclude pre-existing conditions, cap certain benefits or omit some of the ACA's essential health benefits. We'll walk you through exactly what is and isn't covered, in writing, before you apply — and if an ACA plan protects you better, we'll tell you.
Side-by-side
Private vs. ACA health insurance
Both have a place. Here's how they differ so you can decide with clear eyes.
| Private (non-ACA) plans | ACA Marketplace plans | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can enroll | Approval based on health questions | Everyone accepted during enrollment |
| When you can enroll | Any time of year | Open Enrollment or a qualifying life event |
| How price is set | Your age, location and health | Age, location, tobacco & income subsidies |
| Typical networks | Often national PPO | Often local HMO/EPO |
| Pre-existing conditions | May be excluded or limited | Always covered |
| Premium tax credits | Not available | Available up to 400% FPL |
Plan features vary by carrier, plan type and state. We review the actual plan documents with you before you apply.
Getting started
From quote to coverage in three steps
Quick health questions
We pre-screen with a few health questions so you only apply where you're likely to be approved.
Compare carriers
See premiums, deductibles and networks from several carriers next to your best ACA option.
Apply and get covered
Most applications are decided quickly, and coverage can begin within days.
FAQ
Private health insurance questions
What is private health insurance?
Private health insurance is coverage sold directly by insurance companies outside the ACA Marketplace. Many private plans are medically underwritten, which means your premium is based partly on your health. Healthy applicants often qualify for lower rates and broader networks than they'd find on the Marketplace.
Is private health insurance the same as short-term insurance?
Not necessarily. We offer several types of private coverage, including longer-term underwritten PPO plans, indemnity and fixed-benefit plans, and short-term medical where state rules allow. Each works differently, and we'll explain the trade-offs before you choose.
Can I be denied private health insurance?
Yes. Because private plans are usually underwritten, carriers may decline an application or exclude pre-existing conditions. If private coverage isn't a fit, we'll show you ACA Marketplace options, which must accept everyone during Open Enrollment.
When can I enroll in a private health plan?
Any time of year. Private plans aren't limited to Open Enrollment, and coverage can often start within days of approval.
Who saves the most with private plans?
Generally, healthy individuals and families whose income is above 400% of the federal poverty level — the point where ACA premium tax credits now stop. Self-employed people, early retirees and small business owners are frequently in that group.
See if a private plan can lower your premium
Get a no-cost comparison of private and ACA plans for your household in one conversation.