Health Insurance After COBRA
COBRA continuation coverage has a hard expiration — typically 18 months, sometimes 36 in specific circumstances — and when it ends, you need a plan lined up before the gap, not after.
Most people we talk to are actually better off comparing alternatives well before COBRA runs out, since COBRA's full premium (no employer subsidy, plus a 2% admin fee) is rarely the cheapest option even while it's active.
Why clients choose this option
- Line up your next plan before COBRA's expiration date, not after
- Compare private PPO pricing against what you're currently paying for COBRA
- Avoid a coverage gap that can affect pre-existing condition underwriting elsewhere
- One conversation covers both switching off COBRA early and what happens when it expires
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically 18 months after a qualifying job loss, though certain circumstances (like disability) can extend it to up to 36 months.
Yes — you're not required to stay on COBRA for its full duration. Many clients switch to a cheaper private PPO plan well before the expiration date.
You'd have a coverage gap, which is worth avoiding — we recommend starting the comparison at least 60 days before your COBRA coverage is set to end.