If you’ve left your job, or you think your employment status might change soon, it’s time to consider your health insurance options. After all, you never know when an illness, injury or emergency might strike.

In Alabama, more than 47 percent of residents¹ report that they receive their health insurance coverage through their employer. While many employers offer the option of extending health care coverage when a plan ends, it’s important to know that other avenues exist.

As you consider your next steps professionally, here are some health insurance options to keep in mind.  

1. Talk to your family.

While traditional health insurance plans have a defined enrollment period, the loss of a job is considered a “qualifying life event” that allows you enroll outside of that specific period. To understand what might be available, the first thing you should do is talk to family members about their health insurance plans. If you’re married or in a domestic partnership, it’s possible that your partner can add you to their employer-based plan; and if you’re younger than 26, it’s possible a parent could add you to a plan. Just make sure to act quickly: some insurance policies specify that you must enroll within a certain amount of time after your plan ends.

2. Ask about COBRA.

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is a federal law requiring employers with 20 or more employees to extend their health insurance coverage for the former employee (as well as spouses and dependents) for at least 18 months. While the health insurance coverage will remain the same as during employment, the expense of the plan can sometimes be prohibitive. Since it’s no longer subsidized by the employer, the entire cost falls on the person covered.

3. Shop for an individual plan on the healthcare exchange.

Individual and family plans are available at HealthCare.gov. If you experience a qualifying life event, such as leaving your job for any reason, you could be eligible for a special enrollment period, and your coverage can begin as soon as the first day of the month after your previous policy ends. On the marketplace, you’ll find three different types of plans: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Gold plans will have the highest monthly payments with the lowest out-of-pocket costs, followed by Silver, while Bronze will have the lowest monthly payments with the highest out-of-pocket costs. Each tier has its own benefits, depending on your individual or family needs. 

We all know that life is full of surprises. By planning ahead for consistent health care coverage, you can be prepared for anything—even when your career path hits a curve.