I’m enrolled in a student health plan, but now I think I can get a better deal in the Marketplace. Can I drop student health plan coverage and go to the Marketplace instead?

If you are currently enrolled in a student health plan, you can still apply for Marketplace coverage during the annual Open Enrollment period. If your expected household income is at least $15,650 in 2026, you may qualify for premium tax credits; however, you will have to drop your student health coverage by December 31 to remain eligible for them.

Outside of Open Enrollment, you cannot voluntarily drop your student health plan and qualify for Marketplace coverage and premium tax credits. However, if you involuntarily lose eligibility for student health plan coverage mid-year (for example, if you drop out of school and lose eligibility for the student health plan), you would qualify for a “coverage loss” special enrollment period (SEP) and be able to apply for Marketplace coverage and premium tax credits. The SEP will last 60 days from the date your student health coverage ends. If you know in advance when coverage will end, you can also apply for the SEP up to 60 days in advance. Your new coverage will begin on the first day of the month after you select your plan.

You will need to provide proof of coverage loss, like a letter from your school, to qualify for this SEP. Go to Healthcare.gov to select a health plan and submit the required documentation within 30 days–failure to do so will cancel your plan selection. If the Marketplace determines the documentation you submitted is insufficient, you will have up to 90 days to submit sufficient documentation.

If you have questions, you can use the Find Local Help tool to contact a Marketplace navigator or assister, or contact the Marketplace call center for help.