Can You Still Buy Catastrophic Health Insurance Apr 2026

Yes, you can still buy catastrophic health insurance in 2026. While these plans were historically restricted mostly to young adults under 30, eligibility has been significantly expanded for the 2026 plan year through new hardship exemptions. As of 2026, eligibility falls into two primary categories:

Anyone under the age of 30 can still enroll in a catastrophic plan without needing any special exemption. can you still buy catastrophic health insurance

You qualify if the lowest-cost available Marketplace or job-based insurance would cost more than 8.05% of your income in 2026. Plan Features & Costs Yes, you can still buy catastrophic health insurance in 2026

Individuals with a projected annual income above 400% of the federal poverty level (where premium subsidies typically end) or below 100% will automatically qualify for a hardship exemption. You qualify if the lowest-cost available Marketplace or

Adults 30 and older can now enroll if they meet certain income-based criteria or face specific hardships. Significant 2026 updates include:

Catastrophic plans are designed for "worst-case" scenarios and have specific requirements:

Consumers with incomes above 250% of the federal poverty level who are ineligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) may also qualify for a streamlined exemption process.