How Much Does Health Insurance Cost for a 1099 Contractor in 2026?
National averages, what drives the number up or down, and how to get an accurate estimate for your situation without handing over your email.
The single most-searched question from 1099 contractors shopping for health insurance is what it costs. The annoying answer is that it depends. But there are averages, and there are clear drivers of the number up or down.
National averages for a 1099 contractor
A single 40-year-old 1099 contractor pays between $350 and $650 a month for unsubsidized individual coverage in 2026. Family coverage runs $1,100 to $1,800. On a Working Owner group plan, those numbers typically come down to $240 to $420 for an individual and $800 to $1,300 for family coverage.
What actually moves the price
Age has the biggest single effect. Going from 35 to 55 roughly doubles the premium. State matters more than most people think. Family size and plan tier (bronze to platinum) round out the big four.
Sex has a small effect under the ACA (it's not allowed to be a major factor), but some group plans still rate it slightly.
What doesn't move the price much
Pre-existing conditions are not priced into ACA plans or Working Owner group plans. Tobacco use is, in most states, with a 10% to 30% surcharge. Your credit score, your filing status, and your specific line of work don't factor in.
Get an accurate number
The rate calculator on the home page takes 30 seconds and doesn't require an email. Plug in age, sex, coverage type, and state for an estimate you can compare against your most recent marketplace quote.