Leaving a job brings a lot to deal with: a final paycheck, maybe a new offer, maybe a few months to figure out what comes next. Health coverage is easy to put off. But a gap of even a few weeks can be expensive if you get hurt, get sick, or need a prescription refilled.

The good news is that you have options, and most people have more than one. The three main routes are COBRA, a Marketplace plan, or a private health plan. Each one works differently, costs differently and has its own deadlines. This guide explains them in plain English so you can choose with confidence.

First, find out exactly when your coverage ends

Before you compare anything, call HR or check your benefits portal and ask one question: "What is the last day of my health coverage?. It is not always your last day of work. Some employers end coverage on your final day, and others keep it until the end of that month. That date starts the clock on your deadlines, so write it down.

While you're talking to HR, ask for two more things:

• -Your COBRA election notice, or when it will be mailed
• -The monthly cost of COBRA for you and anyone else on your plan

With those three answers, you can compare your options properly.

Option 1: COBRA, keep the plan you already have

COBRA is a federal law that lets you stay on your employer's group health plan after you leave. It generally applies to employers with 20 or more employees. Many states have "mini-COBRA" laws that cover smaller employers.

What's good about it:

• -Nothing changes. Same doctors, same network, same prescriptions. If you're mid-treatment or expecting a baby, that continuity can be worth a lot.
• -Your deductible progress usually carries over, because you're staying on the same plan.
• -You have time to decide. Your plan must give you at least 60 days to elect COBRA, and at least 45 days after electing to make your first payment.

The catch is cost. While you were employed, your employer probably paid a large share of your premium. Under COBRA, you can be charged the full cost of the plan plus a 2% admin fee: up to 102% in total. Many people are surprised when they see the monthly bill for the first time.

How long it lasts: usually up to 18 months after leaving a job.

Good fit if you need to keep specific doctors, you've already met much of your deductible this year, or you'll be between jobs for only a short time.

Option 2: A Marketplace plan through HealthCare.gov

The Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov, or your state's own site) sells individual and family plans that follow the Affordable Care Act. Normally you can only sign up during Open Enrollment, which runs from November 1 to January 15 on HealthCare.gov. Losing job-based coverage opens a Special Enrollment Period, so you don't have to wait.

The deadline matters: you can apply up to 60 days before your coverage ends, or within 60 days after. Miss that window and you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment. You may also be asked for documents that show you lost coverage, so keep your termination letter or HR notice.

What's good about it:

• -Help with costs based on income. Depending on your expected household income for the year, you may qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly payment. Being offered COBRA does not stop you from getting this help, as long as you don't enroll in COBRA.
• -Comprehensive coverage. Marketplace plans cover essential health benefits and can't turn you down or charge you more because of a health condition.

Things to watch:

• -New network, new deductible. Your doctors may not be in network, and your deductible starts from zero.
• -Switching from COBRA later has rules. If you choose COBRA first, you can move to a Marketplace plan within 60 days of losing your job coverage, when COBRA runs out, or during Open Enrollment. If you simply stop paying COBRA partway through, that does not open a new enrollment window.

Good fit if your income has dropped or you expect a lower income this year, or you want comprehensive coverage at a lower monthly cost than COBRA.

Option 3: A private health plan

Private health plans are sold directly, outside the Marketplace. Some, including the plans offered through Get Medical Plan, let you enroll in any month of the year, which helps if you've missed a deadline or want coverage to start on a specific date.

Private plans are not all the same, so this is where reading the details matters most:

• -Some are major medical plans, built to cover big expenses like hospital stays and surgery.
• -Some are limited-benefit plans. They pay set amounts for certain services and have caps. They can cost less, but they are not a substitute for comprehensive -coverage if you have serious health needs.
• -Some ask health questions when you apply, and coverage for pre-existing conditions can be limited.
• -Network access varies. Check whether your doctors are in the plan's PPO network.
• -No Marketplace tax credits. Income-based help only applies to Marketplace plans.

Good fit if you're healthy, don't qualify for much Marketplace help, missed your 60-day window, or want a PPO network with coverage starting soon. Always ask for the plan documents and read what's excluded before you sign up.

Other routes worth checking

• -A spouse's or partner's employer plan. Losing your coverage usually lets you join their plan outside its normal enrollment period. The window is often 30 days, so ask their HR quickly.
• -Medicaid. If your income drops a lot, you may qualify, and you can apply at any time of year.
• -Your new employer's plan. If you already have a new job lined up, ask when coverage starts. Waiting periods can't exceed 90 days, but even a few weeks can leave a gap, and COBRA or a short-term solution can bridge it.

COBRA vs Marketplace vs private plan at a glance

How to choose in four questions

1. -Am I in the middle of treatment, or do I rely on specific doctors? If yes, look hard at COBRA first.
   
   
2. -What will my household income be this year? If it's lower than before, check Marketplace prices with tax credits at HealthCare.gov. You may pay far less than COBRA.
   
   
3. -How long will I be between jobs? For a few weeks, COBRA or a bridge plan may be simplest. For many months, compare total yearly costs, not just the monthly premium.
   
   
4. -Have I missed the 60-day window? If so, a private plan that enrolls year-round may be the way to avoid going uncovered until next year.

Whatever you choose, don't let the deadlines pass while you decide. Put your coverage end date, the end of your 60-day Marketplace window, and your COBRA election deadline in your calendar today.

Common questions

Can I start with COBRA and switch to a Marketplace plan later? Yes, but only at certain times: within 60 days of losing your job coverage, when your COBRA runs out, during Open Enrollment, or if your former employer stops contributing to the cost. Cancelling COBRA on your own doesn't open a new window.

Do I have to take COBRA? No. You can turn it down and choose another option. Being offered COBRA doesn't stop you from getting Marketplace tax credits.

Is a cheaper private plan as good as a Marketplace plan? Not always. Some private plans are comprehensive, and others have benefit limits or exclusions. Compare what's covered, not just the price.

Talk it through with us

If you're between jobs and not sure which route fits, we can help you compare. Tell us when your coverage ends and what matters most to you, such as keeping your doctors, keeping costs down, or starting quickly. We'll walk you through the private health plans we offer and tell you honestly when another option might suit you better.

Get a free quote

This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules can vary by state, employer plan and personal situation. Check your COBRA notice, HealthCare.gov or your state's marketplace, and any plan's documents before you decide.