Open enrollment for 2027 marketplace plans runs through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov (see our 2027 open enrollment dates guide). If you’re outside that window and need coverage, the route is a special enrollment period, or SEP. This guide summarizes which life events HealthCare.gov says qualify, the time windows, and the common cases that don’t.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not personalized insurance advice. We are not licensed insurance agents. Rules differ on state-run exchanges and change over time; confirm your situation with your exchange.
What a special enrollment period is
A special enrollment period is a limited window to enroll in or change a marketplace plan after a qualifying life event. HealthCare.gov groups the events into changes in household, changes in residence, loss of health coverage, and a short list of other changes (HealthCare.gov). Wanting a cheaper plan, or simply missing the deadline, is not on that list.
Events that qualify, and the clock for each
| Category | Event | Window and rule, per HealthCare.gov |
|---|---|---|
| Household | Marriage | Choose a plan by the last day of the month to start coverage the first day of the next month |
| Household | Birth, adoption or foster placement | Coverage can start on the event date, even if you enroll up to 60 days afterward |
| Household | Death of someone on your plan | Qualifies if it causes you to lose your current plan |
| Residence | Move to a new ZIP code or county, or to the U.S. from abroad or a territory | Qualifies; the page lists no specific window |
| Residence | Move to or from school, a seasonal workplace, or a shelter or transitional housing | Qualifies |
| Coverage loss | Job-based coverage, including COBRA | Lost in the past 60 days or expected within the next 60 days |
| Coverage loss | Medicaid or CHIP | Lost in the past 90 days |
| Coverage loss | Individual plan discontinued, or you lost eligibility (student plan, service area) | Qualifies |
| Coverage loss | Turning 26 (or your state’s maximum age) on a parent’s plan | Qualifies |
| Other | Becoming a U.S. citizen, leaving incarceration, joining a federally recognized tribe, AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA or NCCC service, or a disaster or other unexpected, uncontrollable event | Qualifies |
Source: HealthCare.gov, special enrollment period page, reviewed November 12, 2026.
For the job-loss and age-26 cases in more depth, see how long you have health insurance after leaving a job and staying on a parent’s plan.
Common situations that do not qualify
HealthCare.gov calls out several look-alikes:
- Divorce or legal separation qualifies only if it causes you to lose health insurance. Divorce on its own doesn’t. (Our divorce and insurance guide covers the other policies to revisit.)
- Voluntarily canceling COBRA doesn’t count. Losing it involuntarily before 18 months, or when it expires, does.
- Dropping dependent coverage alone doesn’t qualify, unless your household income decreased or the dependent’s prior coverage changed in a way that makes them eligible for marketplace savings.
- Medicare: losing premium-free Part A qualifies. Losing Part A because you didn’t pay premiums, or losing only Part B or Part D, does not.
- Moving only for medical treatment or vacation doesn’t qualify.
Documents and appeals
You attest on the application that your information is true, and you may be asked to submit documents confirming a loss of coverage. HealthCare.gov says that without acceptable documents you won’t qualify for an SEP based on the loss. If an SEP is denied, you can appeal (HealthCare.gov). Keep the termination letter or final pay stub showing the date coverage ended.
One more route: if an employer offers an HRA or QSEHRA (a health reimbursement arrangement), HealthCare.gov says you must call the Marketplace Call Center, because that enrollment can’t be done online.
What to check before you rely on it
- Your exchange. State-run marketplaces set their own rules and windows; the HealthCare.gov rules above apply to the federal platform.
- Dates. Write down the exact day coverage ended. The 60- and 90-day clocks run from it.
- Gaps. Whether a gap in coverage carries a federal penalty is a separate question; see health insurance penalties by state.
- Cost. Premium tax credits depend on income and plan; our 2027 subsidy income limits guide covers the thresholds.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a special enrollment period?
For loss of coverage, HealthCare.gov says you may qualify if the loss happened in the past 60 days or is expected in the next 60 days. For lost Medicaid or CHIP, the loss can be up to 90 days ago. For births, adoptions and foster placements, coverage can start on the event date even if you enroll up to 60 days afterward.
Does divorce qualify for a special enrollment period?
Only if it causes you to lose health insurance. Divorce or legal separation without losing coverage does not qualify.
Does quitting COBRA qualify?
No. Voluntarily canceling COBRA does not count. Involuntary loss before 18 months, or COBRA expiring, can qualify with a 60-day window.
Does moving qualify?
Moving to a new ZIP code or county can, as can moving to the U.S. from abroad. Moving only for medical treatment or vacation does not.
Do I need to prove my qualifying event?
You may. Without acceptable documents confirming a coverage loss, you won’t qualify for an SEP based on it. A denial can be appealed.
Bottom line
A special enrollment period is for specific, documented events, not for missing a deadline. The events that most often matter are a coverage loss (60 days before or after; 90 days for Medicaid or CHIP), a move, marriage, and a new child. If your event isn’t on HealthCare.gov’s list, the next chance is open enrollment.