You’re Self-Employed in Texas and Need Health Insurance?
Yeah, I’ve been there. That moment you step into the self-employed world feels freeing—no boss breathing down your neck, no clock to punch. Just you, your laptop (or tools), and your big dream. But then… reality hits.
Health insurance.
Ugh. It’s like, “Wait, I need to be my own HR department too?” And let’s be honest, Googling “best health insurance for self-employed in Texas” leads you down a rabbit hole of ads, confusing acronyms, and websites that just don’t make sense.
But don’t worry—I’ve got you. Let’s walk through this together, like two friends at a diner chatting over coffee and waffles.
Why Health Insurance Matters More Than You Think (Yeah, Even If You’re Healthy)
Let’s just get this out of the way: yes, health insurance can be expensive. And if you’re in your 20s or 30s and generally healthy, you might think, “Do I even need this?”
But picture this—you’re working on a roof, or typing up your next big freelance pitch, and you suddenly need an ER visit. It happens. One fall, one weird infection, one appendix doing a little too much drama… and boom, you’re staring at a $14,000 hospital bill.
And guess what? Without insurance, you’re footing the whole thing.
With insurance? Maybe you’re out $500 or $1,000. Still not fun, but way better.
The Self-Employment Situation in Texas
Texas is home to over 3 million self-employed people. That’s huge. From real estate agents in Austin to web developers in Houston, and ranchers in Amarillo—it’s a big state full of hustlers. But the one thing many of us have in common? No employer-backed coverage.
Here’s the good news: there are great options. You just need to know where to look—and what actually works for you.
Let’s Talk Options: What Kind of Plans Are Out There?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all policy. Different people need different things. But here are the main types of plans you’ll run into:
1. Marketplace Plans (a.k.a. Obamacare or ACA Plans)
If you’ve ever checked out Healthcare.gov, that’s what we’re talking about here. These are Affordable Care Act-compliant plans. And here’s something many folks don’t realize:
You might qualify for big discounts based on your income. Like, really big. Some self-employed people pay less than $100/month for solid coverage.
✅ Covers pre-existing conditions
✅ Includes all 10 essential health benefits
✅ Can’t deny you coverage
✅ Good if you have regular prescriptions, kids, or ongoing medical needs
👉 Pro tip: Use a broker (like KindHealth or HealthSherpa) to help navigate it. No extra cost.
2. Health Sharing Plans (Not Technically Insurance)
This one’s a bit controversial. These are programs (often faith-based) where members “share” each other’s medical expenses. Think of it as community-funded health care.
They’re cheaper—sometimes WAY cheaper—but…
⚠️ They don’t have to cover everything.
⚠️ Pre-existing conditions can be excluded.
⚠️ They’re not regulated the same way as ACA plans.
Still, for healthy folks who mostly want “just-in-case” coverage, they can work. Look into Medi-Share, Liberty HealthShare, or Sedera.
3. Short-Term Health Insurance
Need a stop-gap plan while you’re transitioning or figuring things out? Short-term health insurance might be your buddy.
✅ Lower monthly cost
✅ Flexible (1 month to 1 year)
✅ Some basic coverage
But here’s the catch:
⚠️ Often excludes pre-existing conditions
⚠️ Doesn’t cover maternity, mental health, or preventive care
⚠️ High out-of-pocket costs
4. High Deductible Plans + Health Savings Account (HSA)
This combo can be a smart financial move if you’re disciplined. These plans have lower premiums but higher deductibles. Pair that with a tax-advantaged HSA, and you can save serious cash.
It’s kinda like:
“You’ll pay more if you need care, but you’ll save if you don’t.”
It’s best for:
✔️ Solo entrepreneurs with low medical needs
✔️ People who can stash money away monthly
✔️ Anyone into tax hacks
Real Talk: What Do Real Texans Do?
Let me tell you about Carlos. He’s a self-employed photographer in San Antonio. When he first went full-time, he rolled the dice and didn’t get insurance. Then, out of nowhere, he needed surgery on his wrist. No insurance. $18,000 later, he’s still paying it off—and now tells everyone to get covered.
Now he’s on a Bronze ACA plan through Healthcare.gov, pays around $110/month (after a subsidy), and sleeps way easier at night.
Or Sarah—freelance UX designer in Dallas. She doesn’t go to the doctor much and uses Sedera (health sharing). She puts $150/month into an HSA and has peace of mind. Works for her.
Different strokes, different folks.
Things You Have to Consider Before Choosing
This is where it gets personal. You’ve gotta ask yourself:
- Do I go to the doctor often?
- Do I have any medications or ongoing conditions?
- Am I planning to have kids?
- What can I realistically pay each month?
Also, check:
- Network (Are your doctors in it?)
- Deductibles (What do you pay before coverage kicks in?)
- Maximum out-of-pocket (Your worst-case scenario)
Don’t just chase the lowest monthly premium. Sometimes the cheaper plan costs more in the long run.
How to Actually Sign Up Without Losing Your Mind
Here’s a cheat sheet:
🗓 Open Enrollment: Nov 1 – Jan 15 (usually).
Outside that window? You’ll need a “qualifying life event” (like losing other coverage).
🏃♂️ In a hurry? Use a broker. For Texans, companies like:
- KindHealth
- Take Command Health
- TEXAS Health Options
They help for free. Don’t overthink it.
Short Story Break: Meet Jess
Jess is a 34-year-old freelance copywriter in Austin (yup, she drinks oat milk lattes). She made the leap to self-employment after a layoff in 2022.
Her first year? Total mess. She bounced between health-sharing and no coverage. Then her sister had a health scare, and Jess realized she couldn’t keep rolling the dice.
Now? She’s on a Silver ACA plan, pays $140/month, and uses Teladoc for quick visits. Bonus? Her plan includes dental. She calls it her “grown-up move.” And she’s proud of it.
Wrap-Up: You Deserve Peace of Mind, My Friend
Being self-employed in Texas is wild. It’s freedom, pressure, hustle, naps at weird hours, invoices, and dreams all at once. You wear every hat—and adding “insurance expert” to your hat rack is not fun.
But once you figure out your health insurance? Whew. You feel ten pounds lighter. It’s one of those “adulting” wins that makes everything else smoother.
So take a breath. You’ve got options.
You don’t need to be perfect—just protected.
Quick FAQ – Real Questions from Real People
Q1: Do I really have to get health insurance if I’m self-employed in Texas?
Technically no, it’s not required. But it’s super risky not to. One emergency can wreck your finances.
Q2: Can I write off my premiums on taxes?
Yup! If you’re self-employed, your health insurance premiums may be tax-deductible. Talk to your accountant.
Q3: Are ACA plans the best option?
They’re the most comprehensive and safest. If you qualify for subsidies, they’re usually the best bang for your buck.
Q4: What if I’m super healthy and never go to the doctor?
Look into a high-deductible plan + HSA, or even a health sharing program if you’re comfortable with that.
Q5: Is it better to use a broker or do it myself?
Brokers can save you hours of stress and don’t charge you extra. No-brainer, honestly.