If you're a real estate agent wondering whether you get health insurance through your brokerage, the short answer is usually no. Most agents are independent contractors, which means coverage is on you. The good news: getting covered on your own is straightforward, and the right plan actually fits commission income better than an employer plan would.
Why brokerages usually don't provide coverage
Real estate agents are typically 1099 independent contractors, not W-2 employees. Brokerages generally don't offer group health plans to contractors, so agents arrange their own coverage — usually an individual private PPO or a Marketplace plan. The upside is control: the plan is yours and moves with you if you change brokerages.
How realtors get health insurance
The most common route for agents is a private PPO plan. It enrolls year-round (useful when you go independent mid-year), uses a broad nationwide network with no referrals, and stays with you regardless of which brokerage you hang your license with. If your income is lower in a given year, a Marketplace plan with subsidies may be cheaper.
- Private PPO — coverage you own, keep between brokerages, enroll anytime
- Marketplace — may be cheaper if your income qualifies for subsidies
- Spouse's employer plan — often the cheapest option if available
Coverage that fits commission income
Commission income is uneven, and private PPO plans suit that well because eligibility is based on your age, location, and health rather than a steady salary. A strong month or a slow one doesn't change your coverage. And because you're self-employed, you may be able to deduct your premiums, lowering the real cost — confirm with your tax professional.
What it costs
There's no single price — your premium depends on your age, your state, and the plan you choose. Compare on total yearly cost, not just the monthly premium, since the cheapest premium isn't always the cheapest plan once you add the deductible. A licensed advisor can price realtor-friendly options for your ZIP code for free.
How to get covered
List the doctors and prescriptions you want to keep, then have a licensed advisor compare private PPO options against any Marketplace subsidy you'd qualify for. It takes a few minutes, costs nothing, and there's no obligation. For a full walkthrough, see our guide to health insurance for realtors and real estate agents.
