Health insurance isn’t one-and-done—your coverage should evolve with your life. That’s why Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) exist. SEPs allow you to make changes to your health plan outside of the standard enrollment windows if you experience certain qualifying life events.

These events include losing employer-sponsored coverage, getting married or divorced, having a baby, moving to a new zip code or state, or aging into Medicare. In many cases, you’ll have 60 days from the event to enroll in a new plan or make updates to your existing one. Missing this window could leave you uninsured or stuck in a plan that no longer fits.

Documentation is often required to verify the change, and the types of plans available can vary based on your state and situation. Understanding what qualifies—and when—is key to maintaining uninterrupted coverage and avoiding penalties or delays.

If you’ve experienced a major life shift recently, this guide will help you determine if you qualify for a SEP and how to take advantage of it. Need help navigating your options? Our team is ready to assist you through every step.