Retiring Before 65
Not sure what your plan actually covers?
One licensed agent. No call center.
October 11, 2026
Retiring before 65 is exciting, and it comes with one big to-do: health coverage. Without a job-based plan, you'll need to choose your own for the years until you turn 65.
Plan the bridge before your last day
Coverage from work usually ends soon after you leave. Give yourself a few months to compare options so you aren't rushed into a choice. Write down:
- Who needs coverage — just you, or a spouse too
- Your doctors and any regular prescriptions
- Your expected household income in retirement, which can change which options make sense
Options people compare
- Continuing your employer's plan for a period, usually at full cost.
- A spouse's job-based plan, if they're still working.
- Private plans for healthy adults, such as short-term medical or a fixed-benefit plan with supplements. These usually ask health questions, can turn you down, and limit care for conditions you already have — so they fit best when you're in good health.
- Individual plans that accept everyone, which are the safer choice if you manage ongoing conditions.
Think in years, not months
Early retirement can mean several years of coverage. A plan that works for a short bridge may not be the right fit for five years. Check how long a plan can last and whether it can be renewed.
Plan terms and availability vary by state. In Texas, short-term plans are limited to an initial term of up to 3 months and 4 months in total.
A licensed agent can line these up for your household and walk you through what each one covers — and what it doesn't.
Not sure what your plan actually covers?
One licensed agent. No call center.