Where can I buy health insurance if I don't get it through an employer?

The main option for self-employed people is the ACA marketplace at healthcare.gov (or your state exchange), where plans can't deny you for pre-existing conditions and income-based premium tax credits can sharply cut the cost. You can also buy directly from an insurer, join a spouse's employer plan, or use COBRA temporarily after leaving a job. Some professionals qualify for group coverage through trade associations or a professional employer organization. Short-term plans are cheaper but skimpy and not ACA-compliant, so treat them as a stopgap only. Open enrollment runs each fall, but losing other coverage or a big life change triggers a special enrollment window. Compare marketplace subsidies before assuming you can't afford coverage.