How Long Does It Take To Get On Health Insurance? 
The answer to how long it takes to get on health insurance depends upon the channel used for purchasing coverage . Most people get their health insurance at work . New employees can purchase coverage once they been with the employer for a specified length of time . Each employer sets this time frame in its plan documentation . Existing employees must wait for the employers open enrollment period , unless there has been a qualifying life event . People purchasing coverage as individuals through a state exchange can only enroll during an open enrollment period . The first open enrollment closed on March 31 , 2014 . The next open enrollment applies to policies effective January 1 , 2014 . People with a qualifying life event can purchase coverage without waiting for an open enrollment . 