When Exactly Does Health Insurance Coverage End When You Leave A Job? 
Group coverage ends a month after your employment terminates . You have the option to go on COBRA for up to 18 months . When you go on COBRA , you have the same coverage as you had before - the drawback is you 're paying 102 % of the premium -LRB- meaning you 're paying your portion , the employer portion , plus an additional 2 % in premiums -RRB- . Under the Affordable Care Act , the loss of other group coverage can grant you a special enrollment period -LRB- a window to purchase a health plan outside of the annual enrollment period -RRB- to apply for a new plan . The metal plans in the marketplace can offer competitive premium and benefits compared to the premiums for going on COBRA . The advantage of an individual plan is that it goes with you regardless of who the employer is . With group coverage , the premiums can be less , but you lose the coverage if you leave the company . If you have any questions about health insurance or would like help with your coverage , send me a message by clicking on the `` contact me '' button . You can also visit my website , TermInsuranceBrokers.com , for additional information regarding health plans . 