Being your own boss comes with a lot of freedom, but it also means taking on the full responsibility of finding your own health coverage. Navigating the options can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing health needs against a fluctuating income.

The key to choosing the best health insurance plan is to move beyond just the monthly premium and focus on your total estimated out-of-pocket costs and anticipated medical needs.

Here are five simple, actionable tips to help self-employed individuals choose the right health insurance plan.

1. Pinpoint Your True Coverage Needs (Be Brutally Honest)

Before you compare a single plan, you need a clear picture of your annual healthcare usage. This determines whether you should favor a low-premium or low-deductible plan.

• Low Expected Use (Generally Healthy): If you rarely go to the doctor and only need preventive care, you might choose a Bronze plan (via the Marketplace) or a High-Deductible

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