Five options, compared honestly
Coverage outside the marketplace
Real monthly prices for every mainstream alternative to traditional insurance, and a plain answer to the question that matters: what happens if something big goes wrong.
The comparison ledger
| Option | Monthly cost | What it covers | Catastrophic backstop | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct primary care | $50–$100 | Unlimited primary care, basic labs at cost | No | Frequent primary-care users who want a doctor who answers |
| Health sharing ministry | $115–$320 | Shares large bills per program rules; not guaranteed | Partial | Healthy people comfortable with faith-based fine print |
| Catastrophic plan | $462–$647 | Real ACA insurance after a ~$10,600 deductible | Yes | Under-30s and exemption holders who want a true backstop |
| Short-term insurance | $100–$300 | Limited accident/illness coverage, heavy exclusions | Partial | Brief coverage gaps measured in weeks, not years |
| COBRA | $793–$2,294 | Your exact old employer plan, full premium + 2% | Yes | Mid-treatment continuity while you line up cheaper coverage |
Monthly figures from each guide's cited sources · individual rates vary by age, state, and household
$50–$100/mo
Direct Primary Care: What It Is and What It Costs
Direct primary care memberships run $50-$100 a month for most adults. See what DPC includes, what it excludes, and how to pair it with catastrophic coverage.
$115–$320/mo
Health Sharing Ministries Explained: Medi-Share, CHM, Zion & More
Health sharing ministries cost roughly $115-$900 a month depending on household. Real 2026 share amounts from Medi-Share, CHM, and Zion, plus the fine print.
$462–$647/mo
Catastrophic Health Insurance: Who Qualifies and What It Costs
Catastrophic health plans carry a $10,600 deductible in 2026, with premiums of $462-$647 a month for older buyers. See who qualifies and when Bronze wins.
$100–$300/mo
Short-Term Health Insurance: Costs, Coverage, and the Gotchas
Short-term health insurance runs about $100-$300 a month but excludes pre-existing conditions and caps benefits. See the 2026 duration rules and the gotchas.
$793–$2,294/mo
COBRA Costs and the Cheaper Alternatives
COBRA costs the full premium plus 2%, about $793 a month for single coverage per 2025 KFF data. See the 60-day election window strategy and cheaper options.