Most people know that the cheapest way to obtain Health Insurance is through an employer sponsored plan. For some people, this is not possible because their employers do not offer health insurance coverage. Are there ways you can still get health insurance at group rates if your company does not offer an insurance plan?

Find a Trade Association or Guild

There are trade associations and guild available that cater to just about every kind of interest imaginable. Some of them require you to be in business for yourself, while others do not. You can find guilds for crafters, freelance writers, visual artists, filmmakers, and hundreds of other types of people. Many of these guilds offer access to Group Health Insurance plans as part of their membership packages. Bear in mind that health insurance coverage might not be available in every state, and the quality of coverage varies considerably. The rates for these plans are not usually as attractive as those offered by employer sponsored plans, but they can provide the coverage you need.

Get a Group Health Insurance Policy for Your Side Business

If you have a side business, and you can prove that you are earning income from your endeavor, you can get group rates through your own business. Some states allow insurers to offer group policies to sole proprietors, while others require you to form a corporation or limited liability company.

Get a Part Time Job

Some part time employers offer Group Health insurance coverage as long as you work a certain number of hours per week. The pay might not be fantastic, but the money you will save on health insurance rates can be well worth the extra hours. If you don’t want the hassles of running your own business, this can be a good way to obtain group health insurance coverage.