How to Get Health Insurance in Virginia
Health insurance is essential for protecting your health and your finances. Whether you’re self‑employed, between jobs, retired early, or your employer doesn’t offer coverage, Virginia offers multiple pathways to obtain quality health insurance — from state programs like Medicaid to private plans through the Virginia Insurance Marketplace. This guide walks you through how to get health insurance in Virginia in 2026, including eligibility, enrollment steps, tips, and resources. (Virginia Marketplace)
1. Why Health Insurance Matters in Virginia
Having health insurance means you’re financially protected when unexpected medical needs arise — such as hospital stays, emergency care, medications, or even preventive checkups. Lack of coverage can leave you with high out‑of‑pocket medical bills or limited access to care.
Some key benefits of being insured:
- Comprehensive coverage for doctor visits, emergencies, prescriptions, and preventive care. (Virginia Marketplace)
- Protection from surprise medical bills.
- Better access to health resources and specialists.
- Peace of mind for you and your family.
2. Main Ways to Get Health Insurance in Virginia
A. Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS (Low‑Cost or Free Coverage)
Virginia Medicaid provides health coverage for low‑income adults, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. FAMIS is Virginia’s health insurance program for children. (Virginia Marketplace)
How to Apply
You can apply for Medicaid/FAMIS several ways:
✔ Apply online at commonhelp.virginia.gov.
✔ Call the Cover Virginia Call Center (833‑5CALLVA).
✔ Apply through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace site.
✔ Mail or bring a paper application to your local Department of Social Services (DSS). (Virginia Medicaid)
Required Information:
• Full legal names and birthdates for everyone applying
• Social Security numbers
• Income information (pay stubs, tax returns)
• Immigration document numbers (if applicable) (CoverVA)
Tip: Application assisters can help you apply and check eligibility free of charge. (CoverVA)
B. Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace (Private Plans & Financial Help)
If you do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, or if your employer doesn’t offer affordable coverage, you can shop for private health insurance through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace Official Site. This is the state’s official marketplace for comparing and enrolling in individual and family health plans. (CoverVA)
What You Should Know
- Marketplace plans must cover essential health benefits like hospitalization and mental health care. (Virginia Marketplace)
- Financial assistance (like subsidies) may be available to lower premiums. (Virginia Marketplace)
- Plans are separated into metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) based on cost shares. (Virginia Marketplace)
3. When You Can Enroll
Open Enrollment Period
For most Virginians, you can enroll during Open Enrollment — typically November 1 to January 30 each year. (Virginia Marketplace)
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
If you miss Open Enrollment, you may still enroll if you experience a qualifying life event, such as:
- Losing other health coverage
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth/adoption of a child
- Moving to Virginia from another state (Virginia Marketplace)
If you recently lost Medicaid, you may be eligible for an SEP to get coverage through the Marketplace without waiting. (Virginia Marketplace)
4. Step‑by‑Step: How to Enroll Through the Marketplace
Here’s a simplified enrollment process for the Virginia Marketplace:
Step 1: Prepare Your Information
Gather:
- ID documents
- Social Security numbers
- Income documents (pay stubs, tax forms)
- Current insurance information (if you have any) (Virginia Marketplace)
Step 2: Shop and Compare Plans
You can compare plans online at the Marketplace. Look at:
✔ Monthly premiums
✔ Deductibles and co‑pays
✔ Doctor/hospital networks
Step 3: Apply
You can apply:
✔ Online via Marketplace
✔ With an assister or certified agent
✔ Over the phone or in person
Step 4: Select Your Plan
After submitting your application, you’ll see eligible plan options. Review and select the one that best fits your budget and health needs.
Step 5: Make Your First Payment
Your coverage starts once you make your first premium payment by the due date.
5. Get Free Help With Enrollment
Virginia offers free, unbiased assistance in applying for health coverage. These services include:
- Certified Navigators
- Application counselors
- Enrollment events and clinics
- Phone and in‑person support
You can also contact groups like Enroll Virginia through local community centers or their helpline for guidance across Medicaid, FAMIS, and Marketplace plans. (CoverVA)
6. Helpful Tips for Virginians
✔ Check if You Qualify for Financial Assistance
Subsidies can significantly reduce premiums — especially if your income falls within certain ranges. (Virginia Marketplace)
✔ Compare Multiple Plans
Don’t choose based only on monthly premium. Look at:
- Deductibles
- Out‑of‑pocket costs
- Provider networks
- Prescription coverage
✔ Renew or Update Your Coverage Every Year
Marketplace plans change each year, so review your coverage during Open Enrollment. (Virginia Marketplace)
✔ Beware of Non‑ACA Plans
Avoid insurance products that don’t meet federal requirements — they may cost less but offer limited benefits. (TIME)
7. Final Thoughts
Getting health insurance in Virginia doesn’t have to be confusing — you just need to know your options and eligibility. Whether it’s Medicaid, FAMIS, or a Marketplace plan, there’s likely a coverage option that fits your needs and budget. Start early, gather your documents, and use free assistance programs to make the process smooth and stress‑free.