Health Insurance for Real Estate Agents: Your Complete Guide to Coverage Options

If you’re a real estate agent, you already know that the job comes with plenty of perks: flexible hours, unlimited earning potential, and the satisfaction of helping people find their perfect home. But there’s one thing that doesn’t come standard with most real estate careers: health insurance.

As an independent contractor, you’re responsible for finding and paying for your own health coverage. That can feel overwhelming, especially when your income fluctuates from month to month. The good news? You have more options than you might think. This guide walks you through every major health insurance path available to real estate agents so you can make a confident, informed choice.

Why Health Insurance Is a Unique Challenge for Real Estate Agents

Most real estate agents are classified as independent contractors rather than W-2 employees. That means your brokerage typically doesn’t provide employer-sponsored health benefits the way a traditional company would.

This isn’t a small problem. According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), somewhere between 22% and 33% of its members go without health insurance in any given year. That’s hundreds of thousands of real estate professionals across the country who are one unexpected medical event away from serious financial trouble.

The challenge goes beyond just finding a plan. Commission-based income makes it difficult to predict what you’ll earn in a given year, which directly affects your eligibility for subsidies and your ability to budget for monthly premiums. During a slow quarter, those premium payments can feel like a heavy lift.

Understanding your options is the first step toward solving this problem. Let’s look at what’s available.

ACA Marketplace Plans Through Healthcare.gov

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace is one of the most popular options for self-employed real estate agents. These plans are available to anyone, regardless of employment status, and they offer several advantages worth considering.

Premium tax credits are the biggest draw. If your income falls within the qualifying range, the government will subsidize a portion of your monthly premium. For real estate agents with variable income, this can work in your favor during lower-earning years when larger subsidies may apply.

Every ACA plan covers the 10 essential health benefits, including hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health services, and preventive care. You won’t have to worry about bare-bones coverage that leaves major gaps.

The main enrollment window is the Open Enrollment Period, which typically runs from November 1 through January 15 each year. If you experience a qualifying life event such as marriage, having a baby, or losing other coverage, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period outside that window.

To explore plans and pricing in your area, visit Healthcare.gov or your state’s marketplace website.

NAR REALTORS Insurance Place

If you’re a member of the National Association of REALTORS, you have access to an exclusive insurance marketplace designed specifically for real estate professionals.

The REALTORS Insurance Place offers a wide range of coverage options including major medical health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, telemedicine services, and even pet insurance. The Members Health Insurance Exchange within the platform lets you compare major medical plans from multiple carriers in one place.

Group rates through NAR can sometimes be more affordable than purchasing individual coverage on your own, though pricing will depend on your state, age, and coverage needs. The platform also includes wellness programs and 24/7 telemedicine access, which can help you manage minor health issues without expensive office visits.

You’ll need an active NAR membership to access these benefits. If you’re already paying membership dues, it’s worth checking what’s available before looking elsewhere. To compare NAR plan options alongside marketplace and private plans, take our free PlanMatch quiz or speak with one of our licensed agents.

Brokerage-Sponsored Insurance Plans

Not all brokerages leave their agents to fend for themselves when it comes to health coverage. Larger firms like Coldwell Banker, RE/MAX, and Keller Williams often provide access to group health insurance plans or association health plans through their corporate affiliations.

The specifics vary widely. Some brokerages offer fully subsidized group plans for top-producing agents. Others provide access to group rates without subsidizing the premium. And some smaller, independent brokerages may not offer health insurance at all.

If you’re currently choosing between brokerages or considering a move, ask about health insurance options during your interview. This is a legitimate business consideration that can affect your bottom line by thousands of dollars per year.

Even if your brokerage offers a plan, compare it against ACA marketplace options and NAR plans before committing. The “default” option isn’t always the best value for your specific situation.

Private Market and Short-Term Health Insurance

Private market health insurance plans are available outside the ACA marketplace and can be purchased at any time of year. These plans are sold directly by insurance companies or through brokers and agents.

Short-term health insurance is a specific type of private coverage designed as a temporary solution. These plans typically have lower premiums than ACA-compliant plans, but they come with significant trade-offs:

• They usually don’t cover pre-existing conditions
• Coverage duration is limited (often 3 to 12 months, depending on the state)
• They may not include coverage for prescriptions, mental health, or maternity care
• They don’t count as minimum essential coverage under the ACA

Short-term plans can work well as gap coverage when you’re between jobs, waiting for Open Enrollment, or need something temporary. They’re not a good long-term replacement for full medical coverage, especially if you have ongoing health needs.

Health Sharing Plans

Health sharing plans have become increasingly popular among self-employed professionals, including real estate agents. These programs are typically organized as faith-based or community health sharing ministries where members pool their money to cover each other’s medical expenses.

The appeal is straightforward: health sharing plans often cost 30% to 50% less than traditional health insurance. Monthly “shares” (the equivalent of premiums) tend to be significantly lower, making them attractive for agents watching their expenses.

There are some important distinctions to understand. Health sharing plans are not technically insurance. They’re not regulated the same way, and there’s no legal guarantee that your medical bills will be paid. Many plans also have lifestyle requirements (such as not using tobacco or alcohol) and may limit or exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions.

If cost is your primary concern and you’re comfortable with the limitations, health sharing is worth researching. Just make sure you understand what you’re signing up for before making the switch.

HSA and High-Deductible Health Plans

Pairing a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) is one of the smartest financial strategies available to self-employed real estate agents.

Here’s how it works: you enroll in a health plan with a higher-than-average deductible, which keeps your monthly premiums lower. At the same time, you open an HSA, a tax-advantaged savings account specifically for medical expenses.

The tax benefits of an HSA are hard to beat:

• Contributions are tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income
• Growth is tax-free through interest or investments
• Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free

For 2026, HSA contribution limits are $4,300 for individual coverage and $8,550 for family coverage. If you’re 55 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 per year.

This strategy works especially well for relatively healthy agents who don’t expect high medical costs in a given year. You save on premiums now while building a tax-free medical savings fund for the future. Over time, an HSA can even function as a supplemental retirement account.

Tax Deductions for Self-Employed Agents

One financial advantage that self-employed real estate agents have is the ability to deduct 100% of health insurance premiums from their taxable income. This deduction is taken on Form 1040 (not as an itemized deduction), which means you benefit from it even if you take the standard deduction.

The deduction applies to premiums you pay for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. It covers medical, dental, and qualifying long-term care insurance.

There’s one catch: you cannot claim the self-employed health insurance deduction AND the premium tax credit for the same coverage. If you’re eligible for ACA subsidies, you’ll need to calculate which option saves you more money. In many cases, agents with moderate income benefit more from the premium tax credit, while higher earners benefit more from the deduction.

HSA contributions are also deductible, adding another layer of tax savings. Work with a tax professional who understands self-employment and real estate to make sure you’re maximizing every available deduction.

How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Situation

With all these options on the table, how do you pick the right one? Start by asking yourself a few key questions:

• What is your expected income this year? This affects your ACA subsidy eligibility and whether the self-employed deduction or premium tax credit is more valuable.
• Do you need family coverage? Plans for families cost significantly more, but some options (like NAR or brokerage plans) may offer better family rates.
• Are your preferred doctors in-network? Always check provider directories before committing to a plan.
• What are the total costs? Don’t just look at the monthly premium. Add up the deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum to get the real picture.
• Do you have ongoing health needs? If you take regular medications or see specialists, an HDHP might not save you money compared to a plan with higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs.

If comparing plans feels overwhelming, consider working with an insurance broker. A good broker can help you compare options across the marketplace, private market, and association plans to find the best fit. Their services are typically free to you since they’re compensated by insurance carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do real estate agents get health insurance through their brokerage?

It depends on the brokerage. Larger firms like Coldwell Banker, RE/MAX, and Keller Williams often offer access to group health plans. Smaller, independent brokerages may not. Always ask about insurance options when evaluating brokerages.

Can real estate agents deduct health insurance premiums on their taxes?

Yes. Self-employed real estate agents can deduct 100% of health insurance premiums for themselves, their spouse, and dependents on their federal tax return. This is taken as an adjustment to income on Form 1040.

What is the cheapest health insurance option for real estate agents?

Health sharing plans tend to be the least expensive option, often costing 30-50% less than traditional insurance. However, they’re not technically insurance and come with limitations. For traditional coverage, a high-deductible plan paired with an HSA offers the lowest premiums while still providing full medical protection.

How do real estate agents qualify for ACA subsidies?

ACA premium tax credits are based on your household income relative to the federal poverty level. As a self-employed agent, your estimated annual income determines your subsidy amount. If your income varies year to year, you can update your estimate on Healthcare.gov to adjust your subsidy accordingly.

Is NAR membership worth it just for the health insurance access?

NAR membership costs vary by local association but typically run between $500 and $800 per year. Whether the insurance access alone justifies the cost depends on the plans available in your state and how they compare to marketplace options. For many agents, NAR membership provides value beyond insurance, including MLS access, continuing education, and professional networking.

Take the Next Step

Going without health insurance is a risk that no real estate professional should take. Whether you’re a new agent just getting started or a seasoned veteran looking for better coverage, there’s an option out there that fits your budget and your needs.

Start by checking your eligibility for ACA subsidies at Healthcare.gov. If you’re a NAR member, explore the REALTORS Insurance Place. And if you want personalized guidance, talk to an insurance broker who can help you weigh all your options side by side.

Your health is the foundation of your career. Protect it the same way you’d protect any other business investment.