Health insurance for real estate agents
Almost every real estate agent is an independent contractor, paid on commission, with no brokerage-provided health plan. That means you're buying coverage on your own, on income that can swing from a blockbuster month to a slow one. Here's how agents handle health insurance in 2026 and how to pick a plan that fits commission-based income.
Why health insurance is tricky for agents
- No employer plan. Your brokerage almost certainly doesn't offer one — coverage is on you.
- Uneven income. Commission timing makes predictable, flat monthly costs far easier to budget than plans with surprise charges.
- You're always on the move. You need care that works across your market, not just one clinic.
Your options in 2026
- ACA Marketplace: comprehensive coverage; income-based subsidies may apply, though the enhanced pandemic-era subsidies ended December 31, 2025, so many agents' 2026 premiums rose.
- Molli: built for 1099 professionals like agents — transparent flat-rate pricing (save up to 30% vs. ACA marketplace plans¹), nationwide PPO network access, and $0 virtual primary care and generic prescriptions via Vitable. Because real estate careers and income shift, Molli is designed to stay with you.
- A spouse's employer plan, if you have access to one.
- COBRA, if you recently left a salaried role — comprehensive but usually pricey.
Why agents look at Molli
Predictable monthly cost suits commission income, a national PPO network means your doctors are likely covered, and $0 everyday care keeps routine visits from becoming another irregular expense.
FAQ
- Do real estate brokerages provide health insurance?
- Usually no. Most agents are 1099 independent contractors and buy their own coverage through the ACA Marketplace, a plan built for independent workers like Molli, a spouse's plan, or COBRA.
- Can I deduct health insurance as a real estate agent?
- If you have self-employment income, you can often deduct premiums via the self-employed health insurance deduction. Confirm with a tax professional.
¹ Savings vary by location, age, and plan selection. Based on comparison of Molli Pro plan rates to ACA Silver benchmark premiums.