How much does COBRA insurance cost?

COBRA requires you to pay 100% of the health plan premium plus a 2% administrative fee — totaling 102% of the true plan cost. Most employees only see their employee share on their paycheck; the employer's contribution (often 70–83% of the premium) gets added back. Average 2026 COBRA cost: ~$750/month employee-only, ~$2,200/month for a family plan.

How long can I stay on COBRA?

Standard COBRA coverage lasts 18 months when triggered by job loss or reduced hours. It extends to 36 months for qualifying events like divorce, death of the covered employee, or a dependent child aging off the plan. An additional 11-month disability extension is possible, bringing the total to 29 months.

When do I have to elect COBRA?

You have 60 days from the later of: (1) the date coverage ends, or (2) the date you receive the COBRA election notice. Coverage is retroactive if elected — meaning you can wait and only sign up if you need care during the 60-day window.

COBRA makes sense if you: have ongoing treatment, have met your deductible for the year, or can't find comparable ACA coverage. For healthy individuals, a high-deductible ACA marketplace plan is usually far cheaper. Compare total costs including premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.

What qualifies for COBRA?

Qualifying events include: voluntary or involuntary job loss (except gross misconduct), reduction in hours, divorce or legal separation, death of the covered employee, Medicare entitlement, and a dependent child aging off the plan.

COBRA Insurance Calculator 2026

Find out what COBRA will actually cost — not just your employee share.
Compare 18-month total against ACA marketplace alternatives.

Employer + employee + 2% admin fee · 18-month & 36-month totals · 2026 KFF averages

Current Health Plan Details

What You Pay & What Your Employer Pays

Your Monthly Premium (employee share) *

What comes out of your paycheck each month

Employer Monthly Contribution *

2026 avg: ~$600/mo employee-only, ~$1,750/mo family. Ask HR.

Plan Coverage Type

Qualifying Event (for duration)

Don't Know Employer Contribution? Use Averages

2026 National Averages (KFF):
Employee-only plan: ~$748/mo total ($150 employee + $598 employer)
Family plan: ~$2,131/mo total ($510 employee + $1,621 employer)

The Real Cost of COBRA in 2026

Most employees are shocked by COBRA costs because they've only ever seen their paycheck deduction — not the employer's contribution. COBRA requires you to pay 102% of the full plan cost.

Why COBRA Is So Expensive

If your employer covered 83% of your health plan, your $150/month paycheck deduction was just 17% of a $882 plan. On COBRA, you'd pay $882 × 102% = $899/month. That's a 6× increase for identical coverage.

When COBRA Makes Sense

You have met your deductible for the year and ongoing care is needed
You or a dependent has a specific condition requiring continuity of care with current providers
A new job starts within 1–3 months and the gap is short
Your income is too high for meaningful ACA subsidies

COBRA vs ACA Marketplace

For a healthy individual with income under ~$60,000, an ACA Silver plan with subsidies typically costs $200–$400/month — often half or less of COBRA. Use healthcare.gov for your actual quote. Job loss triggers a 60-day special enrollment window.

FAQ

COBRA insurance questions answered

How much does COBRA cost in 2026?

COBRA costs 102% of the full plan premium — employer share + employee share + 2% admin fee. Average 2026 costs: ~$750/month for employee-only plans, ~$2,200/month for family coverage (KFF 2026 Employer Health Benefits Survey).

How long does COBRA last?

18 months for job loss or reduction in hours; 36 months for divorce, death of covered employee, or a dependent aging off; up to 29 months with a disability extension. Coverage ends early if you fail to pay premiums or enroll in other qualifying coverage.

Can I cancel COBRA at any time?

Yes. You can drop COBRA whenever you get other coverage (new job, marriage, Medicare, Medicaid, etc.). You are not locked in for the full 18 months. However, you cannot re-enroll once you've dropped it.

Is COBRA retroactive?

Yes. You have 60 days to elect COBRA after your qualifying event. If you elect it later in that window, coverage is retroactive to the loss date — meaning you can wait and only elect if you actually need care. You'd owe back premiums for the whole period.