Skip to content
One of the most overlooked consequences of ending a marriage is the potential loss of health coverage. If you’ve been insured under your husband’s health insurance after divorce, that coverage typically ends once the divorce is finalized. Many spouses are caught off guard by how quickly their benefits are terminated. To avoid an unexpected lapse in care, it’s crucial to understand your rights, how long you can remain on the plan—such as through COBRA—and what alternatives are available. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about husband’s health insurance after divorce, so you can prepare, protect your health, and plan your next steps with confidence.
Can I Stay on His Health Insurance After Divorce?
You cannot stay on your ex-husband’s insurance as a spouse once the divorce is final. Employer health plans only cover legal spouses. When the divorce is finalized, your dependent status ends. Most plans terminate your coverage on the last day of the month the divorce is finalized.
For example, if your divorce is finalized on September 5, your coverage likely ends on September 30. It doesn’t continue through the year or until the next open enrollment.
What Happens to the Children’s Coverage?
Children can remain on your husband’s insurance. They’re still legal dependents. The court often orders one parent to provide health insurance for the kids. Your husband may be required to keep them on his plan. That arrangement depends on what the divorce decree outlines.
COBRA Coverage Can Extend Your Plan
What Is COBRA?
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) gives you the option to continue your husband’s employer-sponsored plan for up to 36 months. It applies if the company has 20 or more employees. COBRA keeps you on the same plan, but you pay the full premium, including the share your husband’s employer used to cover.
How Do I Get COBRA?
Your ex-husband or his employer must notify the insurance company about the divorce. Once that happens, the insurance provider sends you a COBRA election notice. You then have 60 days to decide if you want to enroll. Coverage starts retroactively, so you don’t lose protection while deciding.
How Much Does COBRA Cost?
It’s expensive. If your husband’s company paid a large portion of the premium, you’ll now pay all of it. That includes the employee and employer portions, plus a 2% administrative fee. If the monthly premium is $700, you’ll owe that full amount plus the fee—around $714 a month.
Other Options Besides COBRA
If COBRA is too costly or temporary coverage doesn’t work for you, consider these alternatives:
1. Marketplace Plans
Divorce triggers a special enrollment period. You can apply for an individual plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace without waiting for open enrollment. Depending on your income, you may qualify for tax credits or subsidies to lower costs.
2. Medicaid
If your income drops after divorce, you may be eligible for Medicaid. This program provides free or low-cost insurance. Eligibility rules differ by state, but many single parents or low-income individuals qualify.
3. Employer Coverage Through Your Own Job
If your employer offers health insurance, ask HR how to enroll. Divorce counts as a life event, so you don’t have to wait for open enrollment. Most companies give you 30 to 60 days to enroll after a qualifying event.
Planning Ahead Before Coverage Ends
If you’re still in the divorce process, prepare for the change in insurance. Don’t wait until your coverage ends.
- Ask your husband’s HR team when your plan will terminate
- Request a summary of COBRA costs
- Start researching new insurance options now
- Make sure your children’s insurance is addressed in the divorce agreement
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay on his insurance if we’re just separated?
If you’re not legally divorced yet, you may still qualify as a spouse. But some employers require proof of ongoing marriage. It’s best to check with the HR department or plan administrator.
When exactly does my coverage end?
It usually ends on the last day of the month when your divorce is finalized. Always ask for a written date from the insurance provider.
What if I miss the COBRA deadline?
You lose the chance to continue your husband’s plan through COBRA. Instead, you must find a Marketplace plan or qualify for Medicaid until the next open enrollment.
Will my children’s coverage end too?
No. If your kids are covered under your husband’s plan, they usually stay on it. The court may assign financial responsibility for premiums. Children can remain dependents until age 26 in most cases.
What if I don’t qualify for Medicaid and COBRA is too expensive?
Look at Marketplace plans. Many people qualify for financial help based on income. Some plans may be cheaper than COBRA and still offer decent coverage.
Final Checklist: Health Insurance Options Post-Divorce
Divorce directly impacts your insurance coverage, and you can’t remain on your husband’s health insurance after divorce is finalized. However, you do have options—COBRA, the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, or coverage through your own employer. The key is timing: you typically have just 60 days to enroll in a new plan. Acting early helps you avoid costly gaps in coverage. Don’t wait until the divorce is complete—start exploring your options now, ask informed questions, and take proactive steps to secure the health insurance you need for life after marriage.
![Adobe Stock 62844981[2]](/?seraph_accel_gi=wp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F09%2FAdobeStock_628449812.jpeg&n=a3PK2HcKcL5sbjTfQ34Iw)
If you want to know more about what you can do, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book: “16 Steps to Help You Plan & Prepare for Your Texas Divorce”
![Divorce Wasting Assets[4]](/?seraph_accel_gi=wp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F09%2FDivorce-wasting-assets4.jpeg&n=0TAaIlPpzb4QWRK62HCR4g)
If you want to know more about how to prepare, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book: “13 Dirty Tricks to Watch Out For in Your Texas Divorce, and How to Counter Them” Today!”
Other Related Articles:
- The Divorce Impact on Health Insurance Coverage in Texas: A Complete Guide
- What You Need to Know: Will I Lose Health Insurance Because of a Divorce in Texas?
- Securing health insurance post-divorce in Texas
- What are important topics surrounding insurance in a Texas divorce?
- Important post-divorce issues related to health insurance for Texas residents
- Will your child be able to receive Social Security Disability Insurance and Child Support after a divorce?
- Designating beneficiaries for insurance and retirement after your divorce
- Insurance Coverage After Your Divorce
- Texas Divorce and Child Support – Life Insurance Obligations
- Military health insurance and divorce
- How Long Will My Texas Divorce Take?
- How long after a divorce can you claim assets?
Frequently Asked Questions
Dave Ramsey typically recommends working with reputable life insurance companies that offer term life insurance policies. He emphasizes the importance of getting quotes from multiple companies to compare prices and coverage options.
Yes, Dave Ramsey does recommend life insurance, particularly term life insurance. He believes that having adequate life insurance coverage is crucial to protect your loved ones financially in the event of your passing.
No, Dave Ramsey does not own Zander Insurance. However, he often mentions Zander Insurance as a reputable independent insurance agency that offers term life insurance policies at competitive rates.
The three main types of insurance are life insurance, health insurance, and property insurance. Life insurance provides financial protection to beneficiaries in the event of the insured’s death. Health insurance covers medical expenses and can include various types of coverage such as hospitalization, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. Property insurance protects against damage or loss of property, including homeowners, renters, and auto insurance.
