When you drive for DoorDash or Uber Eats, you can choose your hours, but you usually don’t get health benefits through the app. You’re a 1099 independent contractor, so finding coverage, estimating your income, and figuring out what fits your budget can all land on you.

Let’s walk through the main options and the details that matter for delivery drivers. I’m Michael Peck, a sole proprietor myself and a real person who knows your name, not a call-center script. If you’re in North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, or Virginia, I’m licensed in your state and can help you sort through the choices without making it more complicated than it needs to be.

Michael Peck is a licensed insurance agent, not a legal or financial advisor. This article is educational and does not replace personalized advice.

The Big Three Filters for Comparing Coverage

Before choosing a plan, compare it through three practical filters: tax history, pre-existing conditions, and the subsidy cliff. These can help you understand why one kind of coverage may fit better than another.

1. Tax history. If you use advance ACA premium tax credits to lower your monthly premium, you generally need to file a federal tax return and reconcile those credits with your actual income. For 2026 coverage, tax credits are reconciled on the 2026 tax return, generally filed in 2027. Under the rules in effect for 2026, there is no repayment cap on excess advance credits: if you received more in advance than you qualify for, you may have to repay the full excess. Keep your income estimate current and review IRS information about reconciling advance premium tax credits.

2. Pre-existing conditions. ACA plans cover pre-existing conditions. That matters if you have a diagnosis, take ongoing medication, or expect to need care. Short Term Medical coverage works differently and may limit or exclude pre-existing conditions.

3. The Subsidy Cliff. Enhanced ACA subsidies expired after 2025, so the original ACA rules and limitations have returned. Under those rules, a household above the applicable 400% federal poverty level threshold may become ineligible for the applicable ACA premium tax credit, depending on household size, coverage year, current federal guidance, and other eligibility factors. As general planning estimates—not universal limits—that threshold is around $64,000 for one person or $132,000 for a family of four.

Your Main Coverage Options

1. ACA plans

An ACA plan may be worth comparing first, especially if you have ongoing health needs or your household income may qualify for tax credits. ACA plans cover pre-existing conditions and include essential health benefits. For eligible applicants, premium tax credits may reduce the monthly premium. The amount depends on household size, projected income, location, plan selection, coverage year, and applicable eligibility rules.

When you compare plans, look beyond the monthly premium. Check the deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, prescription coverage, and whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are in network. If you’re unsure how your estimated income affects the options, call Rachel at 512-850-6604 and let’s make the numbers clearer.

2. Short Term Medical

If you’re above the subsidy cliff, or ACA coverage doesn’t fit your situation because of the cost, Short Term Medical (STM) may be worth comparing. For some eligible applicants, STM may have a lower premium than unsubsidized ACA coverage, but the comparison depends on the applicant, carrier, state, underwriting, policy terms, network, and benefits. Some STM policies may use broad PPO networks, but network access, covered services, exclusions, duration, and benefits vary by carrier, state, and policy. That flexibility can be appealing if you drive across areas or want more provider choices.

But it’s important to understand the difference: STM is not major medical coverage. It is not an ACA plan, may require medical underwriting, and can exclude pre-existing conditions or certain services. Benefits, terms, networks, and availability vary by plan and state, so review the details carefully and check that your doctors participate. For a broader overview of health insurance options for gig workers, you can compare the basics before deciding what questions to ask.

Account for Delivery-Driver Income and Expenses

App-based income can swing from week to week. A busy month, a slow stretch, or a change in how often you drive may shift your expected annual income, and your ACA tax-credit estimate.

For an application, start with a realistic estimate of your annual household income, not just the gross amount shown on a delivery app or tax form. Business expenses, including eligible vehicle expenses, can affect your net self-employment income. Your tax situation is personal, so consult a tax professional if you need help determining what to include.

Keep useful records together: weekly or monthly app earnings summaries, 1099 forms when issued, bank deposits, and mileage and expense records. If your work hours or earnings change significantly, update your income estimate rather than relying on an old projection. That helps reduce the chance that your advance ACA tax credits will differ from the amount you ultimately qualify for.

Licensed Agents and Navigators: Different Kinds of Help

Government-funded Marketplace Navigators and CMS support staff may provide impartial Marketplace information, explain application steps, and assist with enrollment paperwork. They generally do not recommend a specific plan or act as the consumer's insurance agent.

A licensed health or life insurance agent can provide individualized plan recommendations, compare options available through their agency, and help with enrollment. An agent can also offer year-round support as questions come up. The available plans and the agent’s role can vary, so ask which carriers and products they can review.

You can read more about CMS’s in-person assister programs. If you want a person to help you compare coverage for your situation, call Rachel at 512-850-6604 to talk through your situation.

Supplemental Coverage: Possible Gap Fillers

Supplemental products may help with specific expenses, but they are not substitutes for comprehensive health insurance. Their benefits and limitations vary, so check the policy details before adding one.

• Accident: May pay a stated benefit after a covered accident.
• Hospital: May provide a fixed benefit for a covered hospital stay.
• Critical Illness: May pay a stated benefit after a covered diagnosis.
• Term Life: Can help provide financial support for loved ones if you die during the policy term.
• Dental: Can help with covered dental services, subject to plan limits.
• Vision: Can help with eligible routine vision services or eyewear, depending on the plan.

Think about what would be hardest for your household to handle financially before adding extra coverage. A clear picture of your priorities can help you avoid paying for benefits you don’t need.

A Simple Next Step

Start by gathering your household details, a reasonable estimate of annual net gig income, and a list of doctors or prescriptions you want to check. Then compare the ACA option and, if appropriate, STM based on benefits, network, exclusions, and total potential costs, not just the monthly premium.

You don’t have to figure every detail out alone. I’m Michael Peck, a licensed independent agent, and I believe health insurance guidance should feel personal, not like another app menu. If you’d like help comparing available options in North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, or Virginia, Call Rachel at 512-850-6604 and we’ll help you take the next step.

Ready to compare your options? Request a quote or call 512-850-6604 to talk through your situation and find a direction that makes sense for you.

There are always options to explore. All you need to do is schedule an appointment with me and we will look at what is available for your situation.

Rachel at 512-850-6604

Michael Peck is a licensed insurance agent, not a legal or financial advisor. Real Health Quote is an independent health insurance agency licensed in 15 states (TX, DE, FL, IN, KS, MS, MO, NC, SC, OH, OK, MI, TN, GA, VA). Products and availability vary by state. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency, the federal Marketplace, or Medicare. Health insurance regulations and plan details can change; always consult with a professional regarding your specific tax or legal situation.