Let’s face it, enrolling in health insurance can be a major headache … especially if you have to use confusing government websites. There are so many details to consider, prices and plans to compare, and complicated words to learn. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone else could do the work for you?
At Stride, we can do the work for you! Our free, customizable search tool is the simplest way to find the right plan for your needs for the lowest possible price without any of the stress. Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to mid-January in most states, so now’s the time to compare. Check our Key Dates and Deadlines post for your state’s deadline.
1. Same plans, same prices, better experience
Stride’s free health insurance shopping tool shows you plans sold on HealthCare.gov and many state exchanges, at the exact same prices. That’s because we’re an approved HealthCare.gov partner, and we’re not allowed to charge you more for these plans. Live in a state we don’t connect with online? Our team will help you over the phone instead.
Here’s the thing: Finding affordable health insurance isn’t just about buying the cheapest option. If you visit a doctor often, for example, a more expensive plan can actually save you more money because it pays a bigger percentage of your medical bills.
Stride does this complicated math for you. We ask you for relevant health information, like your favorite doctors, regular prescriptions, and health conditions, as well as your family size and income.
Then our search tool instantly compares coverage details and prices to find the plan that is most likely to save you more money. It also makes sure to search for options that keep your health care team in-network if necessary. You’ll get a list of personalized plan recommendations, plus a breakdown of why they work well for your unique situation so you don’t have to do those mental gymnastics on your own.
If you already know what type of health plan you’d like, you can further filter your search results by network, metal tier, and insurance company. Plus, you can do this all right from your device. Get started by entering your ZIP code below.
2. The most savings possible
A federal health insurance subsidy is money the government pays towards your health insurance … and it can save you a lot of money. Most people who buy their own coverage qualify for one. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), 87% of marketplace enrollees got tax credits that lowered their monthly cost during Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage. And almost 40% of Stride customers paid less than $50 a month for their 2026 coverage after tax credits.*
Because your annual income largely determines how big of a subsidy you’ll receive, it’s very important to estimate this number correctly. This is especially true if you’re self-employed. We show you how to calculate your income so you don’t miss out on any savings you’re entitled to. Once you have that number in hand, our shopping tool uses it to automatically check for tax credits and find you the most savings possible. Enter your ZIP code below to see what you could save.
In 2026, 87% of marketplace enrollees received tax credits that lowered the cost of their coverage.
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
3. Simplified application process
Health insurance applications often require documentation that shows proof of proof of citizenship or immigration status, income, or a qualifying life event. This can make enrollment even trickier. At Stride, we are very familiar with these application processes. We’ll walk you through exactly which paperwork and information to provide for a smooth enrollment and accepted application.
4. Unbiased support, all year long
Need a little extra help? Stride has a powerhouse team of non-commissioned licensed experts ready to answer your health insurance questions and guide you through the application process. There are no commissions, no pressure, and no hidden fees — just one-on-one help finding the right coverage at the lowest price for you.
These specialists are also available year-round to help you make the most of your coverage. Run into a billing issue with your insurer? Need help getting a medical claim reimbursed? Our support team is just an email or phone call away. AAnd we promise, no spam calls. Just real people ready to help.
5. Dental, vision, and life insurance, too
Stride doesn’t stop at health insurance. This is especially valuable if you’re self-employed, because Stride can help you build your full suite of benefits in one convenient platform.
We carefully partner with companies that offer flexible, affordable vision, dental, and life insurance options for independent workers. And they’re budget-friendly, so you can get the extra coverage you want without breaking the bank.Signing up for any of these plans takes about five minutes, and you’re able to apply at any time of year for coverage that starts the next month.
What does Stride cost?
Using Stride is free — you only have to pay the cost of your insurance. Ready to find your perfect plan? Enter your ZIP code below to get your personalized plan recommendations in less than five minutes.