The 5 Most Common Mistakes People Make When Shopping for Health Insurance Online

With dozens of confusing options and misleading websites promising "affordable coverage," it's no wonder most people end up either overpaying or under-covered. Whether you’re self-employed, buying for your family, or exploring options for the first time — this guide will help you avoid the 5 most common mistakes that cost people thousands every year.

Mistake #1: Assuming You’ll Qualify for Subsidies

Just because you saw a $0/month plan in an ad doesn’t mean you'll get it.

Most subsidies through the ACA are income-based — and freelancers or 1099 earners often miscalculate or overestimate what they’ll actually get. Worse: many find out at tax time that they have to pay back thousands in subsidy credits.

Pro Tip: If your income fluctuates, a private PPO plan might give you more stability and real cost control.

Mistake #2: Comparing Only the Monthly Premium

A low monthly premium might seem like a win… until you get hit with:

• $7,000–$10,000 deductibles
• Limited HMO networks
• High out-of-pocket max limits

That’s not “affordable” — that’s financially dangerous.

Always compare:
Premium + Deductible + Network + OOP Max — not just the sticker price.

Mistake #3: Missing Out on Tax Savings (Especially If You’re Self-Employed)

Many business owners don’t realize they can write off health insurance premiums if structured correctly — even for their families.

But here’s the kicker: not all plans qualify. And many ACA enrollees don’t get the full tax benefit because they’re subsidized.

Pro Tip: Private health plans often give more flexibility for tax write-offs and income reporting.

Mistake #4: Ignoring What’s Actually Covered

ACA plans might list “emergency care” — but won’t show you:

• Which hospitals are in-network
• If your prescriptions are covered
• What telehealth or mental health options are included

Too many people buy based on the name of the plan without digging into real-world usage. That leads to costly denials and frustrating bills.

Always ask:

“Can I see the full summary of benefits and provider directory first?”

Mistake #5: Buying From a Lead Site or Call Center

If you've ever Googled "cheap health insurance," you’ve probably gotten bombarded by spammy calls. That’s because many of those sites don’t actually sell insurance — they sell your information.

Working with a licensed, independent broker (like us) ensures:

• Your info stays private
• You get matched to ACA and private plans side-by-side
• You're working with a real human — not a call center

You deserve more than a cookie-cutter plan. At TrueClarity Plans, we help self-employed professionals, families, and individuals get matched to the right plan — not the one some algorithm picks.