Private health insurance costs are going up. A complete guide to your coverage options
Private health insurance costs will rise in 2026. Experts say you can still save.
9 min read
Dec 11, 2025
Sarah Gage
Managing Editor
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19Years of Experience
EXPERTISE
- Personal finance
- Debt management
- Building savings
- Improving credit
- Business finance
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Michigan
Sarah Gage is a managing editor on the Bankrate team. Sarah has more than 19 years of professional writing and editing experience, and she is passionate about providing clear, concise information that helps people take control of their personal finances. Her finance writing has been featured by Entrepreneur, Tally and Happy Money, among others.
Outside of her work, Sarah enjoys camping, hiking, and planning her next rewards travel trip.
Sarah wants you to know
One of the best reasons to take control of your personal finances is that money gives you access to options. Whether that's the decision of where to send your child for higher education or the option to leave a bad job, getting better with money isn't just about interest rates or APRs. It's about making a tangible difference in the quality of your life through access to better options and opportunities.
Sarah's latest articles
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Car repossessions are up 43%. Here’s what to do if it happens to you
Shock. Anger. Shame. And finally, hopelessness. The emotions that follow a car repossession can be overwhelming, but they often converge into one lingering question: “What do I do now?” As an insurance [...]
6 min read Nov 12, 2025 -
The Fed makes a second interest rate cut. Here’s what will — and won’t — change for your money.
Borrowers often don’t notice small rate cuts, and a weakening economy could dull the relief.
8 min read Oct 29, 2025 -
One Big Number: $672 | The average annual Social Security raise in 2026
Social Security recipients can expect to see a higher-than-average COLA raise in 2026.
2 min read Oct 27, 2025 -
Rescue the job market or stop inflation? A rate cut from the Fed this week could hit your wallet — and your paycheck
Officials are cutting rates to shore up the job market, but it’s not without risk.
5 min read Oct 26, 2025 -
Government shutdown and flood insurance: What happens to NFIP coverage and what are your options?
More than 4.7 million homeowners depend on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for financial protection against flooding, covering roughly $1.3 trillion in property value. But when the government [...]
4 min read Oct 23, 2025 -
Economists are realizing the job market is cooling. Workers have known it for months.
Before data started to show that the job market was slowing, cracks appeared in people’s lives first.
10 min read Oct 22, 2025 -
Do medical bills affect your credit? New federal rules may cause changes, but you can still protect yourself
Medical debt under $500 is now off your credit reports, even if it goes into collections.
8 min read Oct 10, 2025 -
Unemployed or furloughed due to the government shutdown? Believe it or not, your bank can help
Your bank or credit union may be able to help if you lose your paycheck.
3 min read Oct 09, 2025