COBRA health insurance is usually much more expensive than what you were paying at work, because you’re now covering both your share and the employer’s share, plus a small admin fee (up to 2%).

Quick Scoop: Typical COBRA Cost

For 2026, ballpark numbers look like this:

  • Individual COBRA coverage: often around 600–850 USD per month.
  • Family COBRA coverage: commonly around 1,500–2,400 USD per month.
  • These are averages – actual premiums can be lower or much higher depending on plan richness, region, and age mix.

One example guide for 2026 notes individual coverage in the 750–850 USD/month range and family coverage around 2,200–2,400 USD/month , after the employer contribution drops off. Another COBRA-focused site estimates about 600–700 USD per person per month , with family premiums often exceeding 1,500 USD/month.

Why COBRA Feels So Expensive

Under COBRA, you generally pay:

  • 100% of the full group health insurance premium (your old share + your employer’s share).
  • Plus up to 2% extra as an administrative fee (so, 102% of the normal premium total).

In many employer plans, that means you suddenly see the true cost of coverage that was partly hidden while you were employed.

Real-World Ranges (Illustrative)

Actual COBRA rate sheets for 2026 show how wide the spread can be:

  • Some HMO single plans: around 1,000–1,200 USD/month for one person.
  • Two‑person plans: roughly 2,200–2,400+ USD/month.
  • Family tiers: often 3,000+ USD/month , and sometimes higher depending on the plan and region.

These are just examples from specific employers and public systems; your exact offer will be based on your former employer’s plan design.

How to Figure Out Your COBRA Cost

To know your precise number, you’ll need the COBRA election notice sent after you lose coverage.

Check that notice for:

  1. Plan name(s) you can continue.
  2. Monthly premium listed for:
    • You only.
    • You + spouse.
    • You + dependents / family.
  3. The effective date and how long coverage can last (usually up to 18 months, sometimes longer for certain events).

If you’re seeing a number that looks shockingly high, that’s extremely common—people on health insurance forums often describe COBRA as “absurdly expensive” once they see the true full premium.

Quick Takeaway

  • A rough expectation: hundreds per month for one person, into the low thousands for a family , with your exact cost set by your old employer plan and the 102% COBRA formula.
  • To get an accurate figure, you must look at your own COBRA offer letter or contact the benefits administrator, since averages and examples can’t replace your specific rate.