Quick answer
Often, yes. On the marketplace, lawfully present immigrants who don’t have a Social Security number can apply using their immigration documents, and family members who aren’t applying for coverage don’t have to give one. Many insurers and employers can enroll you without an SSN, sometimes using an ITIN. But marketplace coverage still requires being a citizen, national or lawfully present immigrant.
Key takeaways
- An SSN isn’t required for marketplace coverage if you’re lawfully present and don’t have one.
- Household members who aren’t applying don’t need to provide an SSN.
- Undocumented parents can apply for coverage for eligible children without sharing their own status.
- Some insurers accept an ITIN for plans bought directly from them.
- Short-term and indemnity plans may not ask for an SSN, but they aren’t full coverage.
On this page
When you don’t need an SSN
| Situation | Do you need an SSN? |
|---|---|
| Lawfully present immigrant applying on the marketplace without an SSN | No. You provide immigration document information instead |
| Family member who isn’t applying for coverage | No, though providing one can help verify household income |
| Applying for a child or other relative | The applicant needs an SSN if they have one; the parent filling out the form doesn’t have to be eligible |
| Job-based plan | Employers usually ask for one for tax reporting, but can generally enroll you while you wait for it |
| Plan bought directly from an insurer | Varies; some accept an ITIN |
If you’ve applied for an SSN, or can’t get one because of your immigration status, you can still apply on the marketplace. You may be asked to send documents to confirm your status or income.
Other ways to get care without an SSN
- Community health centers serve patients regardless of immigration status, with sliding-scale fees.
- Emergency rooms must screen and stabilize anyone with an emergency.
- State or city programs in some places cover children or adults regardless of status.
Limited plans: short-term, indemnity and travel insurance
Some limited plans may not ask for an SSN. They can be a stopgap, but they can exclude or limit coverage for pre-existing conditions, cap what they pay and leave out major benefits. See short-term health insurance and getting health insurance with pre-existing conditions. Fixed indemnity plans pay a set dollar amount per service, not a share of your bill.
Eligibility still depends on status
Marketplace coverage requires being a U.S. citizen, national or lawfully present immigrant, and tax credit rules for immigrants are changing in 2026 and 2027. See can I get health insurance if I’m not a U.S. citizen.
Eligible for a marketplace plan? Compare quotes by ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for Obamacare without a Social Security number?
Yes, if you’re lawfully present and don’t have one. You’ll give information from your immigration documents.
Can I use an ITIN for health insurance?
Some insurers accept an ITIN for plans bought directly from them. The marketplace uses immigration documents rather than an ITIN to confirm eligibility.
Can my undocumented parents apply for my coverage?
Yes. Parents can apply for eligible children without giving information about their own immigration status.
Sources
This article is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Last reviewed September 2026.