Can I get health insurance working for a small business as a volunteer?

Question

I work in a small family business as a volunteer. Can I participate in the health insurance plan offered through the business even though I don't receive a paycheck?.

Answer 1

Doubtfull. That is normally for employees.

Answer 2

I don't know of any insurance carriers that will treat volunteers as employees for qualification purposes.

Answer 3

Have you asked the owner about this?

I only ask because most small businesses and especially family owned ones, usually do not have health insurance options available to employees, and actually even they may not have insurance themselves, because of the high cost of insurance today. So if you have not, are you positive that they even provide insurance?

Another thing that makes this a bit confusing without more details, is why you are volunteering there, rather than being a pt paid employee? Is it because it is a small family business and they can't afford to pay employees? Or is it something that you just really like to do and want to help out?

I have seen many different situations like these, and actually work with people to find them the best available option in regards to either Insurance or another plan. If you'd like to contact me, do so through my profile page and I'd be more than happy to try and help you find a solution to your problem.

All my best!

Answer 4

Group health insurance is for employees.  Have the owner contact his agent for details.

Answer 5

Probably not, unless the small business is willing to pay the entire premium for you (which they probably would not do).