US Medical Term · insurance
Special Enrollment Period
Período de Inscripción Especial
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Special Enrollment Period |
| Spanish (Español) | Período de Inscripción Especial |
| Chinese (中文) | 特殊报名期 |
| Korean (한국어) | 특별 등록 기간 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thời gian đăng ký đặc biệt |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Special Enrollment Period |
| Portuguese (Português) | Período de Inscrição Especial |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ช่วงเวลาลงทะเบียนพิเศษ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 特別登録期間 |
What it means
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a window outside of the annual open enrollment period during which individuals can enroll in or change health insurance due to a qualifying life event. Qualifying events include losing other coverage (job loss, end of COBRA), getting married or divorced, having a baby or adopting a child, moving to a new coverage area, or gaining citizenship. SEPs typically last 60 days from the qualifying event. Marketplace SEPs require documentation of the qualifying event.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I lost my job last month and qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to get new coverage.
Perdí mi trabajo el mes pasado y califico para un Período de Inscripción Especial para obtener nueva cobertura.
My baby was born three weeks ago, so I have 60 days to add her to my plan.
Mi bebé nació hace tres semanas, así que tengo 60 días para agregarla a mi plan.
Moving to a new state triggered a Special Enrollment Period so I can find local in-network coverage.
Mudarme a un nuevo estado activó un Período de Inscripción Especial para encontrar cobertura dentro de la red local.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Related guide
→ US Guide: how us health insurance worksSources
Last reviewed: September 2026