COBRA Insurance Premium Calculator

1. Choose an input mode, then enter your monthly costs.
2. Add optional dental or vision amounts if included.
3. Set admin fee, months, and any expected annual increases.
4. If you have an extension period, enable it and set months.
5. Click Calculate Premium to see totals and chart.
6. Use download buttons to export the projection and summary.

This calculator starts from the total monthly plan cost and estimates a standard premium using an admin fee percent:

• Total Plan Cost = employee premium + employer contribution (or direct total) + add-ons
• Standard Premium (Month 1) = Total Plan Cost × (1 + admin% ÷ 100)
• Extension Premium (Month m) = Total Plan Cost × (extension rate% ÷ 100)
• Increase Factor (Month m) = (1 + annual increase% ÷ 100)^(m−1)/12
• Premium Due (Month m) = Basis Premium × Increase Factor × (1 − subsidy% ÷ 100)

Note: Rules and maximums can differ by plan and situation. Use this as a planning estimate.

Premium inputs and plan cost

COBRA premiums usually start from the full monthly plan cost. If your employer paid $470 and you paid $180, the combined cost is $650. Adding a 2% admin fee produces an estimated $663 premium in month 1. Optional add-ons, such as $25 dental or $15 vision, increase the base cost before fees. Use total-cost mode when you only know one number.

Admin fees, subsidies, and net due

Some employers subsidize COBRA for a transition period. A 25% subsidy on a $663 premium reduces the participant payment to $497.25. This calculator shows premium before subsidy and premium due, so you can compare support scenarios. Use 0% subsidy to estimate the maximum out-of-pocket amount. Then match the due figure to monthly cash flow and savings targets. Add annual increase to model renewals.

Projection across coverage months

Coverage can run 18 months in many cases, and some situations allow longer periods. The projection table lists each month’s due amount and totals them. If you choose 18 months at $663 with no increase, the projected total is $11,934. With a 6% annual increase, later months rise gradually. This helps you budget for renewals and carrier pricing changes over time.

Extension months sensitivity

When an extension rate applies, the premium basis can change. For example, a 150% rate on a $650 plan cost yields $975 before any increase factor. If months 19 through 29 use that rate, the chart will show a step up in payments. Adjust the start and end months to test alternatives. Small timing shifts can change totals by thousands. Set extension rate anywhere from 100% to 250% for stress-testing.

Using exports for budgeting decisions

After calculating, export a CSV to analyze scenarios in a spreadsheet, or create a PDF summary for records. Compare monthly, quarterly, and annual planning by reviewing the “next payment” estimate. Pair results with an emergency savings goal, such as three to six months of premiums. Use the chart to spot spikes and decide when supplemental income is needed. Exports help share assumptions with HR, brokers, and planners.

How is the standard premium calculated?

Start with the total monthly plan cost, including any add-ons. Multiply by 1 plus the admin fee percent. If plan cost is $650 and admin is 2%, month‑1 premium equals $650 × 1.02 = $663.

What does the admin fee percent represent?

It reflects allowable administrative charges added to the plan cost. Many estimates use 2%, but some plans differ. If you know your plan’s exact surcharge, enter it to match the billed amount more closely.

How does an employer subsidy change my payment?

The calculator reduces the premium by the subsidy percent to estimate your net due. For example, a 25% subsidy on $663 lowers the payment to $497.25. Set subsidy to 0% to see the full cost.

Why include an annual increase percent?

Premiums can rise over time due to renewals and pricing changes. The tool applies the increase gradually across months so later payments can be higher than month 1. Use 0% if you want a flat projection.

When should I use extension months and rates?

Use them only when your situation allows an extended premium basis. Enter the start and end months and a rate such as 150% to model higher charges during that period. Disable the option if it does not apply.

What do the CSV and PDF exports include?

Exports include your inputs, key summary totals, and the month‑by‑month projection table. CSV is helpful for scenario comparison, while PDF is useful for sharing a fixed summary with your records or advisors.