How Much Does Health Insurance Cost? (2026 Rates)

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Updated: May 27, 2026

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Key Takeaways
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Health insurance costs about $687 per month for adults, ranging from $425 for children to $1,448 for seniors.

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Maryland has the cheapest HMO health insurance at $490 monthly, while Vermont has the most expensive at $1,144, a $654 difference.

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Tax credits reduce premiums for households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, $15,960 to $63,840 for a single adult in 2026.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?

MoneyGeek's analysis found that health insurance costs $687 monthly for an adult buying a marketplace plan. That number shifts based on who you're covering. Children cost $425 monthly, while seniors pay $1,448.

Your plan choice makes a big difference, too. HMO plans run $674 monthly compared to $789 for PPOs with broader networks. Most people pay somewhere between $425 and $1,448 monthly, with the gap explained largely by age and where you live. Thanks to ACA protections, most health conditions won't increase your premiums.

Children
$425
$5,100
Teens
$477
$5,724
Young Adults
$553
$6,636
Adults
$687
$8,244
Seniors
$1,448
$17,376
POS
$661
$7,932
HMO
$674
$8,088
EPO
$676
$8,112
PPO
$789
$9,468
With Health Savings Account Eligibility
$681
$8,172

These are national averages. Your actual costs depend on several factors like your age, plan type, location and metal tier.

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OTHER COSTS BEYOND YOUR MONTHLY PREMIUM

Your premium is what you pay to keep coverage active. Here's what else hits your wallet:   

  • Deductible: You pay medical bills in full until you reach this threshold, at which point your plan begins covering costs.
  • Copays: Doctor appointments and pharmacy pickups cost a flat amount you pay right then.
  • Coinsurance: After meeting your deductible, you and your insurer split the bill. The percentage split depends on your plan.
  • Out-of-pocket maximum: Your spending ceiling each year. Once you reach it, insurance takes over completely.
  • Prescription drugs: Pills cost different amounts based on generic, brand-name, and specialty categories.
  • Non-covered services: Some care falls outside your plan. You'll foot the entire bill for those services.

Average Health Insurance Cost by State

Health insurance premiums vary widely by state. Vermont and New York are the most expensive states overall, with every available plan type averaging more than $1,100 per month. New Hampshire and Maryland are the cheapest states, with EPO and HMO plans averaging $455 and $490 respectively. 

But the biggest takeaway from our data isn’t which states are the cheapest or most expensive. It’s how much your choice of plan type can change your monthly premium within the same state. In Florida, the average HMO costs $764 per month, while the average PPO costs $1,510. That’s a $746 difference for Silver coverage in the same market. Virginia shows a similar divide, with EPO plans averaging $526 and PPOs averaging $1,060.

One surprising pattern we found is that PPOs aren’t always the most expensive option. In Wisconsin and Georgia, for example, average PPO premiums are actually lower than HMO rates. Comparing quotes across different plan types can help you save money.

AK
N/A
N/A
N/A
$1,039
AL
N/A
N/A
$709
$622
AR
N/A
$805
N/A
$839
AZ
$660
N/A
N/A
N/A
CA
$586
N/A
$868
$822
CO
$628
N/A
$594
N/A
CT
N/A
$925
N/A
$729
DC
$607
N/A
N/A
$676
DE
$764
N/A
$719
$849
FL
$764
$983
$914
$1,510
GA
$735
N/A
N/A
$646
HI
$545
N/A
N/A
$695
IA
$563
N/A
$650
$588
ID
$520
$542
N/A
$554
IL
$717
$587
N/A
$1,078
IN
$557
N/A
$601
N/A
KS
N/A
N/A
$861
N/A
KY
$714
N/A
N/A
N/A
LA
$650
$676
$620
$1,060
MA
$683
N/A
$961
N/A
MD
$490
N/A
N/A
$663
ME
$760
N/A
N/A
$789
MI
$636
N/A
$473
$810
MN
$552
N/A
$605
$551
MO
N/A
N/A
$720
N/A
MS
$756
N/A
$692
N/A
MT
N/A
$663
$754
$716
NC
$748
$727
$661
$865
ND
$643
N/A
N/A
$731
NE
N/A
N/A
$926
$1,156
NH
$539
N/A
$455
$747
NJ
N/A
N/A
$691
N/A
NM
$759
N/A
N/A
N/A
NV
$717
N/A
$599
N/A
NY
$1,101
N/A
$1,123
N/A
OH
$713
N/A
N/A
N/A
OK
$695
N/A
N/A
$713
OR
N/A
N/A
$610
N/A
PA
$663
N/A
$638
$863
RI
$507
$597
N/A
$704
SC
$611
$572
$660
$754
SD
$546
N/A
$740
$765
TN
N/A
N/A
$761
N/A
TX
$745
$858
$764
N/A
UT
$775
N/A
$770
N/A
VA
$599
N/A
$526
$1,060
VT
$1,144
N/A
$1,334
N/A
WI
$738
$1,009
$813
$619
WV
$1,087
N/A
N/A
$1,097
WY
N/A
N/A
$1,170
$1,070

* Rates shown are averages for people aged 31-45 years with Silver plans. “N/A” indicates that no plan of that type is available in the state.

Health Insurance Cost by Family Size

The average cost of health insurance for a family of four is about $2,230 per month, while family of three spends around $1,802. Larger families reach their out-of-pocket maximum sooner, which limits their total yearly spending on medical care.

Some households save money by splitting coverage. If one spouse has employer coverage, the rest of the family can stay on a marketplace plan at a lower combined cost.

Individual (Adult)
$687
$8,244
Couple + 1 Kid
$1,802
$21,624
Couple + 2 Kids
$2,230
$26,760
Couple + 3 Kids
$2,659
$31,908
Couple + 4 Kids
$3,087
$37,044

* Rates shown are national averages across all plan types and metal tiers.

Average Cost of Health Insurance by Age

Age is the single biggest factor affecting health insurance prices in our analysis, and the table below shows just how much rates climb over time.

Monthly premiums increase 24% between the 22-to-30 and 31-to-45 age groups, a jump that surprises many buyers. Adults 60 and older pay an average of $1,448 per month, more than double what a 30-year-old pays

The 31-to-45 range is an important turning point, where health coverage decisions start carrying more serious financial consequences. ACA marketplace subsidies can reduce actual costs well below these averages for eligible households, but qualification depends on income and access to employer-sponsored coverage.

0–14 years
$425
$5,100
15–21 years
$477
$5,724
22–30 years
$553
$6,636
31–45 years
$687
$8,244
60+ years
$1,448
$17,376

* Rates shown are national averages across all plan types and metal tiers. These figures don't include tax credits or subsidies that reduce costs for those who qualify based on income. Actual costs differ by plan tier, family size and health care needs.

Health Insurance Cost by Plan Type & Metal Tier

The type of health plan and the level of metal tier you choose impact how much you’ll pay for health insurance. PPO plans are the most expensive option at every metal tier from Silver and above in our analysis, reflecting the added flexibility to see specialists and out-of-network providers without referrals.

The more notable pattern is how POS plans are priced. At the Expanded Bronze level, POS plans average just $349 per month, the lowest rate by a wide margin. By Platinum, though, the average jumps to $1,252, where POS plans become the second most expensive policy type. No other network type shows a swing that large across coverage levels.

Platinum plans also come with major sticker shock regardless of network type. A Platinum EPO costs $641 more per month than a Silver EPO on average. For most people, that higher premium only pays off if you expect consistently high medical expenses and are likely to reach your out-of-pocket maximum.

Expanded Bronze
$494
$349
N/A
$534
Bronze
$514
$661
$501
$620
Silver
$674
$692
$676
$789
Gold
$703
$755
$732
$796
Platinum
$903
$1,252
$1,317
$1,170

* Rates shown are national averages for people aged 31-45.

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HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN TYPES

Your health plan type affects which doctors you can see and how much you pay. Each plan balances cost and flexibility differently.   

  • HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): This plan assigns a primary care doctor who coordinates your care and provides specialist referrals. It offers lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, though coverage is limited to network providers except in emergencies.
  • PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): PPOs allow visits to any doctor, with or without a referral, and include partial coverage for out-of-network care. Monthly premiums are higher, yet this plan gives you the most freedom in choosing where to get treatment.
  • EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): With an EPO, referrals aren’t needed, and you can see in-network specialists directly. Costs usually fall between HMO and PPO rates. Out-of-network care isn’t covered except in emergencies.
  • POS (Point of Service): A POS plan combines features of both HMO and PPO options. You’ll choose a primary care doctor for referrals but still have the option to see out-of-network providers for a higher cost, offering flexibility at moderate rates.

What Factors Affect Health Insurance Costs?

Several factors determine your monthly health insurance premium. Age has the biggest impact, where costs nearly triple between young adults and seniors under ACA rules. Where you live, your plan type and your family size shape your final cost from there.

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    Age

    Older adults pay more for health insurance than younger people. Insurers charge higher premiums as you age because health care needs increase over time. A 60-year-old can pay up to three times more than a 21-year-old for the same coverage under ACA rules. This age-based pricing reflects the higher likelihood of medical expenses as people age.

    Location

    Where you live changes what you will pay. Each state runs its own insurance market with different levels of competition. Urban areas have more insurers competing for customers, which keeps prices lower.

    Rural regions have fewer options and higher costs, so your ZIP code matters beyond the state. Cities next to each other can charge different rates because of local health care costs and the doctors and hospitals in the area.

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    Family Size

    Adding family members to your plan raises your premium, but it’s usually more affordable than buying separate policies. Insurers charge higher rates for couples than for individuals and family plans cost more than coverage for two people.

    The rate structure depends on how many people are included in your plan. Each added member increases your monthly payment, although the cost per person usually goes down as your family grows.

    Children’s health insurance is cheaper than adult coverage and includes pediatric dental and vision benefits.

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    Plan Type

    The network structure you choose changes both your premium and your flexibility. HMOs cost less but require you to stay within a specific network and get referrals for specialists. PPOs charge more but let you see any doctor without referrals. 

    EPOs offer middle-ground pricing with network restrictions but no referral requirements. POS plans combine HMO and PPO features, giving you choices with different cost levels depending on whether you stay in-network.

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    Tobacco Use

    Smoking or using other tobacco products can increase your premium by up to 50% in most states. Insurers charge a tobacco surcharge because tobacco users have higher health risks and medical costs. Some states limit or ban tobacco surcharges and many insurers offer tobacco cessation programs that can help you quit and eventually lower your rates.

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    Insurance Company

    Different insurers charge different rates for similar coverage. Each company calculates risk differently and operates with varying overhead costs. Some focus on competitive pricing to attract customers, while others charge more but invest heavily in customer service or provider networks. Shopping between insurers can save you hundreds of dollars annually for comparable coverage.

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    Metal Tier

    ACA marketplace plans come in four metal tiers. Bronze metal level plans have the lowest premiums but the highest deductibles. Silver plans offer moderate premiums, the only tier that qualifies for cost-sharing reductions if you're eligible. 

    Gold plans cost more each month but pay a bigger share when you visit the doctor or need medical care. Platinum tier has the highest monthly premiums and lowest deductibles, which works well if you use health care often.

What Does Health Insurance Cover?

All marketplace health insurance plans cover ten essential benefit categories required under the Affordable Care Act. These include hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, preventive care and pediatric services, among others. Some plans add adult dental and vision coverage, telemedicine access or health savings account eligibility.

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10 ESSENTIAL BENEFITS COVERED BY MARKETPLACE PLANS
  • Outpatient care: Visits to your doctor and medical services that don't require a hospital stay
  • Emergency services: Emergency room care, including visits to out-of-network hospitals
  • Hospitalization: Surgeries, overnight stays and other inpatient care
  • Maternity and newborn care: Coverage for pregnancy, delivery and care for your newborn
  • Mental health and substance use treatment: Therapy, counseling and treatment for behavioral health conditions
  • Prescription drugs: Medications your doctor prescribes
  • Rehabilitation services: Physical and occupational therapy that helps you recover or maintain daily skills
  • Lab services: Diagnostic tests like blood work and X-rays
  • Preventive care: Annual checkups, health screenings and vaccines you get at no extra cost
  • Pediatric services: Vision and dental care for children come with all marketplace plans

Why Is Health Insurance Going Up?

Health insurance costs are rising in 2026, and you're likely feeling the impact regardless of your coverage type. Marketplace premiums jumped about 26% on average, with some states seeing increases of 30% or more, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicare Part B monthly premiums rose to $203 in 2026, up $18 from last year. These mark some of the steepest increases since the Affordable Care Act launched. 

Knowing what's driving these increases can help you make smarter choices during open enrollment and plan for future costs.

Healthcare Costs Are Rising Faster Than Inflation

Enhanced ACA Subsidies Expired in December 2025

New Enrollment Rules Are Discouraging Healthy Enrollees

Labor and Supply Costs Keep Rising

How to Save Money On Health Insurance

Health insurance can take up a large part of your budget. Several strategies can reduce what you pay, from choosing a lower-cost plan type to qualifying for government subsidies.

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    Choose Lower-Tier Plans

    Bronze and Catastrophic plans have the lowest monthly premiums in our review, as much as $409 less per month than Platinum on some HMO plans. The tradeoff is a higher deductible before coverage kicks in. This works best if you're healthy and rarely need care beyond preventive visits.

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    Claim Premium Tax Credits

    You qualify for monthly premium discounts when your income falls between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, $15,960 to $63,840 for a single adult in 2026. Apply through HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace. Discounts apply directly to your monthly bill.

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    Apply for Cost-Sharing Reductions

    If you earn less than 250% of the poverty level, you'll pay lower deductibles, copays and coinsurance on Silver plans. You must select a Silver plan to get this benefit. It doesn't apply to Bronze or Gold.

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    Enroll in Medicare or Medicaid

    Medicare covers adults 65 and older, while Medicaid covers low-income adults and families. Both cost less than private marketplace coverage for people who qualify. Check eligibility at Medicaid.gov or Medicare.gov before buying a marketplace plan.

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    Join a Family Member's Employer Plan

    Employer-sponsored plans often cost less than marketplace plans because employers pay part of the premium. If a spouse or parent has workplace coverage that includes dependents, getting added to that plan is worth comparing against your individual marketplace options.

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    Consider Short-Term Insurance

    Short-term plans can run $100 to $200 monthly, well below marketplace premiums. They don't meet ACA requirements and exclude pre-existing conditions, so they work only as a bridge during coverage gaps, not as a long-term solution.

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    Stay In-Network

    Out-of-network care can cost two to three times more than in-network visits, even with the same plan. Before scheduling any appointment, confirm your provider is in your plan's network using your insurer's online directory.

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    Use Generic Medications

    Generic drugs deliver the same active ingredients as brand-name versions at 80% to 85% less cost on average, according to the FDA. Ask your doctor whether a generic version is available before filling any prescription.

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    Maximize Preventive Care

    ACA-compliant plans cover annual checkups, screenings and recommended vaccines at no cost to you, even before you meet your deductible. Using these services regularly can catch health issues early and reduce larger medical costs later.

Bottom Line

The right health insurance plan depends on your age, income and how much care you expect to use. A 40-year-old adult pays $687 monthly on average for a Silver plan, but a Bronze plan can cut that by $160 or more. The right choice depends on whether the deductible tradeoff makes sense for your health situation.

If your income falls below 400% of the federal poverty level, check your subsidy eligibility before paying full price. If you're 65 or older, compare Medicare options against marketplace costs, as Medicare will almost always run less than the $1,448 monthly marketplace average for seniors.

Compare plans at HealthCare.gov during open enrollment, which runs from November 1 through January 15 in most states. Missing that window means waiting until the next enrollment period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

What Is the Average Cost Health Insurance: FAQ

We’ve gathered answers to common questions about average health insurance costs to help you understand what to expect:

What is the average cost of health insurance?

How much does health insurance cost without a job?

How much does health insurance cost yearly?

How do government subsidies reduce health insurance costs?

How can I find affordable health insurance?

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Our Methodology

Health insurance costs depend on your age, location, plan type and family size, which makes general averages less useful for budgeting. We used comprehensive data to show realistic costs across different situations.

Our Data Source 
Plan data was downloaded from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) government website. We calculated state and national averages using 4,639 individual plans from 210 providers.

Sample Profiles Used 
The analysis focuses on common ages for individual coverage shoppers: 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Unless noted otherwise, all premium data reflects what a 40-year-old would pay for a Silver-tier plan, the most common coverage level in the individual marketplace.

Coverage Types Analyzed
The data includes all marketplace metal tiers: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum plans. This gives a full view of options, from basic coverage to more comprehensive protection.

Why This Approach Works for You 
Rather than using broad industry averages that mix group and individual markets, we analyzed only the plans available to individual shoppers. The age-based breakdown helps you estimate costs more accurately for your life stage.

Data Recency 
All plan data and premium calculations were last updated in 2026 to reflect the latest marketplace rates and subsidy structures.

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About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, Licensed P&C Insurance Expert, MoneyGeek

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he has produced original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.

He covers economics and insurance at MoneyGeek, and his work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other outlets.

Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data, and no insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.

Fitzpatrick earned his degrees from Johns Hopkins University (M.A. Economics and International Relations) and Boston College (B.A.). He began his career in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.

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