Best Health Insurance in Texas (2026)

Sendero Health Plans has the best health insurance in Texas. Christus Health Plan, Ambetter, Molina Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield are good alternatives.

Compare top health insurance plans in Texas.

Written by Patrick Bryant

Updated: July 2, 2026

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Key Takeaways

Sendero Health Plans has the best health insurance in Texas for enrollees in its service area, combining the state's lowest average Silver premium at $633 per month with the highest CMS Quality Rating System score among insurers we reviewed. But it's available only in eight Central Texas counties.

Christus Health Plan has the best claims experience in Texas, with the lowest in-network denial rate at 11.7%.

HMO plans are the most affordable health insurance option at every metal tier in Texas. They require you to use a network of providers and you need referrals to see specialists, but those restrictions help keep premiums lower. For example, a Silver HMO averages $745 per month, less than a Silver EPO at $764 or a Silver POS plan at $858.

Silver plans are the only tier that qualifies for cost-sharing reductions, which can greatly reduce your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum if your income falls between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only insurer available in all 254 Texas counties. That's a meaningful advantage for rural residents and people who travel frequently within the state.

Best Health Insurance Companies in Texas

Sendero Health Plans is the best health insurance provider in Texas, with the lowest average monthly premium in our analysis at $633 and a $5,457 average out-of-pocket maximum. Christus Health Plan is the strongest alternative if claims experience is a priority, with the lowest in-network denial rate in our review at 11.7% and the lowest average out-of-pocket maximum at $4,899.

Ambetter averages $691 per month and is the only insurer in our top five picks to offer both HMO and EPO plans. Molina Healthcare's premiums average $746 per month, but it has the highest denial rate (24%) and the second-highest average out-of-pocket maximum ($5,800). Blue Cross Blue Shield is the most expensive option at $804 per month, though its $2,007 average deductible is the second-lowest.


Sendero Health Plans	HMO	$633	$5,457	$1,890	21.5%	4.9
Christus Health Plan	HMO	$662	$4,899	$3,659	11.7%	4.6
Ambetter	HMO, EPO	$691	$5,489	$3,268	17.9%	4.3
Molina Healthcare	HMO	$746	$5,800	$3,368	24%	4.3
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas	HMO, POS	$804	$5,949	$2,007	18.8%	4.3

* Rates shown are averages for 40-year-olds seeking Silver-tier HMO plans. Rates vary by age, policy type, metal tier and location.

How We Chose the Best Health Insurance in Texas

We analyzed every ACA marketplace health insurance plan available in Texas using data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. We scored plans across three categories: affordability (60%), customer experience (30%) and in-network claim denial rates (10%). These scores are combined into a single MoneyGeek Score out of five stars to identify the best health insurance providers in the state.

Sendero Health Plans

MoneyGeek Rating

4.9/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Customer Experience

3.6/5Denials

Plan Types
HMO
Average Monthly Premium
$633
In-Network Denial Rate
21.5%
Average QRS Rating
4.0

pros
- Highest CMS quality rating in Texas
- Lowest health insurance rates in Texas
- HSA-eligible Bronze plan
- $0 virtual urgent care through NormanMD
cons
- Second-highest in-network denial rate among providers we reviewed
- Available only in Central Texas
- HMO requires referrals for specialist visits
Why We Like It: Sendero Health Plans is the best health insurance provider in Texas, combining the state's highest CMS Quality Rating System score with the lowest average premiums in our analysis. The Austin-based nonprofit offers only HMO plans and has maintained a 4-star CMS rating for four consecutive years, reflecting strong performance in medical care, member experience and plan administration. Its Silver plans average $633 per month for a 40-year-old, while Bronze plans average $446, $47 below the Texas average.

Keep In Mind: Sendero is available only in eight Central Texas counties, including Travis, Hays and Williamson, so most Texans won't have access to its plans. It also has a 21.5% in-network claim denial rate, the second-highest among the providers we reviewed. Even so, if you live within its service area and want low premiums backed by strong quality ratings, it's one of the best health insurance options in Texas.

Christus Health Plan

MoneyGeek Rating

4.6/ 5

4.9/5Affordability

4/5Customer Experience

5/5Denials

Plan Types
HMO
Average Monthly Premium
$662
In-Network Denial Rate
11.7%
Average QRS Rating
3.0

pros
- Affordable premiums at 11% to 21% below Texas averages
- Lowest in-network denial rate in our analysis at 11.7%
- HSA-eligible policies available
- Low-income plan options
cons
- Only offers HMO plans with limited network flexibility
- Service area limited to East and Central Texas
- Average CMS QRS rating of 3 out of 5
Why We LIke It: CHRISTUS Health Plan is one of the most affordable health insurance options in Texas, with all plan tiers priced 11% to 21% below the state average. A 40-year-old pays $347 per month for Catastrophic coverage and $419 per month for Expanded Bronze, both HSA-eligible. Its Gold plan costs $571 per month with a $500 deductible. CHRISTUS Health Plan also posts the lowest in-network denial rate among major Texas carriers at 11.7%.

Keep In Mind: The company only provides HMO plans, restricting coverage to in-network providers for most care. Its service area covers East and Central Texas but doesn't include Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio or Austin, ruling it out for most of the state's population. Its QRS rating of 3 out of 5 is average for the state.

Ambetter

MoneyGeek Rating

4.3/ 5

4.8/5Affordability

3.5/5Customer Experience

4.1/5Denials

Plan Types
HMO, EPO
Average Monthly Premium
$691
In-Network Denial Rate
17.9%
Average QRS Rating
2.5

pros
- HMO and EPO plan formats
- Below-average HMO premiums
- $0 virtual 24/7 care included on all plans
- Rewards program for healthy habits and preventive care
cons
- Average CMS quality rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars
- Above-average complaint volume for billing and prior authorization
Why We Like It: Ambetter combines competitive premiums with broader plan choices than most insurers in Texas. It offers Silver and Gold coverage in both HMO and EPO networks across 150 Texas counties, giving you more flexibility in how you access care. For a 40-year-old, it's Silver HMO averages $691 per month with a $5,489 MOOP limit and a $3,268 deductible. It's Silver EPO plan averages $777 per month with a $5,502 MOOP limit and $3,119 deductible.

Members also receive My Health Pays® wellness rewards worth up to $500 annually, access to 24/7 virtual care and, on 2026 Premier plans, $0 copays for insulin and select diabetes medications.

Keep In Mind: Ambetter has an average CMS Quality Rating System score of 2.5 stars, lower than most Texas insurers in our review. But its 17.9% in-network claim denial rate is below the Texas average of 19.5%, a reliable option for shoppers who prioritize affordability and access over top quality ratings.

Molina Healthcare

MoneyGeek Rating

4.3/ 5

4.7/5Affordability

4/5Customer Experience

3.2/5Denials

Plan Types
HMO
Average Monthly Premium
$746
In-Network Denial Rate
24%
Average QRS Rating
3.0

pros
- Gold plan deductible of $983 is among the lowest in the state
- Convenient digital tools for managing claims, benefits and payments
cons
- 24% in-network denial rate is the highest in Texas
- Customer service is a common concern across reviews
Why We Like It: Molina Healthcare is an HMO-only insurer serving Cameron, Collin, Dallas, El Paso, Harris, Hidalgo, Jefferson, Starr and Webb counties. It has some of the most affordable Gold plans in Texas, averaging $641 per month, $9 below the state average. Those plans also have a relatively low average deductible of $983, reducing upfront costs before coverage begins. Its Silver plans average $746 per month, with a $3,368 deductible and a $5,800 out-of-pocket maximum.

Keep In Mind: Molina has a 3.0-star CMS Quality Rating System score, which is average in the state, but it has the highest in-network claim denial rate in our analysis at 24%. While members rate its website and mobile app highly for managing bills, benefits and care, you should weigh that convenience against its claims experience before enrolling.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

MoneyGeek Rating

4.3/ 5

4.5/5Affordability

4/5Customer Experience

4/5Denials

Plan Types
HMO, POS
Average Monthly Premium
$804
In-Network Denial Rate
18.8%
Average QRS Rating
3.0

pros
- Available across all of Texas
- HMO and POS plan types available
- Wellness tools, telehealth and pharmacy programs
- 18.8% denial rate below state average
cons
- No HSA eligibility on Gold or Silver plans
- POS premiums run above state average for most metal tiers
Why We Like It: BCBS is the only insurer in our analysis that serves all 254 Texas counties, especially valuable for rural residents and people who travel frequently within the state. Although its Silver HMO plans average $804 per month, the highest among the providers we reviewed, they come with a relatively low average deductible of $2,007. Members also get access to broad provider networks, 24/7 MDLIVE virtual care, wellness and behavioral health programs, pharmacy cost-management tools and the nationwide BlueCard program for care while traveling.

Keep In Mind: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas has the highest average monthly premiums in our comparison and an average out-of-pocket maximum of $5,949. If statewide access and provider choice aren't priorities, you may find better value with a lower-cost insurer.

Compare Texas Health Insurance Companies

Health insurance costs in Texas vary widely between providers and metal tiers. We compare plan type, age, coverage level and HSA eligibility to help you find suitable options.

Data filtered by:


Sendero Health Plans	$633	HMO	Silver	$5,457	$1,890	40	No
Christus Health Plan	$662	HMO	Silver	$4,899	$3,659	40	No
Community Health Choice	$672	HMO	Silver	$5,757	$2,580	40	No
Ambetter	$691	HMO	Silver	$5,489	$3,268	40	No
Imperial Insurance Companies	$696	HMO	Silver	$5,764	$3,818	40	No
Oscar	$701	HMO	Silver	$6,014	$3,404	40	No
UnitedHealthcare	$732	HMO	Silver	$5,542	$2,237	40	No
Molina Healthcare	$746	HMO	Silver	$5,800	$3,368	40	No
Wellcare Health	$755	HMO	Silver	$5,720	$2,034	40	No
Baylor Scott And White Health Plan	$793	HMO	Silver	$5,612	$2,557	40	No

*Some providers offer multiple plans of the same type and tier. Rates are based on company averages across all available plans for the given age, plan type and metal tier.

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Texas

The best health plan in Texas depends on how often you use care, not just which premium is cheapest. Here's what matters most by situation.

Select the right plan tier for your situation
Rarely use care (healthy, few prescriptions): Bronze or Expanded Bronze plans average $446 to $493 per month in Texas for HMO coverage based on our analysis of 2026 rates. You'll pay more out of pocket if something happens, but monthly costs stay low. HSA-eligible plans let you set aside pre-tax dollars for future medical expenses.

Moderate use (one or two doctor visits per year, ongoing prescriptions): Silver plans average $633 to $804 per month depending on the insurer. Silver is the only tier that qualifies for cost-sharing reductions if your income falls between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level. This tier can greatly reduce your deductible and out-of-pocket limit.

Frequent use (chronic conditions, regular specialist visits): Gold plans average $619 to $720 per month with deductibles as low as $500 at Christus. The higher premium pays off if you hit your deductible more than once a year.
Decide on your coverage needs before buying
Compare monthly premiums against out-of-pocket limits before choosing a plan. If you visit doctors frequently, plans with higher monthly costs but lower maximum out-of-pocket limits often save money long-term.

For those rarely needing care, lower-premium plans with higher deductibles may work better. Review HMO, PPO and EPO plan types to understand network flexibility and referral requirements.
Compare company offerings and reputations
Research which plans insurers offer in your area and compare coverage terms, provider networks and benefits. Check company reputations through J.D. Power ratings and state complaint databases to verify claims handling and customer service quality before enrolling.
Shop around
Health insurance rates in Texas vary based on age, plan type and coverage level. Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15.

Special Enrollment applies after qualifying life events like job loss, marriage, divorce, birth of a child or losing existing coverage. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best value.
Take advantage of federal programs and subsidies
Texas residents may qualify for federal subsidies based on income, with some eligible for $0 premium plans.

Seniors 65 and older can access Medicare coverage options. Those meeting income requirements may qualify for reduced-cost marketplace plans. Medicare-eligible Texas residents can add Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage coverage benefits beyond original Medicare.

Best Medicare Plans in Texas

In addition to ACA Marketplace plans, we also researched the best Medicare plans in Texas. Unlike ACA Marketplace coverage, Medicare is a federal health insurance program for adults age 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Texas: Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help cover out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, that Original Medicare doesn't pay.
Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas: Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans replace Original Medicare and often include prescription drug coverage along with benefits like dental, vision and hearing care.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Texas?

Health insurance costs in Texas vary based on plan type, metal tier, age and location. HMO plans are the most affordable option, with Bronze coverage averaging $493 monthly and Gold at $650. POS plans cost more, ranging from $548 for Bronze to $720 for Gold. EPO plans fall between these options, with Silver averaging $764 and Gold at $678 monthly.

Gold HMO plans are the best value for frequent care users, combining lower deductibles with premiums only 32% higher than Bronze. POS plans cost 10% to 20% more than equivalent HMO tiers without meaningful coverage advantages for most Texas enrollees.


HMO	$493	$745	$650
EPO	N/A	$764	$678
POS	$548	$858	$720

* Rates shown are based on statewide averages for 40-year-olds.

Texas Health Insurance Support

If you need more help comparing plans, understanding your coverage or applying for financial assistance, these Texas and federal resources can help:

HealthCare.gov: The official federal Marketplace where Texans can compare ACA health insurance plans, check subsidy eligibility, enroll during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period and estimate costs.
Texas Department of Insurance (TDI): Provides consumer guides, explains Texas insurance rules, helps resolve disputes with insurers and offers assistance if you have questions about your health insurance policy.
Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC): Information on Texas Medicaid, CHIP and other public health coverage programs, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Covers eligible children in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance, with benefits including doctor visits, prescriptions and preventive care.
Find Local Enrollment Assistance: Search for certified enrollment assisters and navigators who can help you compare plans, complete your Marketplace application and understand your coverage options at no cost.

*Average monthly premiums for 40-year-olds in Texas by plan type. Rates vary by age and location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get expert answers to the most common questions about the health insurance in Texas:

Most Texans get health insurance through an employer, the ACA marketplace at HealthCare.gov, Medicaid or CHIP. If you don't have job-based coverage, compare plans at HealthCare.gov during open enrollment from November 1 through January 15. Many people also qualify for subsidies that lower their monthly premium based on household income.

Texas doesn't require residents to have health insurance and there's no penalty for going without coverage. If you're uninsured, you'll have to pay the full cost of your medical care if you get sick or injured.

In our analysis, Sendero Health Plans is the cheapest health insurance provider in Texas, with Silver HMO plans averaging $633 per month for a 40-year-old. HMO plans are the state's most affordable plan type, averaging $745 per month for Silver coverage across all providers.

Yes, Texas residents can access free health insurance through Medicaid if they meet income requirements. Others qualify for marketplace subsidies that reduce or eliminate monthly premiums, making coverage affordable or free based on household income.

Texas doesn't require employers to offer health insurance. Under the federal Affordable Care Act, businesses with 50 or more full-time employees must offer qualifying coverage or pay a penalty. Employers with fewer than 50 employees have no federal or state mandate to provide health benefits.

You can get short-term health insurance in Texas through carriers like UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Plans last up to 364 days, but they don't cover pre-existing conditions and aren't required to include the 10 ACA essential health benefits.

About Patrick Bryant

Patrick Bryant is the Vertical Lead for Health Insurance at MoneyGeek, where he researches insurance products, writes consumer guides and maintains the scoring methodologies behind our provider comparisons. He analyzed more than 100 health insurance carriers across all 50 U.S. states and multiple policy types. His methodologies are reviewed quarterly to reflect current market conditions and carrier data.

Read Full Bio »

Best Health Insurance in Texas (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in Texas

How We Chose the Best Health Insurance in Texas

Sendero Health Plans

Christus Health Plan

Ambetter

Molina Healthcare

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Compare Texas Health Insurance Companies

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Texas

Best Medicare Plans in Texas

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Texas?

Texas Health Insurance Support

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get health insurance in Texas?

Is health insurance required in Texas?

What's the cheapest health insurance in Texas?

Can you get free health insurance in Texas?

Are employers required to provide health insurance in Texas?

Can you get short-term health insurance in Texas?

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