Cheapest Health Insurance in Washington (2026)

Community Health Plan of Washington is the cheapest health insurance company in Washington, averaging $499 per month, $184 less than the statewide average of $683. Choosing CHPW saves $2,208 per year compared to the statewide average cost.

CHPW operates exclusively as an EPO and covers 26 of Washington's 39 counties. Residents in Clark County and several eastern Washington areas will find Coordinated Care the better starting point at $373 per month for Bronze. Kaiser Permanente averages $626 per month and is the only insurer here that offers both HMO and EPO plans.

* Average monthly rates represent the rounded mean of each provider's monthly plan rates in Washington. Average monthly savings show how much cheaper each provider is compared to the statewide average monthly rate. Your actual rates will vary based on age, location and chosen plan.

Use the filters below to compare Washington plans by age, plan type and metal level (the coverage tier: Bronze, Silver or Gold). Start with Bronze if your medical spending is low. Compare Gold plans if you expect regular prescriptions, specialist visits or medical expenses above $3,130 per year.

Coordinated Care has the cheapest HMO health insurance in Washington, with its Bronze HMO averaging $373 per month. HMO plans require a referral to see specialists and don't cover out-of-network care except in emergencies, which keeps premiums lower than plans with broader network access. All three Bronze HMO insurers set a $6,000 deductible, so Coordinated Care's lower premium is the deciding factor at this tier.

Gold HMO plan deductibles range from $1,300 to $1,450, adding $132 to $140 per month over Bronze rates. Coordinated Care's Gold HMO at $505 per month produces the lowest total annual cost among Washington Gold HMO plans. Kaiser Permanente has the lower average out-of-pocket maximum at $7,767, but its $611 monthly premium means Coordinated Care costs less in total across the year.

Community Health Plan of Washington has the cheapest EPO health insurance in Washington, with its Bronze EPO averaging $357 per month for a 40-year-old. EPO plans let you see specialists without a referral and don't cover out-of-network care except in emergencies. CHPW's Bronze EPO is the lowest price for any plan type in the state.   

Bronze EPO deductibles vary more than premiums in Washington, ranging from $6,000 at CHPW and BridgeSpan to $7,483 at UnitedHealthcare. CHPW's lower deductible and lower premium make it the lower total annual cost at every spending level. The Gold EPO table below shows how costs change when deductibles drop from $1,133 to $1,450.

Kaiser Permanente has the cheapest health insurance in Washington for adults under 30, with its Catastrophic HMO at $178 per month. Catastrophic plans carry a $10,600 deductible and work only for people who rarely need medical care. From age 40 through 60, CHPW's Bronze EPO is the lowest-cost option, and the rate more than doubles over that span.

* Rates reflect the lowest-cost marketplace plan at each age. Catastrophic plans are limited to adults under 30 or people who qualify for an exemption, and they carry high deductibles and MOOP limits.

Community Health Plan of Washington and LifeWise have the cheapest HSA-eligible plans in Washington, both at the Bronze EPO tier. CHPW's Bronze EPO averages $357 per month for a 40-year-old. An HSA lets you set aside pre-tax money for your deductible and other qualified medical costs, which lowers your effective tax burden on care. 

HSA-eligible plans in Washington are limited to the Bronze EPO tier. Silver and Gold plans don't qualify. This tier costs less in total for people who use care infrequently, can cover the $6,000 deductible out of pocket and want to reduce their taxable income through annual HSA contributions.

Community Health Plan of Washington has the lowest estimated total annual cost at all three spending levels. Below $3,130 in annual medical costs, its Bronze EPO at $357 per month costs less in total. Above that, its Gold EPO at $469 per month costs less because the $4,550 deductible reduction outweighs the $112 monthly premium increase.

*We calculated total annual costs for a 40-year-old at three spending levels by adding 12 months of premiums to estimated out-of-pocket costs. The estimates assume you pay covered expenses until meeting the deductible, followed by 20% co-insurance up to the plan's out-of-pocket maximum. Actual costs will vary based on copays, covered services and negotiated network rates.   

At $20,000 in medical costs, Gold EPO's total annual cost is $10,788 versus $13,084 for Bronze EPO, a $2,296 difference. The maximum possible annual exposure is $7,900 for Gold EPO and $10,150 for Bronze EPO, a $2,250 difference that only applies when medical costs exceed $33,700. Gold costs less in total once medical spending exceeds $3,130.

HMO plans cost less than EPO plans because they require referrals to see specialists. The referral requirement accounts for a $66 per month difference at Bronze and $128 per month at Gold. Gold EPO plans cost $128 more per month at the Gold tier but give direct specialist access. An HMO plan at the Gold tier costs less for everyone whose care flows through a primary doctor.

Your cheapest plan in Washington depends on your county, income and how often you need care. Washington Healthplanfinder checks your eligibility for financial assistance programs including Apple Health (Washington's Medicaid program) and Cascade Care Savings automatically when you apply, so use the site before comparing premiums.

These Washington and federal resources are free, government-operated and cover plan comparison, eligibility screening and insurer disputes for Washington residents.   

• Washington Healthplanfinder: Washington's state-run exchange where you can compare marketplace health insurance plans, check subsidy eligibility, apply for Apple Health and find local enrollment help at no cost.
• Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Handles consumer complaints against health insurers, publishes approved 2026 premium rates and explains your rights as a Washington enrollee.
• Washington State Health Care Authority: Administers Apple Health, Washington's Medicaid and CHIP program. Single adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify for Apple Health at no cost.
• Apple Health for Kids: Provides free or low-cost health and dental coverage for children from birth to age 19, with no immigration documentation requirement for children.
• Medicare.gov: The official source for comparing Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Part D plans for Washington residents who are 65 or older or have a qualifying disability.

Washington's health insurance marketplace has nine insurers and dozens of plans across Bronze, Gold and Catastrophic tiers. MoneyGeek analyzed rate data from Washington Healthplanfinder to find which insurers charge the least by plan type and age.

Research Approach

Rate data comes from Washington Healthplanfinder for all nine insurers on the 2026 marketplace. Premium, deductible and maximum out-of-pocket data was collected at ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. The analysis covers Bronze, Gold and Catastrophic metal tiers across both HMO and EPO plan types, with Cascade Select and Cascade Care plans included in insurer averages where available.

Why We Focus on 40-Year-Olds

Rankings use rates for 40-year-olds as the primary baseline. A 40-year-old reflects the median marketplace consumer in Washington and allows consistent comparisons across insurers without age-related pricing differences affecting the results.

Age-Specific Rankings

The cheapest insurer for an 18-year-old differs from the cheapest for a 60-year-old. Age-specific sections use actual premium data for each age group. Each age bracket identifies its own lowest-cost option rather than applying a statewide average.