The U.S. has over 900 health insurers, but most shoppers choose from a few in their ZIP code. Across all states, people usually have access to three to seven plans per metal tier. Brand matters less than denial rates, network coverage and deductible fit. Rankings also vary greatly by state, so be sure to review our state-based health insurance guides.
Best Health Insurance Companies (2026)
Updated: May 7, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Blue Cross Blue Shield is the best health insurance for HMO, PPO, and POS plans, while Kaiser Permanente leads for EPO plans.
Ambetter has the best health insurance for children and teens, while Anthem tops our list for seniors under 65.
When researching the best health insurance plans for you, don't just shop by premium price. The cheapest plan might leave you with a $7,000 deductible when you actually need care. Look for plans that balance affordable monthly costs with manageable out-of-pocket expenses.
Compare the Best Health Insurance Companies
We evaluated health insurance providers across all 50 states, analyzing monthly premiums, plan options, denial rates and quality scores. Our analysis of 2026 plan data from CMS and state marketplaces revealed four providers that consistently deliver value across different demographics and plan types.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is the best health insurance provider overall with the most plan options (HMO, PPO, EPO, POS) and competitive rates averaging $490 monthly for Silver-tier HMO plans. Kaiser Permanente has strong EPO coverage with a low denial rate of 8.1%. Families with children should consider Ambetter's plans, while Anthem’s affordable HMO plans are a good choice for seniors under 65.
HMO, PPO, POS | Blue Cross Blue Shield | HMO: $490 PPO: $748 EPO: $753 POS: $720 | HMO, PPO, EPO, POS | 14.0% | 4.8 |
Seniors Under 65 | Anthem | HMO: $506 | HMO | 7.70% | 4.5 |
EPO | Kaiser Permanente | HMO: $540 EPO: $548 | HMO, EPO | 8.10% | 4.7 |
Children & Teens | Ambetter | HMO: $646 PPO: $690 EPO: $676 POS: $821 | HMO, PPO, EPO, POS | 20% | 4.5 |
* Monthly premiums are based on a 40-year-old buyer for Silver plans. Rates vary by age, location, plan type and metal level. These are estimates for comparison purposes only. Request personalized quotes from multiple providers to determine your actual costs.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Best for HMO, PPO & POS Plans
MoneyGeek Rating
4.8/ 5
5/5Affordability
5/5Customer Experience
2.5/5Denial Rate
Avg. Monthly Rate
HMO: $490, PPO: $748, EPO: $753, POS: $720Avg. Denial Rate
14%
Kaiser Permanente
Best for EPO Plans
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
5/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Denial Rate
Avg. Monthly Rate
HMO: $540, EPO: $548Avg. Denial Rate
8.1%
Ambetter
Best for Children & Teens
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.2/5Affordability
5/5Customer Experience
5/5Denial Rate
Avg. Monthly Rate
HMO: $646, PPO: $690, EPO: $676, POS: $821Avg. Denial Rate
20%
Anthem
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.2/5Customer Experience
5/5Denial Rate
Avg. Monthly Rate
HMO: $506Avg. Denial Rate
7.7%
How to Find the Best Health Insurance for You
Health insurance shopping gets easier when you know what matters most for your situation. Match your coverage needs with what you can afford based on how much care you use now and expect to need later. Focus on these factors:
- How much care you use. Count your doctor visits, prescriptions and chronic conditions. Rarely see a doctor? Pick a high-deductible plan with cheap premiums. See doctors often? Pay more monthly but less per visit. In our analysis of premium versus expected out-of-pocket costs, the break-even point for most Silver plans versus Bronze plans falls between four and six annual visits, depending on what you're being seen for.
- What you'll actually pay if something goes wrong. Our analysis found that a $200 premium difference between a Bronze and Silver plan often reverses within a single hospitalization. A Silver plan with a $3,400 deductible reaches your out-of-pocket ceiling thousands of dollars sooner than a Bronze plan with a $7,298 deductible. Run the math both ways before assuming the cheaper monthly premium saves you the most money.
- Which doctors you can see. Out-of-network care costs more or gets rejected entirely. Check that your current doctors and hospitals accept the plan. If you're willing to switch, make sure the network includes good facilities near you.
- Prescription coverage. Confirm your medications are covered and which tier they're in. That tier determines your copay. Some plans make you try cheaper drugs first or get approval before filling certain prescriptions, which delays getting what you need.
- Extra benefits. Check for telehealth, gym discounts, mental health support and preventive care that cut your costs and improve your health. These extras differ by insurer and change what you pay and how you feel.
Health Insurance Plan Types
Health insurance plan types (HMO, PPO, EPO) confuse most people. These plans differ in which doctors you can see and how you access specialists. Know the differences to pick the right mix of flexibility and cost.
Plan Type | How It Works | Best For | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
Requires you to choose a primary care physician who coordinates all your care and provides referrals to see specialists. Care must stay within the network except for emergencies. | People who want lower premiums and don't mind coordinating care through a primary doctor. Good if you live near quality in-network providers. | Lower premiums, lower deductibles, minimal or no coverage for out-of-network care. | |
Flexibility to see any doctor or specialist without referrals, both in-network and out-of-network. You pay less when using in-network providers. | People who want freedom to choose providers and see specialists without referrals. Ideal if you travel frequently or have established relationships with specific doctors. | Higher premiums, moderate deductibles, partial coverage for out-of-network care. | |
Similar to HMO but doesn't require a primary care physician or referrals to see specialists. You must stay in-network except for emergencies. | People who want the flexibility to see specialists directly without the higher costs of a PPO. Good middle ground between HMO and PPO. | Moderate premiums, moderate deductibles, no out-of-network coverage except emergencies. | |
Combines HMO and PPO features by requiring a primary care physician for referrals but allowing out-of-network care at higher costs. | People who want a primary doctor coordinating care but occasionally need out-of-network flexibility. | Moderate to higher premiums, varying deductibles based on network usage. | |
HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) | Features high deductibles and lower premiums, often paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) that offer tax advantages for medical expenses. | Healthy people with minimal healthcare needs who want to save on premiums and build tax-advantaged savings. Good for those who can afford high upfront costs. | Lowest premiums, high deductibles ($1,600+ individual, $3,200+ family in 2025), HSA contribution eligibility. |
Health Insurance Metal Classifications
Metal tiers like Bronze and Gold might seem like quality ratings, but they indicate something different. Marketplace health plans are categorized into metal tiers that show how you and your insurer split the costs of your care. These tiers don't reflect the quality of coverage but the percentage of medical expenses the plan pays versus what you pay out-of-pocket.
Metal Tier | Coverage Split | Monthly Premiums | Out-of-Pocket Costs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bronze | Plan pays 60%, you pay 40% | Lowest | Highest deductibles and copays | Healthy individuals who rarely need medical care or those who want financial protection for major expenses only. |
Silver | Plan pays 70%, you pay 30% | Moderate | Moderate deductibles and copays | People seeking a balance between affordability and coverage. Essential if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions based on income, which lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. |
Gold | Plan pays 80%, you pay 20% | Higher | Lower deductibles and copays | People with regular medical needs, ongoing prescriptions, or chronic conditions where predictable, lower out-of-pocket costs provide better value than saving on premiums. |
Platinum | Plan pays 90%, you pay 10% | Highest | Lowest deductibles and copays | People who need frequent medical care, have complex health conditions, or want to know exactly what they’ll pay. |
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?
Understanding what you'll actually pay helps you budget confidently. We've broken down the average cost of health insurance by plan type and metal level based on actual estimates from providers. Your individual rate will vary based on your specific circumstances, but these averages provide a helpful baseline for comparison.
Our data shows a pattern many shoppers miss. The cheapest plan type at the Bronze tier isn't always the cheapest at higher tiers. EPO plans start as the lowest-cost option at $501 monthly but rise to the most expensive at Platinum at $1,317. HMO plans increase more steadily, making costs easier to predict across tiers.
POS plans are the most expensive at Bronze at $692 but drop to the cheapest at Silver at $661, even below HMOs. If you're shopping Silver and see a lower cost POS option, that's usually the strongest value.
Bronze | $514 | $501 | $620 | $692 |
Silver | $674 | $676 | $789 | $661 |
Gold | $703 | $732 | $796 | $755 |
Platinum | $903 | $1,317 | $1,170 | $1,252 |
* Rates shown are average quotes for 40-year-olds. Your rates will change based on your age, location, and other factors.
What Does Health Insurance Cover?
Knowing what your health insurance actually covers saves you from unexpected bills and helps you maximize your benefits. Health insurance plans sold through the Health Insurance Marketplace and most employer-sponsored plans must cover essential health benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act.
Check what health insurance covers and doesn't cover:
What Health Insurance Covers | What Health Insurance Doesn't Cover |
|---|---|
• Preventive care and screenings (annual checkups, immunizations, cancer screenings) | • Cosmetic procedures (plastic surgery, Botox, teeth whitening) |
How to Get Health Insurance
There are multiple ways to get health insurance:
- Your employer. Most Americans get insurance through work, where your company covers part of the cost and takes your share from your paycheck before taxes (usually your cheapest option).
- The Health Insurance Marketplace. Shop at Healthcare.gov during Open Enrollment or after major life changes. You might get tax credits and subsidies based on what you earn.
- Directly from insurers. Buy straight from insurance companies, but you lose access to tax credits. Choose this if you earn too much for subsidies or want a specific insurer.
- Government programs. Low income? Try Medicaid, which varies by state. Turn 65? Get Medicare. Kids might qualify for CHIP.
- COBRA. If you've lost your job insurance, keep your old plan for 18 months by paying the full cost plus a small fee. This buys you time to find something new.
- A spouse's or parent's plan. Join your spouse's work plan during enrollment or right after marriage. Under 26? Stay on your parents' plan no matter your job, school or marital status.
Best Health Insurance Companies By State
Finding the best health insurance policies often depends on where you live. Plan availability, pricing, and provider networks vary by state. To see which insurers offer the strongest combination of coverage, affordability, and customer satisfaction in your area, explore our detailed state-by-state guides:
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FAQ About Health Insurance
Check answers to common questions about health insurance providers and how to get health insurance in 2025.
Is health insurance required?
Health insurance is not federally required. Some states have their own mandates with penalties for going uninsured, including California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont. Even without penalties, maintaining coverage protects you from catastrophic medical bills.
What's the difference between a deductible and out-of-pocket maximum?
A deductible is what you pay before insurance shares costs. The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you'll pay annually before insurance covers 100%. Once you reach your out-of-pocket max, all covered services are free for the rest of the year.
Can I keep my current doctor with any health insurance plan?
Not necessarily. It depends on whether your doctor is in the plan's network. HMO and EPO plans require in-network providers, while PPO plans allow out-of-network care at higher costs. Always verify your doctor participates before enrolling.
When can I buy health insurance?
You can enroll during Open Enrollment (November 1 to January 15) or during a Special Enrollment Period triggered by qualifying life events like losing coverage, marriage, birth or moving. Special Enrollment Periods last 60 days from the qualifying event.
What are premium tax credits, and do I qualify?
Premium tax credits are federal subsidies that reduce monthly costs for Marketplace plans. Most people with household incomes between 100-400% of the federal poverty level qualify, with enhanced subsidies extending to higher earners.
Is health insurance from the Marketplace different from private insurance?
Marketplace and private insurance are often the same plans from the same companies. The key difference is that Marketplace enrollment gives access to premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions if you qualify based on income.
What's the difference between health insurance and Medicare?
Medicare is federal health insurance for seniors 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, while health insurance refers to private plans for working-age adults. Medicare includes Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or Medicare Advantage (Part C), which are private plans that bundle coverage. If you're under 65, you'll purchase private health insurance through employers, the Marketplace, or directly from insurers.
Our Methodology
Health insurance shoppers need accurate comparisons to choose the right plan and provider. We ranked health insurance providers based on premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, claims denial rates and plan selection.
MoneyGeek scores were weighted as follows:
- Affordability (60%): When scoring providers on affordability, we considered monthly premiums, deductibles, and maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs. We weighted these factors as follows within the affordability score: monthly premiums (66.67%), deductible (16.67%), MOOP (16.67%).
- Customer Experience (30%): Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)’s Quality Rating System (QRS) overall rating for health-insurance plans. This is a 5-star rating system used to help consumers compare health plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Ratings are calculated based on three main categories: Medical Care, Member Experience, and Plan Administration. Providers with the highest overall rating get the highest score
- Denial Rate (10%): Denial rate is the percentage of submitted claims or applications that are rejected instead of approved. Providers with the lowest denial rate get the highest score.
Data sources
Health insurance plan and provider data was updated with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) exchange data released in October for the 2026 enrollment period as well as manual collection of health plan data from state insurance marketplaces for 22 states.
Sample consumer profile
We collected data on all available health plans for consumers ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Monthly premiums are based on a 40-year-old buyer unless otherwise noted, such as the category for seniors. We analyzed plans for each cited metal tier, which include Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Learn more in our full Health Insurance Methodology.
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About Patrick Bryant
Patrick Bryant is Vertical Lead for Life and Health Insurance at MoneyGeek, where he researches and writes about life and health insurance products and maintains the scoring methodologies that underpin MoneyGeek's provider comparisons in both verticals. His scoring methodologies for both verticals are reviewed and updated quarterly to reflect current carrier data and market conditions.
Life Insurance
For life insurance, Bryant analyzed more than 50 carriers across term, whole life, universal life, indexed universal life, guaranteed acceptance, no-exam, and final expense products in all 50 states, collecting thousands of quotes across age, gender, health status, coverage level, and tobacco use profiles. He has produced articles covering life insurance reviews, best of guides, rate analysis guides and informational resources to help consumers better understand policy options, pricing factors, underwriting requirements, and how to choose coverage that fits their financial goals.
Health Insurance
For health insurance, he reviews providers across all 50 states using CMS exchange data, Quality Rating System ratings, and claim denial rates covering individual and family plans, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement plans. He has analyzed plan costs, benefits, network strength, and out-of-pocket exposure across a wide range of consumer profiles, producing in-depth reviews, best-of rankings, and educational guides to help individuals and families compare options and choose coverage that aligns with their healthcare needs and budget.
Before specializing in insurance, Bryant spent four years at Forbes Advisor reviewing small business software and services. During that time, he developed the product review and data methodology skills he now applies to carrier analysis at MoneyGeek. Earlier roles at ClickGiant and Benefitfocus involved direct content work for insurance agents, carriers and employee benefits partners including Allstate and Aflac.
Education
- M.A., English, Winthrop University
- B.A., English, Winthrop University
Expertise
Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement