Best Health Insurance in Alaska (2026)

Key Takeaways

Blue Cross Blue Shield provides the best health insurance in Alaska, offering plans that strike a strong balance between monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.

Blue Cross Blue Shield also offers the most affordable health insurance in Alaska while also providing the most affordable deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

When choosing health insurance in Alaska, compare both Blue Cross Blue Shield and Moda Health across every tier you're considering. At the Silver tier, Blue Cross Blue Shield is cheaper on premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. At the Expanded Bronze tier, Moda averages $47 less per month.

Alaska's ACA marketplace has only two carriers: Blue Cross Blue Shield and Moda Health. That's one of the most limited markets in the country and it affects every decision a resident makes. With no HMO options, all plans are PPO, meaning you get flexibility to see specialists, but you pay for it.

Alaska also has some of the highest health insurance premiums in the U.S., the result of a small, dispersed population, high provider costs across remote communities and limited hospital competition outside Anchorage. When we analyzed every 2026 plan available to a 40-year-old in the state, the monthly cost gap between the two carriers was $28 at the Silver tier. But the gap in deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums was $382 each. The right choice here isn't about price alone.

Best Health Insurance Companies in Alaska

Alaska’s health insurance marketplace is highly concentrated, with only two providers offering ACA coverage. Blue Cross Blue Shield stands out as the best health insurance company, combining competitive premiums and strong plan features, while Moda Health provides a reliable alternative for residents. The table below compares average costs, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits to help you evaluate the best option for your needs.


Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,025	$4,750	$2,525	5	Premera Blue Cross Preferred Silver 4500
Moda Health Plan, Inc.	$1,053	$5,132	$2,907	3.5	Moda Select Alaska Silver 4500

*Our picks reflect the best companies for 40-year-olds seeking Silver-tier plans. Rates vary by age and coverage level.

The score gap between these carriers (5/5 versus 3.5/5) is larger than it looks. Blue Cross Blue Shield's lead comes almost entirely from cost structure: lower deductibles, lower out-of-pocket maximums and Silver premiums that run $14 below the state average. Moda closes the monthly premium gap at the Expanded Bronze tier, where it costs $47 less per month than Blue Cross Blue Shield. If your priority is minimizing what you pay before your coverage takes effect, Blue Cross Blue Shield wins clearly. For a healthy enrollee who primarily wants the lowest monthly bill on an HSA-eligible Bronze plan, Moda is worth a closer look.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$1025
Average MOOP
$4750
Average Deductible
$2525

pros
- Below-average monthly premiums across all metal tiers
- Lower deductibles than state average
- HSA-eligible plans
- Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers
cons
- PPO plans only
- High $4,367 deductible on Expanded Bronze plan
Blue Cross Blue Shield leads Alaska’s health insurance market with PPO plans offered across all metal tiers. The company's Gold coverage averages $930 per month while delivering exceptional value with $1,111 deductibles and $4,622 out-of-pocket maximums, earning top rankings in the state for the tier. Silver plans average $1,025 per month, roughly $14 under typical rates and feature $2,525 deductibles and $4,750 maximums. Expanded Bronze plans complete the lineup at $733 per month, offering HSA eligibility, $4,367 deductible and $5,933 out-of-pocket limits.

Overall, Blue Cross Blue Shield provides Alaska residents broad PPO access with some of the state’s lowest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, a key advantage in Alaska’s unique healthcare landscape.

In my analysis, the Gold tier is where Blue Cross Blue Shield's value is clearest. At $930 per month with a $1,111 deductible, Gold costs less per month than Silver while its coverage takes effect at a much lower threshold. That's an unusual trade-off. In most markets, Gold is priced as a premium above Silver. In Alaska, it isn't. Run the numbers on Gold before defaulting to Silver, particularly if you don't qualify for cost-sharing reductions.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is the wrong fit if keeping your monthly premium as low as possible is your only goal. At the Expanded Bronze tier, Moda's plans average $47 less per month. That's $564 per year for a plan in the same tier from the same state marketplace. For a healthy 26-year-old who rarely uses their insurance and wants maximum HSA contribution room, that monthly gap is real money. Blue Cross Blue Shield also offers PPO plans only, so enrollees who would prefer a more structured network with lower point-of-care costs won't find an HMO option here from either carrier in Alaska.

Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plans in Alaska:

Across these three Bronze plans, the deductible range runs from $3,867 to $5,000, a $1,133 spread within a single tier. The $3,867 plan (Premera Blue Cross Preferred Bronze 5800 HSA) is $735 per month versus $715 for the $5,000-deductible plan, a $20 monthly difference for $1,133 less deductible exposure. For most enrollees, the lower-deductible plan is the better value within the Bronze tier.

Data filtered by:


Premera Blue Cross Standard Bronze Ii	$715	PPO	Expanded Bronze	$6,667	$5,000	Yes
Premera Blue Cross Preferred Bronze 5800 Hsa	$735	PPO	Expanded Bronze	$5,333	$3,867	Yes
Premera Blue Cross Preferred Bronze 6350	$749	PPO	Expanded Bronze	$5,800	$4,233	Yes

Moda Health

MoneyGeek Rating

3.5/ 5

4.2/5Affordability

2.5/5Deductible

2.5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$1053
Average MOOP
$5132
Average Deductible
$2907

pros
- PPO networks across several metal tiers
- Gold plans with lower average deductibles of $1,313
cons
- Expanded Bronze plans have higher average deductibles at $4,875
- Lower-tier plans carry higher out-of-pocket limits
Moda Health Plan provides PPO options across multiple metal tiers. Its Gold PPO plans average $933 per month, with $1,313 deductibles and $5,325 out-of-pocket maximums. Silver plans run about $1,053 per month and include $2,907 deductibles with $5,132 maximums.

Expanded Bronze plans cost around $686 per month, roughly $24 below the state average and qualify for HSA use. Those plans include $4,875 deductibles and $6,763 out-of-pocket limits. The Expanded Bronze trade-off is larger than the monthly savings suggest. At $686 per month, Moda's Bronze plans cost $47 less than Blue Cross Blue Shield's, but their average deductible of $4,875 is $508 higher than Blue Cross Blue Shield's $4,367.

Moda's Gold plans tell a closer story: $933 per month versus Blue Cross Blue Shield's $930, with a $1,313 deductible compared to Blue Cross Blue Shield's $1,111. Blue Cross Blue Shield wins that Gold comparison by $202 per deductible.
Moda isn't the right call if you expect to use your insurance regularly. Its Silver plans carry a $2,907 deductible and $5,132 out-of-pocket maximum, both $382 higher than Blue Cross Blue Shield. A policyholder who hits their deductible each year pays $382 more annually with Moda before coverage contributes a dollar. For anyone managing a chronic condition, taking regular prescriptions or anticipating planned procedures, Blue Cross Blue Shield's cost structure is the better value at a lower monthly premium too.

Moda health insurance plans for 2026 in Alaska:

The three Moda Bronze plans range from $664 to $699 per month, a $35 spread. The $664 Standard Bronze carries the highest deductible at $5,625 and $7,500 MOOP, lower monthly cost, higher exposure. The $695 HDHP 5500 plan cuts the deductible to $4,125 for $31 more per month, which breaks even if you spend more than $372 on covered care in a year.

Data filtered by:


Moda Select Alaska Standard Bronze	$664	PPO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Moda Select Alaska Bronze Hdhp 5500	$695	PPO	Expanded Bronze	$6,038	$4,125	Yes
Moda Select Alaska Bronze 6500	$699	PPO	Expanded Bronze	$6,750	$4,875	Yes

Which Is the Best Health Insurance in Alaska by Age and Plan Type?

Health insurance premiums in Alaska climb with age, and Blue Cross Blue Shield ranks as the most affordable option across age groups and metal tiers. Its rates beat competitors at every stage of life, and policyholders get solid cost protections regardless of which network or plan tier they choose.

By Age:

Teens (18): Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO (costs $732 monthly)
Young adults (26): Blue Cross Blue Shield rate for PPO is $821 monthly
Adults (40): Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO ($1,025 a month)
Seniors (60): Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO ($2,177 monthly charge)

Health insurance premiums in Alaska climb with age, and Blue Cross Blue Shield is the most affordable Silver-tier option at every age we analyzed. A teenager pays $732 per month; a 60-year-old pays $2,177, nearly three times as much. That $1,445 monthly gap reflects both age-based pricing and Alaska's higher baseline costs overall. If you're in your late 50s and approaching Medicare eligibility at 65, budget for rates at that level well before you qualify.

By Network Type (40-year-olds):

PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield has the cheapest Silver-tier coverage at $1,025 monthly

Compare Alaska Health Insurance Providers

This table shows Silver-tier plans for a 40-year-old without HSA eligibility. At that profile, the $28 monthly premium gap between Blue Cross Blue Shield and Moda is smaller than the $382 gap in both the deductible and the out-of-pocket maximum.

Switch the filter to Expanded Bronze and Moda becomes the cheaper monthly option by $47. The right carrier depends on which tier matches your expected usage.

Data filtered by:


Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,025	PPO	Silver	$4,750	$2,525	40	No
Moda Health Plan, Inc.	$1,053	PPO	Silver	$5,132	$2,907	40	No

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Alaska

Finding the right health insurance in Alaska involves evaluating your coverage needs, researching insurer reputations and exploring available enrollment options.

1
Assess your health care needs
Review your current medications, planned procedures and how often you visit doctors to determine which coverage level makes sense. Past medical expenses help predict future costs and guide your deductible choice.

Choosing between Expanded Bronze and Silver is the first real decision for most Alaska enrollees. Expanded Bronze plans average $329 less per month than Silver ($710 versus $1,039), but deductibles are higher. At Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Expanded Bronze deductible is $4,367 versus $2,525 for Silver.

If you expect to use your coverage more than once or twice a year, Silver's lower deductible often offsets the higher premium. Enrollees who rarely see a doctor and want HSA contribution room are better candidates for Bronze.
2
Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Alaska's ACA marketplace has only two carriers. Compare both Blue Cross Blue Shield and Moda Health across every tier you're considering. At the Silver tier, the premium gap is $28 per month, but the deductible gap is $382. The right carrier depends on how much you expect to use your coverage.
3
Check provider networks
Verify your preferred doctors, specialists and hospitals accept plans you're considering. Out-of-network care costs more and may require full payment upfront.
4
Review out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles
Higher deductibles lower monthly premiums but increase what you pay before coverage starts. At the Silver tier in Alaska, Blue Cross Blue Shield's deductible is $2,525 and Moda's is $2,907. Out-of-pocket maximums work the same way: Blue Cross Blue Shield's Silver MOOP is $4,750 versus Moda's $5,132. A policyholder who hits the full MOOP pays $382 more per year with Moda.
5
Evaluate plan types
Alaska's ACA marketplace offers only PPO plans. You won't find HMO, EPO or POS options here. PPOs let you see any in-network specialist without a referral, which matters in a state where many residents live far from major hospital systems. Both Blue Cross Blue Shield and Moda offer PPO networks, so your choice comes down to cost structure and coverage tier rather than network type.
6
Explore federal programs
Subsidies and Medicare plans make health insurance more affordable. If you have a low income, a qualifying disability or are 65 or older, compare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options.

Before comparing plan-level costs, check your subsidy eligibility on HealthCare.gov. Cost-sharing reductions are only available on Silver-tier plans and can lower your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum well below the listed figures. For enrollees who qualify, Silver's value is stronger than the premium alone shows.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Alaska?

Health insurance costs in Alaska are among the highest in the country, particularly for mid- and upper-tier coverage. PPO plans are the only plan type available in the state, averaging $710 per month for Expanded Bronze and rising sharply to $1,039 for Silver and $931 for Gold coverage. While Silver premiums appear higher than Gold, Silver plans are designed as a low-income option, qualifying for income-based cost-sharing reductions that lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for eligible enrollees. As a result, Silver plans can offer the best overall value for lower- and moderate-income residents, while Gold plans may provide stronger value for higher-income individuals who do not qualify for subsidies.


PPO	$710	$1,039	$931

*Rates are averages for 40-year-olds in Alaska. Your rates will vary based on your age and location.

The tier relationship here runs counter to what most buyers expect. Gold averages $931 per month, $108 less than Silver's $1,039. That gap exists because Silver plans qualify for cost-sharing reductions, which push their listed premium above what subsidized enrollees actually pay. If you don't qualify for subsidies, Gold is the stronger value.

Best Health Insurance in Alaska: Bottom Line

Blue Cross Blue Shield is the better choice for most Alaska residents. At the Silver tier, it costs $28 less per month than Moda and carries a $382 lower deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.

My recommendation: choose Blue Cross Blue Shield unless you're healthy, rarely need care and want the lowest possible monthly bill on an HSA-eligible Bronze plan. In that case, compare Moda's $686 Bronze average against Blue Cross Blue Shield's $733.

Best Alaska Health Insurance: FAQ

Find answers about the best health insurance in Alaska below:

Is health insurance required in Alaska?

Alaska doesn't require residents to have health insurance at the state level. You won't get any penalties for being uninsured. You can still access federal subsidies through the health insurance marketplace to help make coverage more affordable if you qualify based on income.

When is open enrollment in Alaska?

Alaska's open enrollment period for 2026 health plans begins November 1, 2025, and continues through January 31, 2026. You must select your plan by December 31, 2025, to guarantee coverage starts January 1, 2026.

Can you get free health insurance in Alaska?

Alaska residents can access free health insurance through Medicaid if they meet income requirements. Many others qualify for premium subsidies through the federal marketplace that reduce monthly costs. These programs make coverage affordable or completely free for eligible individuals and families based on household income.

Which is better, Blue Cross Blue Shield or Moda Health in Alaska?

Blue Cross Blue Shield is the better option for most enrollees. At the Silver tier, it costs $28 less per month than Moda and carries a $382 lower deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Its MoneyGeek score of 5/5 versus Moda's 3.5/5 reflects that cost advantage.

Moda is worth considering at the Expanded Bronze tier, where its $686 average is $47 less than Blue Cross Blue Shield's $733. If you rarely use your coverage and want an HSA-eligible plan at the lowest monthly bill, Moda's Bronze tier is the better fit.

What is the cheapest health insurance plan in Alaska?

The Moda Select Alaska Standard Bronze plan costs $664 per month for a 40-year-old, the lowest individual plan rate in the state. It carries a $5,625 deductible and $7,500 out-of-pocket maximum, so it suits healthy enrollees who want catastrophic-level coverage. Blue Cross Blue Shield's cheapest Bronze plan is $715 per month.

Our Review Methodology

We analyzed Alaska health insurance companies based on three cost factors: monthly premiums, out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles.

Scoring breakdown:

Monthly premium (60%): Plans with the cheapest average monthly costs receive the best ratings.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) score (20%): MOOP is the most you'll spend on healthcare in a year beyond your premium payments. Plans with lower MOOP limits score better.
Deductible (20%): This amount comes out of your pocket before insurance starts paying for covered services. Plans requiring smaller deductibles earn higher ratings.

We standardized all scores within specific plan categories. The best-performing Silver-tier PPO plan receives a 5.0 rating, with other plans scored relative to that top performer.

MoneyGeek examined every 2026 health insurance plan offered in Alaska for people ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Premium costs reflect 40-year-old rates unless stated otherwise. Our analysis covers Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum plan levels.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for almost a decade, first with LendingTree and now with MoneyGeek, conducting original research on hundreds of insurance companies and millions of insurance rates for insurance shoppers.

He writes about economics and insurance on MoneyGeek, breaking down complex topics so people can have confidence in their purchase. Like all MoneyGeek analysts, Mark collects and analyzes independent cost and consumer experience data on insurance companies to provide objective recommendations in our content that are independent of any of MoneyGeek's insurance company partnerships.

His insights on products ranging from car, home and renters insurance to health and life insurance have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among others.

Mark holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He started his career working in financial risk management at State Street before transitioning to the analysis of the personal insurance market. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Read Full Bio »

Best Health Insurance in Alaska (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in Alaska

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Moda Health

Which Is the Best Health Insurance in Alaska by Age and Plan Type?

Compare Alaska Health Insurance Providers

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Alaska

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Alaska?

Best Health Insurance in Alaska: Bottom Line

Best Alaska Health Insurance: FAQ

Is health insurance required in Alaska?

When is open enrollment in Alaska?

Can you get free health insurance in Alaska?

Which is better, Blue Cross Blue Shield or Moda Health in Alaska?

What is the cheapest health insurance plan in Alaska?

Our Review Methodology

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