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MoneyGeek Logo IconBest Health InsuranceArizona
2023

Best Health Insurance in Arizona

Best Overall for Health Insurance in Arizona

According to our study, Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc. is the top health insurance provider in Arizona, scoring 60 out of 100. This company excels in affordability and earned great marks in terms of claims management and has a 0% denial rate, which means it processes all eligible claims.

Our ranking is based on the analysis of Silver health insurance plans in Arizona, with 60 HMO plans and two PPO plans.

MoneyGeek Pick: Celtic Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc.

Imperial Insurance Companies

pros

Affordable premium prices

Accepts all eligible claims

cons

Potentially high MOOP costs

Limited range of plan options available

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc. is MoneyGeek’s pick as the top overall health insurance provider in Arizona.

This company offers two HMO plans with an average price of $469 per year, which is relatively affordable. It has an average MOOP cost of $8,700.

HMO plans tend to be more affordable, but you must receive care from providers within the plan's network to have your services covered.

Additionally, this insurer has a denial rate of 0%, indicating that it is highly likely to approve and cover eligible health care services you receive.

Plan Recommendations

Among the Silver plans offered by Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc. in Arizona, MoneyGeek recommends considering the following options:

  • Imperial Preferred Silver 4000: approximately $469 per month; MOOP $8,500
  • Imperial Standard Silver: approximately $470 per month; MOOP $8,900

Best Health Insurance in Arizona for Low Out-of-Pocket Costs

According to MoneyGeek's analysis, Oscar is the top health insurance provider in Arizona for low out-of-pocket costs, earning a score of 74 out of 100.

The company scored well for rates, MOOP and average denial rate, which means it processes most eligible claims from its customers.

Our ranking for this category was based on the analysis of Gold health insurance plans in Arizona. This included 38 HMO plans and three PPO plans.

MoneyGeek Pick: Oscar

Oscar Insurance Company

pros

Affordable out-of-pocket costs

Accepts most eligible claims

Low premium prices

cons

Has limited plan types

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Oscar offers four Gold plans in Arizona, with the second lowest average MOOP cost among similar plans in the state.

This provider has low average premiums at around $551 per month with average MOOPs of $7.475. Additionally, this company rarely denies policyholder claims and has a low denial rate of 6.19%.

It's important to note that Oscar only offers HMO plans, which may have lower monthly premiums but restricts provider flexibility. If you have preferred doctors and specialists, make sure they are part of your chosen provider's network.

Plan Recommendations

We recommend considering these low MOOP health plans from Oscar:

  • Gold Elite: around $559 per month; MOOP $5,500
  • Gold Classic: around $538 per month; MOOP $7,000
  • Gold Classic - Standard: around $512 per month; MOOP $8,700

Best Cheap Health Insurance in Arizona

Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis, Oscar is the top provider of affordable health insurance in Arizona, receiving a score of 67 out of 100.

In this category, we placed a greater emphasis on premium affordability in our scoring. It's worth noting that plans with lower monthly premiums may come with higher out-of-pocket costs. However, that may be a worthwhile trade-off if you do not anticipate needing frequent medical care.

Our ranking was based on the analysis of Silver health insurance plans in Arizona, consisting of 60 HMO plans and two PPO plans.

MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest health insurance in Arizona for those who just want the cheapest rates.

MoneyGeek Pick: Oscar

Oscar Insurance Company

pros

Affordable monthly premiums

Processes most eligible claims

cons

High MOOP expenses

Few plan types offered

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Oscar is our pick as the best health insurance company in Arizona for people looking for affordable policies.

It has the second-lowest average premium at around $431 per month. Although it has high MOOP costs at approximately $8,869, it has a great reputation when it comes to approving eligible claims. The company only has a denial rate of 6.19%.

Oscar offers eight Silver HMO plans to Arizona residents. These plans might be a good fit if you prioritize lower monthly payments and are willing to receive care within the plan's network.

Plan Recommendations

MoneyGeek's top three most recommended plans from Oscar are:

  • Silver Simple - PCP Saver: approximately $412 per month; MOOP $8,900
  • Silver Simple - For Diabetes: approximately $426 per month; MOOP $8,550
  • Silver Classic - Standard: approximately $415 per month; MOOP $8,900

Best Health Insurance for Low Income in Arizona

Our analysis found that Oscar is the top provider of health insurance for low-income Arizona residents, earning a score of 65 out of 100.

This evaluation was based on Silver plans that provide cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) and have low monthly premiums. In Arizona, this included a total of 60 HMO plans and two PPO plans.

CSRs are discounts that lower your maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) and deductible expenses if your income is below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

Silver plans typically cover about 70% of health care costs. However, the cost-sharing percentage varies based on your income:

  • If your yearly income is between $27,180 and $33,975 (201% to 250% of the FPL), you may qualify for a health insurance plan that covers approximately 73% of your health care costs.
  • If your yearly income is between $20,385 and $27,180 (151% to 200% of the FPL), you may qualify for a plan that covers approximately 87% of your health care costs.
  • If your yearly income is below $20,385 (up to 150% of the FPL), you may qualify for a plan that covers approximately 94% of your health care costs.

These brackets may change based on how many people are in your household.

MoneyGeek Pick: Oscar

Oscar Insurance Company

pros

Cheap monthly premiums

Approves most eligible claims

cons

High MOOP expenses

Limited plan options available

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

For Arizona residents with low incomes, Oscar stands out as the top choice for health insurance. It offers budget-friendly plans for those earning below 250% of the FPL.

With an average cost of $431 per month, Oscar’s plans are among the most affordable options we looked at. Its MOOP cost is approximately $7,200.

Additionally, Oscar has a track record of approving most claims. You can trust the reliability of its services, as it only has a denial rate of 6.19%.

Oscar offers eight Silver HMO plans that come with cost-sharing reductions.

Plan Recommendations

Our research shows that Silver Simple - PCP Saver is Oscar's top health insurance plan. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for reduced MOOP expenses at the same premium rate:

  • 201% to 250% of the FPL: approximately $412 per month; MOOP $7,200
  • 151% to 200% of the FPL: approximately $412 per month; MOOP $3,000
  • Up to 150% of the FPL: approximately $412 per month; MOOP $1,550

Best Health Insurance for Young Adults in Arizona

MoneyGeek's analysis found that Aetna is the top provider of health insurance for young adults in Arizona, receiving a score of 79 out of 100.

Our ranking was based on the evaluation of providers that offer Bronze or Catastrophic plans, which usually have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs. Notably, Catastrophic plans are only available to individuals under the age of 30.

For this category, we assessed 10 Bronze plans, 46 Expanded Bronze plans and one Catastrophic plan in Arizona, totaling 57 HMO plans.

MoneyGeek Pick: Aetna

Aetna Medicare

pros

Accepts all eligible claims

Affordable MOOP expenses

cons

Limited health insurance options

Potentially expensive premiums

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek’s research shows that Aetna offers the best health insurance for young adults in Arizona. It has an average monthly premium of $314 and a MOOP cost of approximately $8,400, which are among the lowest in this category.

Aetna is known for approving all qualified claims, so young adults in the state can trust its services. With this company, you can select from its three Expanded Bronze HMO plans.

Plan Recommendations

Here are Aetna’s top health insurance options for young adults:

  • BannerAetna Bronze (Low Premium + Unlimited $5 98point6 Telehealth + Low-Cost MinuteClinic): around $279.05 per month for 18-year-olds and $312.98 per month for 26-year-olds; MOOP $7,100
  • BannerAetna Bronze (Unlimited Free 98point6 Telehealth & MinuteClinic Visits): around $275.51 per month for 18-year-olds and $309.01 per month for 26-year-olds; MOOP $9,100
  • BannerAetna Bronze S (Unlimited Free 98point6 Telehealth & MinuteClinic Visits): around $285.30 per month for 18-year-olds and $319.98 per month for 26-year-olds; MOOP $9,000

Best Health Insurance by Plan Type in Arizona

Health insurance companies typically offer various plan types. Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis, these are the top providers in Arizona for all available plan types:

  • HMO: Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc. (MoneyGeek score: 64 out of 100)
  • PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield (MoneyGeek score: 100 out of 100)

This analysis of health insurance providers is limited to Silver plans, which usually have a good balance between cost and coverage.

In Arizona, you can choose from 60 HMO plans and two PPO Silver plans.

MoneyGeek Pick for HMO: Celtic Insurance

Imperial Insurance Companies
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

In Arizona, Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc. offers two HMO plans that have an average monthly cost of $469 and a MOOP cost of $8,700. At a 0% denial rate, this company has an excellent track record of processing all eligible claims.

HMOs are a popular type of health insurance that often have lower premiums but limit your coverage to a specific network of providers. To see a specialist with these plans, you'll need to get a referral from your primary care doctor.

Plan Recommendations

If you are considering Silver-tier HMO plans from Imperial Insurance Company, we recommend:

  • Imperial Preferred Silver 4000: approximately $469 per month; MOOP $8,500
  • Imperial Standard Silver: approximately $470 per month; MOOP $8,900

MoneyGeek Pick for PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers two PPO health insurance plans in Arizona, with an average cost of $688 per month and a MOOP of $9,000. This company has a 17.85% denial rate, which means it approves most qualified claims.

PPO plans allow more flexibility in terms of provider choice and do not require referrals to see specialists. However, they tend to be more expensive than HMO plans.

Plan Recommendations

MoneyGeek recommends these PPO plans in Arizona:

  • Blue PPO Standardized Silver - Statewide PPO Network: around $677 per month; MOOP $8,900
  • Blue PPO Silver - Statewide PPO Network: around $699 per month; MOOP $9,100

Best Short-Term Health Insurance in Arizona

Based on our ratings, National General Accident & Health is the best short-term health insurance provider in Arizona, receiving a score of 95 out of 100.

Unlike Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant plans, short-term health insurance doesn't cover all essential health benefits. Consequently, they’re not ideal for long-term protection but can be a good option for folks who need temporary coverage and don't require comprehensive benefits.

mglogo
MoneyGeek Top Pick: National General Accident & Health
National General Accident & Health

National General Accident & Health is our pick as the top short-term health insurance provider in Arizona, receiving a score of 95 out of 100. Its coverage lasts from 30 days to one year, and you can access benefits such as telemedicine and discounts using its LIFE Association membership.

The company offers flexibility to its customers by providing a range of short-term health insurance plans with various lengths, cost-sharing options and prescription medication coverage.

How to Find the Best Health Insurance for You in Arizona

When choosing a health insurance provider in Arizona, it's important to consider your budget and health care needs, including how much you can pay per month and how often you expect to need care.

Here are some tips to help you get the right health insurance plan.

  • doctor icon

    Understand when a health insurance plan will cover you

    HMO plans limit your coverage to medical care received within a specific network of providers. Meanwhile, PPO plans offer more flexibility and allow you to receive care outside of your network, though this typically comes with higher premiums.

    In Arizona, you can choose from 60 Silver HMO plans and two Silver PPO plans.

  • money2 icon

    Weigh the cost of premiums vs. the cost of care

    Health insurance policies with lower monthly premiums may have higher out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles and copays.

    For instance, the Imperial Preferred Silver 4000 plan from Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc. may have a monthly premium of $469, but it also has a MOOP of $8,500. While this premium is affordable, there might be pricier options with lower MOOPs.

Consider Arizona Medicare or Medicaid if You’re Eligible

Medicare is a government-funded health insurance program that offers reduced-cost medical services to eligible seniors over 65 years of age and individuals with qualifying illnesses or disabilities. It’s divided into three parts:

  • Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers hospital stays, some home health care, nursing facilities and hospice care.
  • Part B (Medical Insurance) covers outpatient care, like doctor visits and preventive services.
  • Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps pay for the cost of prescription medications.

We have resources available to assist you in finding the best Medicare Advantage plan in Arizona and the best Medicare Supplement plan in Arizona.

Furthermore, Medicaid is a federal program that offers health coverage to individuals with income below a specific level determined by the state.

To qualify for Arizona Medicaid, you must be

  • A resident of Arizona
  • A U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident or legal alien
  • In need of health care/insurance assistance
  • Have a low or very low income

In addition, you must either be:

  • Pregnant
  • Responsible for a child 17 years of age or younger
  • Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance in Arizona

It’s normal to have questions about affordability and availability if you’re shopping for health insurance. That’s why MoneyGeek answered some commonly asked questions about health insurance in Arizona.

About Brenna Kelly, Licensed Health Insurance Agent


Brenna Kelly, Licensed Health Insurance Agent headshot

Brenna Kelly is a licensed health insurance agent and health insurance content manager at MoneyGeek. Licensed in Florida, Brenna is qualified to advise on medical insurance, disability, long-term care, critical illness, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans. She combines her experience in content production with expert insight into state, regional and local health insurance markets and policies. Brenna has also earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Applied Sociology from the University of Central Florida.


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