Best Health Insurance in Connecticut (2026)

Key Takeaways

Anthem provides the best HMO and PPO plans in Connecticut with Bronze, Silver and Gold options.

ConnectiCare offers the best POS plans, with $864 average monthly premiums.

To find the best health insurance plan for you, gather quotes from multiple insurers, examine coverage details and verify that your doctors participate in chosen plans.

Connecticut's individual health insurance market runs through one exchange: Access Health CT. Only two carriers sold plans for 2026: Anthem and ConnectiCare. That limited competition makes your decision less about carrier quality and more about plan type.

Connecticut also requires residents to carry health insurance under state law, unlike most states. The penalty for going uninsured applies when you file your state tax return. When we analyzed every 2026 plan sold in Connecticut across five age profiles, Anthem's Silver-tier PPO at $729 monthly was the most cost-efficient option for most 40-year-olds. ConnectiCare's Silver-tier POS plans cost $135 more per month at the same tier.

Two questions narrow your choice before you read the table. First: do you have a preferred specialist or doctor you want to keep? Second: are you willing to pay $135 more per month for referral-free access at every plan tier? If the answer to both is yes, ConnectiCare's POS plans are worth reviewing. If not, Anthem's PPO is the better starting point for most 40-year-old enrollees.

Best Health Insurance Companies in Connecticut

Access Health CT. Anthem is the best health insurance company in Connecticut for HMO and PPO plans at the state's most affordable rates, while ConnectiCare is a strong alternative for those who prefer POS plans.


Anthem	$729	$9,400	$5,000	5	Silver PPO Standard Pathway
ConnectiCare	$864	$9,400	$5,000	5	Choice Silver Standard POS

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

The $135 monthly gap between Anthem's Silver-tier PPO ($729) and ConnectiCare's Silver-tier POS ($864) is the most important number on this page. For a 40-year-old, that difference is $1,620 per year. ConnectiCare's POS structure does give referral-free specialist access that Anthem's HMO plans don't, but only Anthem's PPO tier competes directly with that flexibility and it still costs less. For most Connecticut residents without a preference for ConnectiCare's specific provider network, Anthem's Silver-tier PPO is the cleaner value.

As a health insurance expert in Connecticut, I've reviewed this market's plan offerings since Access Health CT launched. The two-carrier structure is unusual nationally, most state exchanges offer four or more insurers. That constraint actually makes this an easier decision than most states, but it puts more weight on understanding the HMO-PPO-POS distinction than on comparing carrier reputations.

Anthem

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$729
Average MOOP
$9400
Average Deductible
$5000

pros
- HMO and PPO plans available
- Established Connecticut presence with statewide coverage
cons
- Bronze plans carry higher $7,000 deductibles and $10,000 MOOP limits
- PPO plans cost $37 to $214 more monthly than HMO equivalents
Anthem offers both HMO and PPO policies in Connecticut, with Bronze and Gold options for HMO and Bronze, Silver and Gold options for PPO. The company's HMO plans have more affordable premiums, with Bronze starting at $602 and Gold reaching $774, featuring a $2,000 deductible. PPO options add out-of-network access but cost $37 to $214 more monthly, depending on metal tier, spanning $639 for Bronze to $988 for Gold.

Silver coverage is only available as a PPO plan at $729 with $5,000 deductible. HMO Bronze carries $7,000 deductibles while PPO Bronze offers an HSA-eligible option at $639 with lower $6,250 deductibles.

The gap between Anthem's HMO and PPO premiums widens with each metal tier: $37 more at Bronze, $214 more at Gold. Buyers who want Gold-tier coverage with out-of-network access pay the largest premium for it.
Anthem isn't the right call if your doctors are outside its HMO network and you want to keep costs low. The only way to see out-of-network providers at a reasonable cost is Anthem's PPO tier, which adds $37 to $214 per month depending on the metal level. Connecticut residents who want out-of-network access without paying PPO premiums will find that ConnectiCare's POS plans cover out-of-network care at a lower monthly cost than an equivalent Anthem PPO. Anthem's Bronze-tier HMO also carries a $7,000 deductible. If you expect to use your plan regularly, that exposure may outweigh the lower monthly premium.

Anthem Connecticut health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Bronze HMO Pathway Enhanced	$599	HMO	Bronze	$10,000	$7,000	No
Bronze HMO Pathway Enhanced with Adult Dental and Vision Benefits	$605	HMO	Bronze	$10,000	$7,000	No

ConnectiCare

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$864
Average MOOP
$9,400
Average Deductible
$5,000

pros
- POS network offers middle ground between HMO and PPO flexibility
- Specialist visits allowed without referrals
- HSA-eligible Bronze plans
cons
- POS-only network requires in-network care for best rates
- Wide pricing variation within same metal tiers
ConnectiCare offers Connecticut residents POS plans exclusively, combining in-network HMO affordability with out-of-network PPO access when needed. Monthly premiums span $664 for Bronze to $1,100 for Gold, with Silver priced at $864-$985 depending on HSA eligibility.

Bronze plans vary widely from $664 to $793, with HSA-eligible options featuring lower $6,500 deductibles at $697-$793. Gold ranges from $912 to $1,100 per month with minimal $1,200 to $1,600 deductibles. Silver offers moderate $5,000 deductibles at $864 monthly. ConnectiCare's POS structure gives members referral-free specialist access at every tier, though at $864 monthly for Silver, it costs more than Anthem's Silver-tier PPO at $729.
ConnectiCare's higher premiums are hard to justify if you use in-network providers and don't need the out-of-network access that defines POS coverage. A 40-year-old paying $864 monthly for ConnectiCare's Silver-tier POS could get comparable in-network coverage through Anthem's Silver-tier PPO for $135 less per month , $1,620 in annual savings. ConnectiCare also has wider pricing variation within the same metal tier than Anthem. Bronze-tier POS plans range from $663 to $793 depending on HSA eligibility and dental add-ons, so comparison-shopping within ConnectiCare's own lineup is worth doing before you commit.

Ready to compare Anthem and ConnectiCare side by side? Use the rate comparison tool below to see Silver-tier premiums for your age.

ConnectiCare Connecticut health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Choice Bronze Alternative POS with Dental and Vision	$665	POS	Bronze	$9,200	$7,000	No
Choice Bronze Standard POS HSA	$697	POS	Bronze	$7,225	$6,500	Yes
Value Bronze Standard POS HSA	$793	POS	Bronze	$7,225	$6,500	Yes
Value Bronze Standard POS	$754	POS	Bronze	$10,000	$7,000	No
Choice Bronze Standard POS	$663	POS	Bronze	$10,000	$7,000	No

Best Health Insurance in Connecticut by Category

Connecticut Silver-tier health insurance plans vary by age and network preference, with specific insurers offering the best options. The age list answers how much you'll pay as you get older. The network list below answers which plan structure fits your care needs. Use both together before choosing.

Anthem and ConnectiCare appear in every category on this page because Connecticut's exchange only offers two carriers. The category rankings reflect plan-type differences within those two carriers, not a broader field comparison.

By Age:

Teens (18): Anthem PPO ($521 monthly), ConnectiCare POS ($618)
Young adults (26): Anthem PPO ($584 monthly), ConnectiCare POS ($693)
Adults (40): Anthem PPO ($729 monthly), ConnectiCare POS ($864)
Seniors (60): Anthem PPO ($1,548 monthly), ConnectiCare POS ($1,836)

The age data tells a story the list obscures. At 18, the monthly gap between Anthem and ConnectiCare is $97. By 60, that same gap is $288 per month, $3,456 per year for equivalent Silver-tier coverage. The financial case for Anthem over ConnectiCare gets stronger the older the enrollee. For 60-year-olds especially, the plan-type preference for ConnectiCare's POS structure needs to be worth more than $3,456 annually to make sense.

By Network Type (40-year-olds):

HMO: Anthem leads at $602 monthly for Bronze and $774 monthly for Gold plans
PPO: Anthem leads at $729 monthly for Silver-tier coverage
POS: ConnectiCare leads with average rates of $864 monthly

Worth noting in the network breakdown: all three plan types in Connecticut trace back to just two carriers. HMO and PPO are Anthem only. POS is ConnectiCare only. That's a structural feature of this market most buyers don't realize until they start comparing plans, the network-type decision and the carrier decision are the same decision.

Compare Connecticut Health Insurance Providers

Monthly premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums differ across providers and metal tiers. This table compares plans by age, metal level, policy type and HSA eligibility.

Data filtered by:


Anthem	$602	HMO	Bronze	$10,000	$7,000	40	No

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Connecticut

Finding the right health insurance in Connecticut comes down to comparing your coverage needs, insurer quality and available enrollment periods.

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. In Connecticut's 2026 market, the difference between a Bronze-tier deductible ($7,000 with Anthem's HMO) and a Silver-tier deductible ($5,000) is $2,000 in potential out-of-pocket exposure, worth weighing against the monthly premium you'd save by choosing Bronze.
2
Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Connecticut's 2026 exchange has two carriers: Anthem and ConnectiCare. Get quotes from both, then compare specific plan names within each carrier, Anthem alone offers multiple Bronze HMO and PPO options with different deductible structures. With only two carriers on Connecticut's 2026 exchange, your comparison is between Anthem and ConnectiCare, but the $135 monthly gap between their Silver-tier plans for a 40-year-old adds up to $1,620 per year, so running that comparison still matters.
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. Anthem's HMO plans require in-network care for all covered services, while ConnectiCare's POS plans and Anthem's PPO plans both cover out-of-network visits, a structural difference that matters most if your specialist is not in Anthem's HMO network.
4
Review out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles
Higher deductibles lower monthly premiums but increase upfront costs when you need care. Your MOOP caps annual expenses, limiting your total costs. In Connecticut's 2026 plans, every carrier at every metal tier carries the same $9,400 average out-of-pocket maximum, so the deductible is the number that actually separates these plans: $5,000 at Silver versus $7,000 at Bronze for both Anthem and ConnectiCare.
5
Evaluate plan types
Connecticut's 2026 marketplace offers HMO, PPO and POS plans. No EPO plans are available this year. Anthem's HMO plans are the lowest-cost entry at $602 monthly for Bronze but require referrals for specialist visits. The PPO tier adds out-of-network access for $37 more per month at the Bronze level. ConnectiCare's POS plans give you referral-free specialist access without full PPO costs, but at $864 for Silver-tier coverage they run $135 more per month than Anthem's equivalent PPO.
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, check Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options.

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Silver-tier plans also qualify for cost-sharing reductions if your household income falls below 250% of the federal poverty level. These reductions lower your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum beyond what the standard Silver-tier plan shows. They're only available on Silver plans purchased through Access Health CT, not off-exchange.

Average Health Insurance Cost in Connecticut

Connecticut health insurance costs differ based on plan type, metal tier, age and location. HMO plans are the most affordable option, with Bronze coverage averaging $602 monthly and Gold at $774. POS plans range from $719 for Bronze to $975 for Gold. PPO plans start at $663 for Bronze and reach $988 for Gold coverage.


HMO	$602	No Data	$774
POS	$719	$925	$975
PPO	$663	$729	$988

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

One number in the cost table deserves attention: PPO Silver ($729) is cheaper than POS Silver ($925). Most markets price POS plans below PPOs because they restrict out-of-network access more tightly. In Connecticut's two-carrier market, Anthem prices its PPO aggressively because it has no PPO competition. ConnectiCare's POS plans carry higher premiums partly because referral-free specialist access is built into every POS tier. That structural difference, not just plan type, explains why the PPO vs. POS cost comparison runs opposite to what most buyers expect.

Best Health Insurance in Connecticut: Bottom Line

Anthem's Silver-tier PPO at $729 monthly is the right starting point for most Connecticut residents. It costs $135 less per month than ConnectiCare's Silver-tier POS, covers out-of-network visits and requires no referrals at the PPO tier.

ConnectiCare earns its higher $864 monthly premium if your preferred specialists are in its network and you want referral-free access at every plan tier, not just PPO. The $1,620 annual cost difference between the two carriers is the real decision: what that gap buys you in network flexibility determines which plan wins for your situation.

If you're still undecided, start with Anthem's Silver-tier PPO. You can switch to ConnectiCare during the next open enrollment period if your network needs change.

Best Connecticut Health Insurance: FAQ

Answers to questions about the best health insurance in Connecticut:

Is health insurance required in Connecticut?

Yes, Connecticut requires residents to have health insurance under state law. Those without qualifying coverage pay a tax penalty when filing their state returns. Exemptions exist for financial hardship, religious objections and brief coverage gaps. Connecticut residents may qualify for state subsidies through Access Health CT.

When is open enrollment in Connecticut?

Connecticut's open enrollment period for 2026 health coverage begins November 1, 2025, and ends January 15, 2026. You must select a plan by December 31, 2025, to start your coverage on January 1, 2026.

Can you get free health insurance in Connecticut?

Connecticut residents can qualify for free health insurance through Medicaid, which covers low-income individuals and families. Some receive subsidies through Access Health CT, the state's marketplace.

What is a POS plan and how does it differ from an HMO or PPO?

A POS (point-of-service) plan combines features of both plan types. Like an HMO, it uses a primary care network and costs less when you stay in-network. Like a PPO, it covers out-of-network visits when needed. In Connecticut's 2026 market, ConnectiCare's POS plans also allow specialist visits without a referral, which HMO plans don't. The trade-off is cost: ConnectiCare's Silver-tier POS runs $864 monthly versus $729 for Anthem's Silver-tier PPO.

Who qualifies for subsidies on Access Health CT?

Connecticut residents may qualify for federal premium tax credits based on household income and size. Subsidies are available to those earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, with enhanced credits available at higher incomes under current federal rules. Medicaid covers residents below 138% of the federal poverty level at no premium cost. Check Access Health CT's eligibility tool for your household's exact threshold.

Our Review Methodology

Our ranking system evaluates health insurance plans based on three cost factors: monthly premiums, out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles.

Scoring methodology:

Monthly premium (60%): Plans with the cheapest average monthly costs earn the top ratings.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) score (20%): MOOP is the most you'll pay for covered services in a year, not including premiums. Insurers with lower MOOP limits receive higher scores.
Deductible (20%): Your deductible is how much you pay for covered services before insurance starts paying. Plans with smaller deductibles get better ratings.

We standardized all scores within each plan category. The best Silver-tier HMO plan earns a 5 out of 5 rating, and we score all other plans relative to that top performer.

MoneyGeek examined every 2026 health plan sold in Connecticut for individuals aged 18, 26, 40, 50, and 60. Premium costs shown are for 40-year-olds, unless otherwise specified. Our analysis covers all plan types: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he has produced original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.

He writes about economics and insurance on MoneyGeek so people can make coverage decisions with confidence. His insurance insights have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other media outlets.

Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data, and no insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.

Fitzpatrick earned his degrees from Johns Hopkins University (M.A. Economics and International Relations) and Boston College (B.A.). He began his career in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Read Full Bio »

Best Health Insurance in Connecticut (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in Connecticut

Anthem

ConnectiCare

Best Health Insurance in Connecticut by Category

Compare Connecticut Health Insurance Providers

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Connecticut

Average Health Insurance Cost in Connecticut

Best Health Insurance in Connecticut: Bottom Line

Best Connecticut Health Insurance: FAQ

Is health insurance required in Connecticut?

When is open enrollment in Connecticut?

Can you get free health insurance in Connecticut?

What is a POS plan and how does it differ from an HMO or PPO?

Who qualifies for subsidies on Access Health CT?

Our Review Methodology

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