Wellmark is the best health insurance provider in Iowa with a 4.4 out of 5 MoneyGeek score. Ambetter and UnitedHealthcare are also among Iowa's top options.
Best Health Insurance in Iowa (2026)
Updated: December 23, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Wellmark provides the best health insurance in Iowa, offering affordable premiums and comprehensive coverage.
Ambetter delivers the cheapest health insurance in Iowa with Silver-tier HMO plans averaging $519 per month.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers, review coverage limits and deductibles and verify your doctors accept the plan before enrolling.
Best Health Insurance Companies in Iowa
| Wellmark Health Plan Of Iowa, Inc. | $545 | $5,269 | $3,052 | 4.4 | Wellmark Silver Primary Care | Unitypoint Health |
| Ambetter | $519 | $5,489 | $3,268 | 4.4 | Standard Silver |
| UnitedHealthcare | $622 | $6,200 | $2,424 | 4.0 | Uhc Silver Value ($0 Virtual Urgent Care, $3 Tier 2 Rx, No Referrals) |
*Our picks reflect the best companies for 40-year-olds seeking Silver-tier HMO plans. Rates vary by age and coverage level.
Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc.
MoneyGeek Rating
4.4/ 5
4.7/5Affordability
2.7/5Deductible
5/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$545Average MOOP
$5,269Average Deductible
$3,052
Ambetter
MoneyGeek Rating
4.3/ 5
5/5Affordability
2.5/5Deductible
4.3/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$519Average MOOP
$5,489Average Deductible
$3,268
UnitedHealthcare
MoneyGeek Rating
4/ 5
4.2/5Affordability
5/5Deductible
2.5/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$622Average MOOP
$6,200Average Deductible
$2,424
Best Iowa Health Insurance by Category
Iowa health insurance prices vary by age and network type. Silver-tier plan comparisons show clear category leaders:
By Age:
- Teens (18): Oscar EPO ($374 monthly), Ambetter HMO ($371), Wellmark HMO ($390)
- Young adults (26): Oscar EPO ($419 monthly), Ambetter HMO ($416), Wellmark HMO ($437)
- Adults (40): Oscar EPO ($523 monthly), Ambetter HMO ($519), Wellmark HMO ($545)
- Seniors (60): Oscar EPO ($1,111 monthly), Ambetter HMO ($1,102), Wellmark HMO ($1,158)
By Network Type (40-year-olds):
- HMO: Ambetter offers the lowest rate at $519 monthly
- PPO: Avera provides Silver-tier coverage at $588 monthly
- EPO: Oscar delivers competitive pricing at $523 monthly
Compare Health Insurance Companies in Iowa
Monthly premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums vary across metal tiers and providers. This table compares Iowa health plans by age, coverage level and HSA eligibility.
Data filtered by:
HMO
Silver
40
No
| Ambetter | $519 | HMO | Silver | $5,489 | $3,268 | 40 | No |
| Wellmark Health Plan Of Iowa, Inc. | $545 | HMO | Silver | $5,269 | $3,052 | 40 | No |
| UnitedHealthcare | $622 | HMO | Silver | $6,200 | $2,424 | 40 | No |
*Some providers offer multiple plans of the same type and tier. Rates are based on company averages across all available plans for the given age, plan type and metal tier.
How to Find the Best Health Insurance in Iowa
Finding the right health insurance in Iowa involves evaluating your coverage needs, researching provider quality and exploring available enrollment options.
Decide on your coverage needs before buying
Consider how often you seek medical care and compare monthly premiums with out-of-pocket limits. If you visit doctors frequently, plans with higher monthly costs but lower maximum out-of-pocket limits often save money long-term. For those rarely needing care, lower-premium plans with higher out-of-pocket expenses may work better. Review HMO, PPO and EPO plan types to understand network flexibility and referral requirements.
Compare company offerings and reputations
Research what plans insurers offer in your area and compare coverage terms, provider networks and benefits. Check company reputations through J.D. Power ratings and state complaint databases to assess claims handling and customer service quality. Focus on objective data when evaluating insurers rather than marketing materials.
Shop around
Iowa health insurance rates vary based on age, plan type, coverage level and location. Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15. Special Enrollment applies after qualifying life events like job loss, marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best value for your situation.
Take advantage of federal programs and subsidies
Depending on your income, age or health condition, you may qualify for federal subsidies or government programs. Some Iowa residents may be eligible for $0 premium plans through the federal marketplace. Iowa expanded Medicaid coverage for eligible adults. Medicare-eligible residents can explore Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans for additional coverage options.
Average Health Insurance Cost in Iowa
Iowa health insurance costs vary by plan type, metal tier, age and location. HMO plans are the most affordable option, with Silver coverage averaging $563 monthly and Gold at $561. PPO plans cost $588 for Silver and $602 for Gold tiers. EPO plans are the most expensive, averaging $650 monthly for Silver and $690 for Gold coverage.
| EPO | $461 | $650 | $690 |
| HMO | $432 | $563 | $561 |
| PPO | $438 | $588 | $602 |
*Average monthly premiums for 40-year-olds in Iowa by plan type. Rates vary by age and location.
Best Health Insurance in Iowa: Bottom Line
Wellmark, Ambetter and UnitedHealthcare are the best health insurance providers in Iowa. The best plan for you depends on your age, budget, health needs and network preferences. Get quotes from multiple insurers and compare premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums before choosing coverage.
Best Iowa Health Insurance: FAQ
Find answers about the best health insurance in Iowa below:
Is health insurance required in Iowa?
No, Iowa doesn't require residents to have health insurance. The state has no individual mandate or penalty for being uninsured. Residents can still access federal subsidies through the Health Insurance Marketplace to make coverage more affordable based on income eligibility.
When is open enrollment in Iowa?
Iowa's open enrollment period for 2026 health insurance coverage starts November 1, 2025, and ends January 31, 2026. You must select your plan by December 31, 2025, to have coverage start January 1, 2026.
Can you get free health insurance in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa residents can access free health insurance through Medicaid if they meet income requirements. Many others qualify for premium subsidies through the federal marketplace that significantly reduce monthly costs or eliminate them entirely for eligible households.
How We Chose the Best Health Insurance in Iowa
Our rankings prioritize factors that impact costs: monthly premiums, out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles.
Scoring methodology:
- Monthly premium (60%): Companies with the cheapest average monthly costs earn the top scores.
- Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) score (20%): MOOP is the most you'll pay for covered services in a year, not counting premiums. Insurers with lower MOOP limits receive higher ratings.
- Deductible (20%): This amount comes out of your pocket before insurance starts paying for covered care. Plans with smaller deductibles score better.
We standardized all scores within each filter group. The best Silver-tier HMO plan gets a 5.0 rating, with other plans scored relative to that top performer.
MoneyGeek examined every 2026 health plan offered in Iowa for people ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Premium costs shown reflect 40-year-old rates unless stated otherwise. Our analysis covers Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum metal tiers.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.