Best Health Insurance in Louisiana (2026)

Key Takeaways

Christus Health leads Louisiana's health insurance market for HMO plans, delivering affordable premiums and comprehensive coverage.

Christus Health is the cheapest health insurance in Louisiana, with Silver-tier HMO plans averaging $611 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 Louisiana

Christus Health is the best health insurance company in Louisiana for HMO plans, with Silver plans averaging $610 per month. Ambetter is best for EPO plans, averaging $620 per month, while Blue Cross Blue Shield is best for PPO plans, averaging $1,049 per month.


Christus Health Plan	$610	$4,781	$3,533	4.5	HMO
Ambetter	$620	$5,504	$3,268	5	EPO
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,049	$5,079	$2,119	5	PPO

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

Christus Health Plan

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

5/5Affordability

2.5/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$610
Average MOOP
$4,781
Average Deductible
$3,533

pros
- Cheapest overall provider in Louisiana
- Low $500 deductibles on Gold tier plans
- Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold plans
cons
- Offers HMO plans only, limiting provider network flexibility
- Higher deductibles on Expanded Bronze plans at $6,540
- No Platinum plan options
Christus Health Plan provides HMO coverage across multiple metal tiers throughout Louisiana, offering solid value for different budgets. A 40-year-old pays around $293 monthly for Expanded Bronze coverage, though this comes with a $6,540 deductible. Silver plans range from $366 to $489 per month with more manageable $3,533 deductibles, while Gold plans cost $448 to $600 monthly but feature low $500 deductibles and reasonable out-of-pocket limits. The provider does not provide Catastrophic or Platinum level plans.

Christus Health health insurance plans in Louisiana for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Christus Standard Expanded Bronze	$483	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Christus Bronze Essential	$505	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,388	$5,588	Yes
Christus Bronze Essential Plus	$524	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,388	$5,588	Yes
Christus Value Bronze	$458	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,950	$7,950	Yes
Christus Value Bronze Plus	$477	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,950	$7,950	Yes

Ambetter

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$620
Average MOOP
$5,504
Average Deductible
$3,268

pros
- Only EPO provider in the state
- Expanded Bronze through Gold metal tiers
cons
- EPO plans only
- No Platinum plans
Ambetter is the only EPO health insurance provider in Louisiana but scores highly across MoneyGeek metrics for this plan type. The insurer offers Expanded Bronze plans starting at $507 monthly with a $5,981 average deductible and $7,663 out-of-pocket maximum. Ambetter also provides Silver plans for low-income enrollees at $620 monthly, balancing affordable premiums with comprehensive financial protection. Gold-tier coverage costs $711 monthly, featuring the lowest deductible at $863 and a $5,600 out-of-pocket max.

Ambetter health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Standard Expanded Bronze	$474	EPO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Standard Expanded Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental	$486	EPO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Everyday Bronze	$474	EPO	Expanded Bronze	$7,613	$6,338	Yes
Everyday Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental	$487	EPO	Expanded Bronze	$7,613	$6,338	Yes
Elite Bronze	$554	EPO	Expanded Bronze	$7,875	No Data	Yes
Elite Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental	$569	EPO	Expanded Bronze	$7,875	No Data	Yes

Blue Cross Blue Shield

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$1,049
Average MOOP
$5,079
Average Deductible
$2,119

pros
- PPO network provides flexibility to see out-of-network providers
- HSA-eligible options for tax-advantaged savings
- Low $1,313 deductible on Gold plans
cons
- Higher premiums than HMO and EPO competitors
- Gold coverage at $1,030 monthly is priciest option in state
Blue Cross Blue Shield is the best health insurance company for PPO plans in Louisiana, offering Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold plans. Bronze coverage starts at $689 monthly with a $5,025 deductible, ideal for healthy individuals seeking catastrophic protection.

The Expanded Bronze plan costs $763 monthly with a $5,100 deductible and $6,863 out-of-pocket maximum. Silver-tier options serve low-income enrollees at $1,049 monthly ($2,119 deductible) or $1,060 for HSA-eligible plans. Gold plans top out at $1,030 monthly, featuring a $1,313 deductible and $6,825 maximum out-of-pocket costs for those prioritizing lower cost-sharing.
Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plans for 2026:
Data filtered by:
Metal Level
Bronze
Blue Max 70/50 $6700 With 2 $0 Pcp Virtual Visits Hsa Eligible $689 PPO Bronze $7,950 $5,025 Yes


Blue Max 70/50 $6700 With 2 $0 Pcp Virtual Visits Hsa Eligible	$689	PPO	Bronze	$7,950	$5,025	Yes

Best Louisiana Health Insurance by Category

Louisiana health insurance prices vary by age and network type. Silver-tier plan comparisons show clear category leaders:

By Age:

Teens (18): Christus Health HMO ($436 monthly), Ambetter EPO ($443), HMO Louisiana POS ($483)
Young adults (26): Christus Health HMO ($489 monthly), Ambetter EPO ($497), HMO Louisiana POS ($542)
Adults (40): Christus Health HMO ($611 monthly), Ambetter EPO ($620), HMO Louisiana POS ($676)
Seniors (60): Christus Health HMO ($1,297 monthly), Ambetter EPO ($1,317), HMO Louisiana POS ($1,436)

By Network Type (40-year-olds):

HMO: Christus Health offers the most affordable option at $611 monthly
EPO: Ambetter provides Silver-tier coverage for $620 monthly
PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield costs $1,049 monthly with broader provider access

Compare Health Insurance Companies in Louisiana

Monthly premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums vary significantly across metal tiers and providers. This table compares Louisiana health plans by age, coverage level and HSA eligibility.

Data filtered by:


Christus Health Plan	$611	HMO	Silver	$4,781	$3,533	40	No
AmeriHealth	$716	HMO	Silver	$5,898	$2,190	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 Louisiana

Finding the right health insurance in Louisiana involves comparing your coverage needs with provider reputations and available enrollment options.

Decide on your coverage needs before buying

Weigh monthly premiums against out-of-pocket maximums based on how often you need care. If you visit doctors frequently, higher-premium plans with lower out-of-pocket limits often save money long-term. For those rarely needing medical care, lower-premium plans with higher deductibles may work better. Review HMO, PPO and EPO plan types to understand network restrictions and referral requirements that affect your access to specialists.

Compare company offerings and reputations

Research which plans insurers offer in your area and compare coverage details, provider networks and prescription drug formularies. Check company performance through J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings and your state insurance department's complaint database to evaluate claims processing speed and customer service quality before making your decision.

Shop around

Health insurance rates in Louisiana vary based on age, plan type, coverage level and location. Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15. You may qualify for Special Enrollment after life events like job loss, marriage, divorce, having a baby or losing other health coverage. Compare quotes from multiple insurers since pricing and benefits differ between companies.

Take advantage of federal programs and subsidies

Louisiana residents may qualify for federal premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions based on income, with some eligible for $0 premium plans. The state expanded Medicaid, providing coverage for low-income adults. Medicare-eligible residents can explore Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans for additional coverage options beyond original Medicare.

Average Health Insurance Cost in Louisiana

Health insurance costs in Louisiana change based on plan type, metal tier, age and location. HMO plans are the most affordable choice, with Bronze coverage starting at $502 monthly and Gold reaching $736. EPO plans range from $620 for Silver to $711 for Gold tiers. PPO plans cost much more, starting at $689 for Bronze and climbing to $1,055 for Silver coverage. No providers offer Platinum plans in the state.


EPO	No Data	$507	$620	$711
HMO	$502	$504	$650	$736
POS	$466	$493	$676	$702
PPO	$689	$763	$1,055	$1,030

*Average monthly premiums for 40-year-olds in Louisiana by plan type. Rates vary by age and location.

Best Health Insurance in Louisiana: Bottom Line

Christus Health, Ambetter and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer the best health insurance in Louisiana based on our analysis. The best plan for you depends on your age, budget, health needs and preferred network. Get quotes from multiple insurers and compare premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums to find the most affordable option for your situation.

Best Louisiana Health Insurance: FAQ

Answers to frequently asked questions about the best health insurance in Louisiana:

Is health insurance required in Louisiana?

Louisiana does not require residents to have health insurance. The state has no mandate or tax penalty for being uninsured. While other states may offer exemptions for financial hardship or religious beliefs, Louisiana residents face no state-level requirements. Residents can still access federal subsidies through the health insurance marketplace to make coverage more affordable.

When is open enrollment in Louisiana?

Louisiana's open enrollment period for 2026 health coverage starts November 1, 2025, and ends January 31, 2026. You must select your plan by December 31, 2025, to have coverage that begins January 1, 2026.

Can you get free health insurance in Louisiana?

Louisiana residents can access free health insurance through Medicaid, which covers eligible low-income individuals and families. Many others qualify for marketplace subsidies that reduce or eliminate monthly premiums, making coverage affordable or free based on household income.

How We Chose the Best Health Insurance in Louisiana

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 top ratings.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) score (20%): MOOP is the most you'll spend on health care each year beyond your premium payments. Insurers with lower MOOP limits score better.
Deductible (20%): Your deductible is how much you pay for medical care before insurance starts covering costs. Plans with smaller deductibles receive higher ratings.

We standardized all scores within each plan category. The best Silver-tier HMO option gets a perfect 5.0 rating, with other plans scored relative to that top performer.

MoneyGeek examined every 2026 health plan offered in Louisiana 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 coverage levels.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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.

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Best Health Insurance in Louisiana (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in Louisiana

Best Louisiana Health Insurance by Category

Compare Health Insurance Companies in Louisiana

How to Find the Best Health Insurance in Louisiana

Average Health Insurance Cost in Louisiana

Best Health Insurance in Louisiana: Bottom Line

Best Louisiana Health Insurance: FAQ

Is health insurance required in Louisiana?

When is open enrollment in Louisiana?

Can you get free health insurance in Louisiana?

How We Chose the Best Health Insurance in Louisiana

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