Cox Healthplans is the best health insurance company in Missouri. Other top providers in the state include Oscar, Medica, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Anthem. EPO plans are the only types of policies offered in the state.
Best Health Insurance in Missouri (2026)
Updated: December 23, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Cox Healthplans has the best health insurance, providing a balance of monthly premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket limits.
Oscar provides the cheapest health insurance in Missouri, though its deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums are higher than other options.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers, evaluate coverage limits and deductibles and verify that your preferred doctors participate in the plan's network.
Best Health Insurance Companies in Missouri
| Cox Healthplans | $702 | $5,026 | $2,890 | 4.3 | Cox Healthplans Silver Preferred |
| Oscar | $620 | $6,103 | $3,306 | 4.1 | Silver Simple Pcp Saver |
| Medica | $757 | $5,950 | $2,305 | 4.1 | Medica With Ssm Health Silver Share |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $739 | $5,306 | $2,909 | 4.0 | Blue Kc Choice Silver 1 With Spira Care Blueselect Epo |
| Anthem | $721 | $5,633 | $2,896 | 4.0 | Anthem Heart Healthy Silver Pathway Essentials 3100 ($0 Virtual Pcp + $0 Select Drugs) |
| Ambetter | $690 | $5,632 | $3,200 | 3.9 | Standard Silver |
| UnitedHealthcare | $741 | $6,080 | $2,639 | 3.8 | Uhc Silver Advantage ($0 Virtual Urgent Care, No Referrals) |
*Our picks reflect the best companies for 40-year-olds seeking Silver-tier plans. Rates vary by age and coverage level.
Cox HealthPlans
MoneyGeek Rating
4.3/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
3.4/5Deductible
5/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$702Average MOOP
$5,026Average Deductible
$2,890
Oscar
MoneyGeek Rating
4.1/ 5
5/5Affordability
2.8/5Deductible
3/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$620Average MOOP
$6,103Average Deductible
$3,306
MEDICA
MoneyGeek Rating
4.1/ 5
4.2/5Affordability
5/5Deductible
2.8/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$757Average MOOP
$5,950Average Deductible
$2,305
Best Health Insurance in Missouri by Age
Based on age, certain providers offer stronger plan features and network access than others.
By Age:
- Teens (18): Cox Healthplans EPO ($501 monthly), Oscar EPO ($443)
- Young adults (26): Cox Healthplans EPO ($563 monthly), Oscar EPO ($497)
- Adults (40): Cox Healthplans EPO ($702 monthly), Oscar EPO ($620)
- Seniors (60): Cox Healthplans EPO ($1,491 monthly), Oscar EPO ($1,317)
Compare Missouri Health Insurance Providers
Monthly premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums vary across metal tiers and providers. This table compares plans by age, metal level, policy type and HSA eligibility in the state.
Data filtered by:
Silver
40
No
| Cox Healthplans | $702 | EPO | Silver | $5,026 | $2,890 | 40 | No |
| Oscar | $620 | EPO | Silver | $6,103 | $3,306 | 40 | No |
| Medica | $757 | EPO | Silver | $5,950 | $2,305 | 40 | No |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $739 | EPO | Silver | $5,306 | $2,909 | 40 | No |
| Anthem | $721 | EPO | Silver | $5,633 | $2,896 | 40 | No |
| Ambetter | $690 | EPO | Silver | $5,632 | $3,200 | 40 | No |
| UnitedHealthcare | $741 | EPO | Silver | $6,080 | $2,639 | 40 | No |
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Missouri
Finding the right health insurance in Missouri involves comparing your coverage needs against provider reputations and available enrollment options.
- 1Assess 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.
- 2Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Request rates from at least three Missouri health insurance companies to spot price differences and coverage variations.
- 3Check 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.
- 4Review 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.
- 5Evaluate plan types
Nationwide, HMOs, PPOs, EPOs and POS plans each offer different trade-offs. HMOs require referrals but cost less, while PPOs offer flexibility to see specialists without approval at higher premiums. EPOs and POS plans fall between these options.
- 6Explore 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, explore Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options.
Average Health Insurance Cost in Missouri
EPO policies are the only network type available through the Health Insurance Marketplace for Missouri, with average rates ranging from $517 monthly for Bronze to $720 for Silver. Gold-tier plans are cheaper in the state on average than Silver, at $693 per month. Platinum EPO options are not available in the state.
| EPO | $517 | 560 | 720 | 693 |
*Rates are averages for 40-year-olds in Missouri. Your rates will vary based on your age and location.
Best Health Insurance in Missouri: Bottom Line
Cox Healthplans, Oscar and Medica are the best health insurance companies in Missouri, offering affordable EPO plans across multiple metal tiers. The best plan for you depends on your age, network preferences, health needs and budget. Get quotes from multiple insurers and compare costs.
Best Missouri Health Insurance: FAQ
Answers to questions about finding the best health insurance in Missouri:
Is health insurance required in Missouri?
No, Missouri does not require residents to have health insurance. The state has no mandate or penalty for being uninsured. Missouri doesn't offer exemptions for financial hardship or religious beliefs. But you can access federal subsidies through the health insurance marketplace.
When is open enrollment in Missouri?
Missouri's open enrollment period for 2026 health coverage begins November 1, 2025, and ends January 31, 2026. You must select a plan by December 31, 2025, to start coverage on January 1, 2026.
Can you get free health insurance in Missouri?
Yes, Missouri residents can access free health insurance through Medicaid if they meet income requirements. Others qualify for premium subsidies through the federal marketplace that reduce monthly costs.
Our Review Methodology
Our ranking system evaluates health insurance plans based on three main cost factors: premiums, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket limits.
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 in a year for covered services, not including premiums. Insurers with lower MOOP averages receive higher ratings.
- Deductible (20%): This amount must be paid before insurance begins covering costs. Plans with smaller average deductibles get better scores.
We standardized all scores within each filter group. For Silver-tier HMO options, the best-performing plan earns a 5 out of 5 rating, with other plans scored relative to that top performer.
MoneyGeek examined every 2026 health plan offered in Missouri for individuals aged 18, 26, 40, 50, and 60. Premium costs shown reflect rates for a 40-year-old unless stated otherwise. Our analysis covers all available metal tiers: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
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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.