Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire (2026)

WellCare offers the best health insurance in New Hampshire. Harvard Pilgrim and Anthem also provide excellent options.

Compare top health insurance plans in New Hampshire below.

Updated: July 14, 2026

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Key Takeaways

WellCare is New Hampshire's lowest-cost Silver-tier HMO carrier at $389 per month for a 40-year-old, with the lowest average deductible among the state's HMO carriers at $1,714.

Harvard Pilgrim's Gold-tier plan at $698 per month carries a $1,275 deductible, $1,444 lower than its own Silver-tier plan. For buyers who reach the deductible, Gold saves $1,204 per year compared to Silver after accounting for the $240 higher annual premium.

New Hampshire's exchange offers HMO, EPO and PPO plans. HMO and EPO plans restrict care to in-network providers outside emergencies. Anthem's PPO is the only option that covers out-of-network providers.

Best Health Insurance Companies in New Hampshire

New Hampshire uses the federal exchange at HealthCare.gov and has no state-run marketplace. The state has no individual mandate and no penalty for going without coverage. The 2026 market has three carriers at the Silver HMO tier, one carrier across the entire EPO tier and one carrier at Silver PPO.

WellCare's Silver HMO at $389 a month is fits most New Hampshire buyers. Its $1,714 average deductible is the lowest among HMO carriers in the state, $1,005 below Harvard Pilgrim's Silver-tier deductible. Buyers who stay in-network and use care regularly pay $289 less a month than with Harvard Pilgrim for the same coverage access.


Wellcare Health	Best Overall	$389	$6,031	$1,714	4.8	Wellsense Clarity NH Silver 3400 + $0 Rx List + 24/7 Nurse Advice
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care	Best for Regular Care	$678	$5,214	$2,719	4.1	NH Local Choice HMO Silver 3500 + $0 Rx List + $0 Virtual Urgent Care

*Rates reflect 2026 Silver-tier HMO plans for a 40-year-old. Figures from HealthCare.gov. Scores compare carriers within this tier.

Anthem's PPO is the only plan covering out-of-network providers. Its Silver PPO costs $747 per month, $358 more than WellCare's HMO. Buyers whose doctors are already in WellCare's or Harvard Pilgrim's networks have no practical use for that premium difference.

The finding that stood out in our analysis: no single carrier in New Hampshire offers both the lowest monthly cost and the lowest annual ceiling. Every buyer in this market has to decide which number matters more before choosing a plan.

WellCare

Best Overall

MoneyGeek Rating

4.8/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

4.2/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$389
Average MOOP
$6,031
Average Deductible
$1,714

pros
- Lowest Silver-tier HMO premium in the state at $389 per month for a 40-year-old
- Silver-tier deductible of $1,714, the lowest among New Hampshire HMO carriers and $1,005 below Harvard Pilgrim
- Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers, with HSA-eligible Bronze option
cons
- HMO plans only. Out-of-network care isn't covered outside emergencies.
Why We Like It: WellCare operates in New Hampshire under the WellSense Health Plan brand. It's the best health insurance in New Hampshire for buyers who prioritize cost and plan to stay in-network. Its $1,714 average Silver deductible is $1,005 below Harvard Pilgrim's. At $389 per month, WellCare has the lowest rate among New Hampshire HMO carriers.

Its HSA-eligible Bronze-tier plan at $321 per month is the right choice for buyers who rarely use care and plan to contribute to a health savings account. Its $5,700 deductible matches the MOOP on that plan, so once it's met, WellCare covers all remaining costs for the year.

When to Avoid It: WellCare's HMO plans don't cover out-of-network care except in emergencies. Buyers whose current primary care doctor or any specialist isn't in WellCare's network will pay full cost for those visits.

Harvard Pilgrim HMO is the alternative if its network covers your existing doctors. Its $5,214 MOOP ceiling is $817 lower than WellCare's, so your worst-case medical out-of-pocket is lower. Total annual cost including premiums is higher with Harvard Pilgrim at every usage level, so the choice is about network fit, not total savings.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Best for Regular Care

MoneyGeek Rating

4.1/ 5

4.2/5Affordability

3/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$678
Average MOOP
$5,214
Average Deductible
$2,719

pros
- Gold-tier deductible of $1,275 is $1,444 lower than the Silver-tier deductible. Buyers who hit the deductible save $1,204 per year after the $240 higher annual premium is accounted for.
- HSA-eligible Expanded Bronze-tier plans starting at $520 per month with a $4,500 deductible
- Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold-tier plans
cons
- HMO plans only. Out-of-network care isn't covered outside emergencies
- Expanded Bronze deductible averages $5,375, the highest among the three NH carriers at this tier
Why We Like It: Harvard Pilgrim suits buyers who use care regularly and want the lowest ceiling on what they will owe in a given year. Its $5,214 MOOP ceiling is the lowest in the state. If you expect to reach your deductible, Harvard Pilgrim's Gold-tier plan at $698 per month is the stronger pick, at $20 more per month than its Silver-tier plan, Gold cuts the deductible from $2,719 to $1,275.

Its HSA-eligible Expanded Bronze-tier plan starts at $520 per month with a $4,500 deductible. At $199 more per month than WellCare's comparable Bronze tier, it only makes sense if your current doctors are already in Harvard Pilgrim's network and you plan to maximize annual HSA contributions.

When to Look Elsewhere: If you rarely need medical care beyond preventive visits, you pay more in total with Harvard Pilgrim at every usage level. WellCare's $389 Silver-tier HMO is cheaper in total annual cost by $2,651 even for buyers who reach both plans' MOOPs. Harvard Pilgrim is the call only when its specific provider network covers doctors that WellCare doesn't.

Compare Health Insurance Companies in New Hampshire

Three carriers offer Silver-tier HMO plans in New Hampshire in 2026. WellCare has the lowest premium at $389 per month, Harvard Pilgrim has the lowest MOOP at $5,214 and Anthem falls in between on premium at $540 with the highest MOOP at $8,406.

Data filtered by:


Wellcare Health	$389	HMO	Silver	$6,031	$1,714	40	No
Anthem	$540	HMO	Silver	$8,406	$3,245	40	No
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care	$678	HMO	Silver	$5,214	$2,719	40	No

Your Next Step:

Get your real quotes from trusted insurance providers.

*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.

Best HMO, EPO and PPO Health Insurance in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's exchange offers three plan types for 2026: HMO, EPO and PPO. WellCare holds the lowest Silver HMO premium at $389 per month for a 40-year-old. Ambetter from NH Healthy Families holds the lowest Silver EPO at $455 per month. Anthem's Silver PPO costs $747 per month and is the only option covering out-of-network providers.


HMO	WellCare	$389
EPO	Ambetter from NH Healthy Families	$455
PPO	Anthem	$747

For buyers already seeing in-network specialists, the EPO's referral-free access adds nothing to their coverage. The $792 annual premium gap buys a process change, not a coverage change.

Anthem's Silver PPO is the only plan on New Hampshire's exchange that covers out-of-network providers. At $747 per month, it is New Hampshire's most expensive Silver-tier plan. Buyers whose current doctors accept WellCare's or Harvard Pilgrim's HMO networks have no coverage reason to pay $4,296 more per year. Anthem's HMO Silver at $540 per month is a middle-ground option if you want a carrier other than WellCare or Harvard Pilgrim without the PPO cost.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in New Hampshire?

HMO plans are the lowest-cost option at every metal tier in New Hampshire. EPO Silver averages $868 per month, $282 more than the HMO average at the same tier. Neither plan type covers out-of-network care outside emergencies.

PPO plans cost $236 more per month than HMO plans at Silver, $2,832 more per year. The only thing the EPO premium buys over the HMO is no referral requirement. Ambetter from NH Healthy Families is New Hampshire's only EPO carrier in 2026, so its rates set the entire EPO tier.


EPO	$747	$868	$1,111	$1,574
HMO	$479	$586	$666	$782
PPO	$652	$822	$978	$1,327

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

How to Find the Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire

The best health plan in New Hampshire depends on how often you use care. With only four carriers on the state's exchange and a $358 monthly spread from the lowest HMO to the only PPO, most of the decision comes down to tier and plan type, not just which carrier you choose.

Select the right plan tier for your situation
Rarely use care (healthy, few prescriptions): WellCare's Bronze-tier HSA plan at $321 per month has a $5,700 deductible that matches its MOOP. Once you reach the deductible, WellCare covers remaining costs for the year. Monthly costs are low but out-of-pocket exposure is high before the deductible is met.

Moderate use (one or two visits per year, ongoing prescriptions): Silver is the only tier that qualifies for cost-sharing reductions if your income falls between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level. WellCare Silver at $389 per month carries the lowest deductible in the state at $1,714. Cost-sharing reductions are only available on Silver-tier plans bought through HealthCare.gov, not off-exchange or directly from insurers.

Frequent use (chronic conditions, regular specialist visits): Harvard Pilgrim's Gold-tier plan at $698 per month cuts the deductible to $1,275. For any buyer who hits that deductible in a given year, Gold saves $1,204 compared to Harvard Pilgrim's own Silver plan.
Decide on your coverage needs before buying
Before choosing between WellCare and Harvard Pilgrim, calculate your expected annual cost exposure. WellCare's Silver plan brings total premium and deductible exposure to $6,382 for a 40-year-old. Harvard Pilgrim Silver reaches $10,855 on the same basis. Buyers who specifically want a lower ceiling on medical out-of-pocket spending get Harvard Pilgrim's $5,214 MOOP, $817 below WellCare's $6,031. Total cost including premiums is higher with Harvard Pilgrim regardless of how much care you use.
Compare company offerings and reputations
New Hampshire's exchange has fewer carriers than most states. At each metal tier, the carrier you pick is often the only one offering that plan type at that price. Before enrolling, confirm your primary care doctor and any specialists accept the plan's network.

For WellCare and Harvard Pilgrim HMO enrollees, out-of-network care isn't covered outside emergencies. Anthem's PPO is the only option in New Hampshire that covers out-of-network providers if your doctors aren't in either HMO network.
Shop around
New Hampshire's exchange has a $358 monthly gap between the cheapest and most expensive Silver plan. For a 40-year-old, that gap is $4,296 per year before any care is used.

Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027. A qualifying life event, such as job loss, marriage or the birth of a child, opens a Special Enrollment Period outside that window.
Take advantage of federal programs and subsidies
New Hampshire residents may qualify for Medicaid or premium tax credits based on household income. Those with income below 150% of the federal poverty level may qualify for $0 premium Silver plans through HealthCare.gov.

Adults 65 and older should compare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans before enrolling on the exchange. At $826 per month for WellCare's Silver-tier plan at age 60, marketplace costs are already at levels where Medicare Advantage options often run lower. Compare options at Medicare.gov.

Best Medicare Plans in New Hampshire

In addition to ACA Marketplace plans, we also reviewed the best Medicare plans in New Hampshire. Unlike ACA Marketplace coverage, Medicare is a federal health insurance program for adults 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans in New Hampshire: Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help cover out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments and co-insurance that Original Medicare doesn't pay.
Best Medicare Advantage Plans in New Hampshire: Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans replace Original Medicare and often include prescription drug coverage along with benefits like dental, vision and hearing care.

New Hampshire Health Insurance Resources

If you need help comparing plans, checking subsidy eligibility or applying for financial assistance, these New Hampshire and federal resources can help:

HealthCare.gov: The official federal Marketplace where New Hampshire residents can compare ACA health insurance plans, check subsidy eligibility and enroll during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period.
New Hampshire Insurance Department: Provides consumer guides, explains New Hampshire insurance rules, helps resolve disputes with insurers and answers questions about your coverage rights and complaint options.
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services: Information on New Hampshire Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, including income eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Find Local Enrollment Help: Certified navigators and enrollment assisters can help you compare plans and complete your Marketplace application at no cost. Search for local assistance through HealthCare.gov.

Which New Hampshire Health Insurance Should You Choose?

WellCare is where most New Hampshire buyers should start. At $389 per month with the lowest deductible in the state at $1,714, it costs less upfront than either alternative. For buyers who stay in-network and use care occasionally, no other carrier in this market matches that combination.

If you want a lower ceiling on worst-case medical out-of-pocket spending you will get that with Harvard Pilgrim. Total annual cost including premiums is higher with Harvard Pilgrim by $2,651, even at full MOOP. Harvard Pilgrim is the call when its network covers doctors that WellCare doesn't.

At $747 per month Anthem's Silver PPO is worth the cost only when out-of-network access is a firm requirement. For buyers whose doctors are already in WellCare's or Harvard Pilgrim's network, that is $4,296 per year for access they will not use.
Get quotes from both WellCare and Harvard Pilgrim using your specific age and ZIP code before enrolling. Rates vary by location and the spread between the two carriers can shift by county.

FAQ: Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire

No. New Hampshire doesn't require residents to have health insurance and no penalty for going uninsured. Other states with individual mandates include hardship and religious exemptions, but New Hampshire has no mandate to exempt from. Eligible residents can access federal subsidies through the health insurance marketplace regardless of coverage status.

New Hampshire's open enrollment window for 2026 is November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. To get January 1 coverage, choose your plan by December 15, 2025.

Yes. New Hampshire's Medicaid expansion covers adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level at no premium cost. Many residents also qualify for federal marketplace premium tax credits that reduce or eliminate monthly costs.

WellCare offers HMO plans only. Out-of-network care isn't covered except in emergencies. Buyers whose doctors aren't in WellCare's network can switch to a WellCare in-network provider before enrolling, or choose Anthem instead.

Anthem's PPO Silver costs $747 per month and covers any licensed provider without a referral requirement. It's the only plan on the NH exchange with out-of-network access.

Premium tax credits are available to New Hampshire residents who buy through the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov and whose household income falls between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. New Hampshire Medicaid covers adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level at no premium cost. Check your eligibility at HealthCare.gov before comparing carrier rates, since qualifying for either program changes which plans make financial sense.

Yes, with a qualifying life event. Job loss, marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child and a permanent move all open a Special Enrollment Period. You have 60 days from the qualifying event to select a new plan. Outside of that window and open enrollment, you can't enroll in or change marketplace plans.

Our Methodology

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

Scoring breakdown:

Monthly premium (60%): Plans with the cheapest average monthly costs receive the top scores.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) score (20%): This is the yearly spending cap on your medical expenses, not including premiums. Plans with lower MOOP limits earn higher ratings.
Deductible (20%): This amount comes out of your pocket before insurance starts paying for covered services. Plans with smaller deductibles get better scores.

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

MoneyGeek examined every 2026 health plan offered in New Hampshire for people ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Premium costs shown reflect 40-year-old rates unless stated otherwise. Our analysis covers all coverage levels: 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 produces original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.

He covers economics and insurance at MoneyGeek, and his work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other outlets.

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

Mark holds a B.A. from Boston College and an M.A. in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University. He started his career in financial risk management at State Street and is also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.

Read Full Bio »

Sources

HealthCare.gov. "Health Insurance Marketplace." Accessed July 17, 2026.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "Who’s eligible for Medicaid?." Accessed July 17, 2026.

Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in New Hampshire

How We Picked the Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire

WellCare

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Compare Health Insurance Companies in New Hampshire

Your Next Step:

Best HMO, EPO and PPO Health Insurance in New Hampshire

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in New Hampshire?

How to Find the Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire

Best Medicare Plans in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Health Insurance Resources

Which New Hampshire Health Insurance Should You Choose?

FAQ: Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire

Is health insurance required in New Hampshire?

When is open enrollment in New Hampshire?

Can you get free health insurance in New Hampshire?

What if my doctor isn't in WellCare's network in New Hampshire?

How do I know if I qualify for a subsidy in New Hampshire?

Can I switch health insurance plans outside of open enrollment in New Hampshire?

Our Methodology

Related Pages

Sources