Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire (2026)

Key Takeaways

WellCare is New Hampshire's top health insurance provider, offering comprehensive coverage options alongside competitive monthly rates across all metal tiers.

WellCare provides the cheapest health insurance in New Hampshire, with Silver-tier HMO plans averaging $389 per month.

Compare quotes from multiple insurers, review coverage limits and deductibles and verify your doctors accept the plan before enrolling.

New Hampshire's individual health insurance market has only three carriers on the state exchange: WellCare, Harvard Pilgrim and Anthem. All three rely primarily on HMO structures, so network access shapes the decision as much as price.

When we analyzed 2026 plan data across all metal tiers and age groups, the spread between the cheapest and most expensive Silver-tier HMO carrier was $289 per month, WellCare at $389 versus Harvard Pilgrim at $678. Harvard Pilgrim's Gold-tier plan carries the lowest deductible among reviewed carriers at $1,275. That matters most for enrollees who expect to use their coverage regularly. Anthem is the only carrier offering both HMO and PPO plans, giving residents the option to pay more for out-of-network access.

Best Health Insurance Companies in New Hampshire

WellCare leads New Hampshire providers with a 4.8 out of 5 MoneyGeek score. You'll pay an average of $389 monthly for WellCare's Silver-tier HMO plans, 28% less than the state average. Harvard Pilgrim and Anthem round out the top three providers.


Wellcare Health	$389	$6,031	$1,714	4.8	Wellsense Clarity Nh Silver 3400 + $0 Rx List + 24/7 Nurse Advice
Anthem	$540	$8,406	$3,245	3.7	Anthem Silver Pathway X Enhanced 4500/20% Hsa
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care	$678	$5,214	$2,719	4.1	Nh Local Choice Hmo Silver 3500 + $0 Rx List + $0 Virtual Urgent Care

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

Before you compare: New Hampshire residents earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify for Medicaid at no premium cost. Those earning up to 400% may qualify for premium tax credits that reduce marketplace rates. Check your eligibility at HealthCare.gov before selecting a plan

WellCare

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
- Cheapest HMO plans in New Hampshire
- Silver plans offer low $1,714 deductibles
- Bronze, Silver and Gold metal tiers
cons
- Limited to HMO network plans only
WellCare is New Hampshire's most affordable carrier for Silver-tier HMO plans, with a 40-year-old paying $389 per month. Its average Silver deductible of $1,714 is the lowest among the three state carriers, $1,005 less than Harvard Pilgrim's $2,719 and $1,531 less than Anthem's $3,245.

Expanded Bronze plans start lower but carry higher out-of-pocket exposure. The HSA-eligible Bronze plan with a $5,700 deductible runs $321 per month. WellCare's Gold tier drops the deductible to $1,500 at roughly $249 per month, making it the better fit for enrollees who expect to use their coverage often.
WellCare's HMO-only structure means no PPO or EPO option at any price point in New Hampshire. Residents whose preferred specialists aren't in the WellCare network can't buy their way around it by choosing a higher tier. Anthem offers a separate PPO plan at $540 for its HMO Silver or $747 for PPO Silver if out-of-network access is the priority, and Harvard Pilgrim's Gold plan at $698 is worth the premium gap for enrollees who expect to consistently hit their deductible.

WellCare health insurance plans for 2026:

WellCare leads the Gold tier on every cost metric. At $417 per month, it's $211 less than Anthem's $628 Gold HMO and $281 less than Harvard Pilgrim's $698. Its $6,150 MOOP is also the lowest of the three. Anthem's Gold plan does carry the lowest deductible at $975 versus WellCare's $1,500, but the $2,532 annual premium gap makes WellCare the stronger choice for most 40-year-old buyers unless they expect to hit the deductible consistently.

Data filtered by:


Wellsense Clarity Nh Bronze 6500 Hsa + $0 Rx List + 24/7 Nurse Advice	$317	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,950	$4,875	Yes
Wellsense Clarity Nh Bronze 7500 Hsa + $0 Rx List + 24/7 Nurse Advice	$320	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Wellsense Clarity Nh Bronze 7600 Hsa + $0 Rx List + 24/7 Nurse Advice	$321	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$5,700	$5,700	Yes

Harvard Pilgrim Health 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 plan features low $1,275 deductible
- HSA-Eligible Expanded Bronze plan
- Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold metal tiers
cons
- Limited to HMO network structures only
- Expanded Bronze plans carry $5,375 deductibles
Harvard Pilgrim's Gold plan is the most compelling argument for choosing the carrier. At $698 per month, it costs $20 more than the Silver plan while cutting the deductible from $2,719 to $1,275. That $1,444 deductible difference favors Gold for any enrollee who expects more than routine care. Harvard Pilgrim's Silver plan carries the lowest MOOP among the three carriers at $5,214.

The Expanded Bronze tier includes an HSA-eligible plan at $520 per month with a $4,500 deductible. That's the right fit for healthy adults who want to pair lower monthly costs with tax-advantaged savings.
Harvard Pilgrim's Silver plan at $678 per month is $289 more per month than WellCare's $389 for the same tier. That gap adds up to $3,468 per year before deductibles enter the picture. Unless you expect to spend consistently toward your out-of-pocket maximum, WellCare's lower premiums produce better value for most New Hampshire residents. Harvard Pilgrim rewards high utilizers. It doesn't reward light ones.

Harvard Pilgrim health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Nh Local Choice Hmo Hsa Bronze 6000	$520	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$5,625	$4,500	Yes
Nh Local Hmo Bronze 7500 Standard + $0 Rx List + $0 Virtual Urgent Care	$568	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Nh Local Choice Hmo Bronze 8000 + $0 Rx List + $0 Virtual Urgent Care	$546	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$6,825	$6,000	Yes

Anthem

MoneyGeek Rating

3.7/ 5

4.5/5Affordability

2.5/5Deductible

2.5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$530
Average MOOP
$7,827
Average Deductible
$3,743

pros
- Offers both HMO and PPO plans
- HSA-eligible policies
- Low-income plan options
- Catastrophic plan option available
cons
- Catastrophic plans carry high $10,600 deductibles
Anthem is the only New Hampshire carrier offering PPO plans, which makes it the default choice for residents who need out-of-network access. A 40-year-old pays $200 to $300 more per month for an Anthem PPO than for the equivalent HMO plan. For residents with specialists outside standard HMO networks, that cost difference is often the deciding factor.

Anthem's Silver HMO averages $540 per month with a $3,245 deductible. Its Platinum HMO eliminates the deductible entirely at $752 per month. The trade-off across all Anthem tiers is the MOOP, at $8,406 for Silver HMO, Anthem's out-of-pocket ceiling is $3,192 more than Harvard Pilgrim's $5,214 and $2,375 more than WellCare's $6,031.
Anthem's Silver HMO MOOP of $8,406 is the highest among New Hampshire's three carriers. Anyone who expects substantial medical expenses in a year is exposed to a cost ceiling $2,375 to $3,192 higher than the alternatives. In our analysis, buyers who don't need out-of-network care pay $151 more per month for Anthem's HMO Silver than WellCare's, $1,812 per year for the same tier without the network flexibility that justifies the gap. WellCare or Harvard Pilgrim are the better fits for residents whose providers are already in-network.
Anthem health insurance plans for 2026:
Data filtered by:
Plan Type
HMO
Metal Level
Catastrophic
Anthem Catastrophic Pathway X Enhanced $278 HMO Catastrophic $10,600 $10,600 Yes


Anthem Catastrophic Pathway X Enhanced	$278	HMO	Catastrophic	$10,600	$10,600	Yes

Best New Hampshire Health Insurance by Category

New Hampshire health insurance prices vary by age and network type, WellCare Silver HMO enrollee pays $826 per month at 60, more than double the $389 rate for a 40-year-old on the same plan. That's a 112% increase over two decades. New Hampshire residents approaching 65 should compare marketplace costs against Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, since marketplace premiums at age 60 are among the highest in the country under ACA age-rating rules. Silver-tier plan comparisons show clear category leaders:

By Age:

Teens (18): WellCare HMO ($278 monthly), Ambetter EPO ($325), Anthem PPO ($533)
Young adults (26): WellCare HMO ($312 monthly), Ambetter EPO ($364), Anthem PPO ($598)
Adults (40): WellCare HMO ($389 monthly), Ambetter EPO ($455), Anthem PPO ($747)
Seniors (60): WellCare HMO ($826 monthly), Ambetter EPO ($965), Anthem PPO ($1,586)

By Network Type (40-year-olds):

HMO: WellCare leads at $389 monthly
EPO: Ambetter offers the best rate at $455 monthly
PPO: Anthem provides coverage at $747 monthly

New Hampshire's network-type price spread is wide. Anthem's PPO Silver is $747 per month against WellCare's HMO Silver at $389, a $358 monthly gap. That's $4,296 per year. Residents who don't have out-of-network providers should start their comparison at the HMO tier, where WellCare's rate is the clear floor.

Compare Health Insurance Companies in New Hampshire

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

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

*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 New Hampshire

Finding the right health insurance in New Hampshire involves evaluating your coverage needs, researching insurer reputations and exploring available enrollment options.

Decide on your coverage needs before buying

Compare monthly premiums against deductibles using New Hampshire's specific numbers. A 40-year-old choosing WellCare Silver pays $4,668 in annual premiums ($389 per month) plus up to $1,714 in deductible costs before co-insurance takes effect, for a combined maximum of $6,382 before coverage fully starts. Frequent users should weigh Harvard Pilgrim's Gold plan at $698 per month with a $1,275 deductible, where the lower cost ceiling compounds across a year of regular care. Review HMO, PPO and EPO plan types to understand network restrictions and referral requirements, which apply to HMO plans, before enrolling.

Compare company offerings and reputations

New Hampshire's three-carrier market removes some of the comparison burden but raises the stakes on network fit. With only WellCare, Harvard Pilgrim and Anthem on the state exchange, there's no backup carrier offering the same metal tier at a lower price. Before enrolling, confirm your primary care doctor and any specialists you see regularly accept the plan's network. For WellCare and Harvard Pilgrim HMO enrollees, out-of-network care is not covered outside of emergencies, so network verification matters more here than in states with broader carrier options.

Shop around

New Hampshire has three carriers on its exchange, fewer than most states, but a $358 monthly spread between the cheapest and most expensive Silver plan. WellCare's Silver HMO is $389 per month; Anthem's PPO Silver is $747. For a 40-year-old, that's a $4,296 annual difference before any care is used.. Open enrollment runs November 1 through January 15 for 2026 coverage. A qualifying life event, such as job loss, marriage or birth of a child, opens a Special Enrollment Period outside that window.

Take advantage of federal programs and subsidies

Depending on your income, you may qualify for federal subsidies or programs like Medicaid. Some New Hampshire residents may be eligible for $0 premium plans through the federal marketplace. Those 65 and older can explore Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans for additional coverage options.

Average Health Insurance Cost in New Hampshire

New Hampshire health insurance costs change based on plan type, metal tier, age and location. HMO plans are the most affordable option, with Silver coverage at $586 monthly and Platinum at $782. EPO plans cost $868 for Silver and $1,111 for Gold tiers. PPO plans are the most expensive, ranging from $822 for Silver to $1,327 for Platinum coverage.


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

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

The HMO-to-PPO jump at the Silver tier tells the clearest story in this table. Silver HMO coverage averages $586 per month; Silver PPO averages $822. That $236 monthly gap, $2,832 per year, is the cost of out-of-network flexibility in New Hampshire's three-carrier market. For buyers whose doctors are already in-network, that premium buys nothing. The EPO tier at $868 for Silver is priced above HMO despite having no out-of-network coverage, which reflects Ambetter's rates as the sole EPO carrier in the state.

Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire: Bottom Line

New Hampshire residents buying Silver-tier coverage, WellCare's $389 monthly rate is the clearest starting point. It's the lowest premium in the state for that tier and carries the lowest average deductible among HMO carriers at $1,714.

Harvard Pilgrim's Gold plan at $698 per month is worth a second look for anyone who expects to use coverage regularly. At $20 more than Harvard Pilgrim's Silver, the Gold plan cuts the deductible by $1,444 per year. In our analysis, that trade-off favors Gold for any enrollee who expects more than one or two doctor visits annually.

Anthem is the right choice for one specific situation: when out-of-network provider access is a genuine requirement. Its PPO plans are the only option in New Hampshire's exchange that provide that flexibility. For everyone else, the $358 monthly gap between Anthem PPO and WellCare HMO adds up to $4,296 per year without a return.
Ready to compare? WellCare, Harvard Pilgrim and Anthem all offer online quotes. Get quotes from all three before enrolling, rates vary by your specific age, ZIP code and plan selection and the difference between the lowest and highest Silver-tier HMO in New Hampshire is $289 per month.

Best New Hampshire Health Insurance: FAQ

Here are common questions about the best health insurance in New Hampshire:

Is health insurance required in New Hampshire?

No, New Hampshire doesn't require residents to have health insurance. The state has no individual mandate or tax penalty for being uninsured. While other states may offer exemptions for financial hardship or religious beliefs, New Hampshire residents face no penalties regardless of coverage status. Eligible residents can still access federal subsidies through the health insurance marketplace.

When is open enrollment in New Hampshire?

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

Can you get free health insurance in New Hampshire?

Yes, New Hampshire residents can access free health insurance through Medicaid expansion, which covers adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Many people qualify for premium tax credits through the federal marketplace that reduce monthly costs or eliminate them entirely.

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

WellCare offers HMO plans only, which means out-of-network care isn't covered except in emergencies. If your doctor doesn't accept WellCare, you have two options: confirm coverage with a WellCare in-network provider before enrolling, or choose Anthem, the only carrier on New Hampshire's exchange offering PPO plans. Anthem's PPO Silver costs $747 per month but lets you see any licensed provider without a referral.

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

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.

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

Yes, but only if you have a qualifying life event. Job loss, marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child and a permanent move to a new coverage area all trigger a Special Enrollment Period. You generally 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.

How We Chose the Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire

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 analyzed the insurance market for almost a decade, first with LendingTree and now with MoneyGeek, conducting original research on hundreds of insurance companies and millions of insurance rates for insurance shoppers.

He writes about economics and insurance on MoneyGeek, breaking down complex topics so people can have confidence in their purchase. Like all MoneyGeek analysts, Mark collects and analyzes independent cost and consumer experience data on insurance companies to provide objective recommendations in our content that are independent of any of MoneyGeek's insurance company partnerships.

His insights on products ranging from car, home and renters insurance to health and life insurance have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among others.

Mark holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He started his career working in financial risk management at State Street before transitioning to the analysis of the personal insurance market. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Read Full Bio »

Sources

HealthCare.gov. "Health Insurance Marketplace." Accessed May 13, 2026.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "Who’s eligible for Medicaid?." Accessed May 13, 2026.

Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in New Hampshire

WellCare

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Anthem

Best New Hampshire Health Insurance by Category

Compare Health Insurance Companies in New Hampshire

How to Find the Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire

Average Health Insurance Cost in New Hampshire

Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire: Bottom Line

Best New Hampshire Health Insurance: FAQ

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?

How We Chose the Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire

Related Pages

Sources