Best Health Insurance in New Hampshire (2026)

fact checked icon

Updated: October 6, 2026

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Key Takeaways
blueCheck icon

Wellcare has the lowest average Silver HMO premium in New Hampshire at $389 per month for a 40-year-old. Its $1,714 average deductible is also the lowest among the state's Silver HMO carriers.

blueCheck icon

Harvard Pilgrim has the lowest average Silver HMO maximum out-of-pocket limit at $5,214, compared with $6,031 for Wellcare and $8,406 for Anthem. Its Gold plan also lowers the average deductible to $1,275 for shoppers willing to pay a higher monthly premium.

blueCheck icon

The New Hampshire health insurance marketplace includes HMO, EPO and PPO plans. HMOs and EPOs don't cover nonemergency out-of-network care.

Best Health Insurance Companies in New Hampshire

Wellcare is the best health insurance company in New Hampshire for 2026, particularly for shoppers prioritizing lower premiums and deductibles. Its Silver HMO averages $389 per month for a 40-year-old with a $1,714 deductible, both the lowest among the state's Silver HMO carriers. Harvard Pilgrim costs considerably more at an average of $678 per month but lowers the average MOOP to $5,214. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the state's only PPO provider, with an average monthly rate of $707 for its PPO plans, while Ambetter is the state's only EPO provider.

New Hampshire uses the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov with only four carriers in the state. The 2026 individual market includes HMO, EPO and PPO plans, but carrier choice varies by county and plan type.

Wellcare Health
Overall
$389 (HMO)
$6,031
$1,714
4.8
Wellsense Clarity NH Silver 3400
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
PPO
$707 (PPO)
$7,438
$4,250
4.5
Anthem Silver Preferred Blue PPO 4500
Ambetter
EPO
$455 (EPO)
$5,169
$3,538
4.5
Clear Silver
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Frequent Care
$678 (HMO)
$5,214
$2,719
4.1
NH Local Choice HMO Silver 3500

* Rates reflect statewide averages for Silver-tier HMO plans for a 40-year-old. Figures from HealthCare.gov.

WellCare

WellCare

Best Overall

MoneyGeek Rating
4.8/ 5
5/5Affordability
5/5Deductible
4.2/5MOOP

  • Average Monthly Rate

    $389 (HMO)

  • Average MOOP

    $6,031

  • Average Deductible

    $1,714
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Best for PPO Plans

MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.7/5Affordability
4.5/5Deductible
4/5MOOP

  • Average Monthly Rate

    $707 (PPO)

  • Average MOOP

    $7,438

  • Average Deductible

    $4,250
Ambetter

Ambetter

Best for EPO Plans

MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
5/5Affordability
2.5/5Deductible
5/5MOOP

  • Average Monthly Rate

    $455 (EPO)

  • Average MOOP

    $5,169

  • Average Deductible

    $3,538
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Best for Frequent Care

MoneyGeek Rating
4.1/ 5
4.2/5Affordability
3/5Deductible
5/5MOOP

  • Average Monthly Rate

    $678 (HMO)

  • Average MOOP

    $5,214

  • Average Deductible

    $2,719

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:
HMO
Silver
40
No
Wellcare Health$389HMOSilver$6,031$1,71440No
Anthem$540HMOSilver$8,406$3,24540No
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care$678HMOSilver$5,214$2,71940No
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.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in New Hampshire?

HMO plans have the lowest average health insurance premiums at every metal tier in New Hampshire. For a 40-year-old, Silver HMO plans average $586 per month, compared with $822 for PPO plans and $868 for EPO plans. That puts the average Silver PPO at $236 per month above the average HMO and the average EPO at $282 higher.

Plan type also affects provider access: HMOs and EPOs generally restrict coverage to in-network care outside emergencies, while Anthem's PPO provides out-of-network coverage. Compare both network access and total cost rather than choosing solely by plan type.

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 insurance plan in New Hampshire depends on how much care you expect to use, which doctors you want to keep and how much financial risk you're comfortable taking on. Monthly premiums vary widely by metal tier and plan type, while carrier networks determine which doctors and facilities you can use.

  • checkList icon

    Select the right plan tier for your situation

    • Rarely use care: Wellcare's HSA-eligible Bronze plan averages $321 per month and has a $5,700 deductible and $5,700 MOOP. The lower premium can work for people who are comfortable paying more of their medical costs themselves before the plan reaches its annual out-of-pocket limit.
    • Moderate use: Silver plans are especially important for people who qualify for cost-sharing reductions, which are available only with eligible Silver Marketplace plans. Wellcare's Silver HMO averages $389 per month with a $1,714 deductible, the lowest among New Hampshire's Silver HMO carriers.
    • Frequent use: Compare Gold plans when you expect regular doctor visits, prescriptions or other ongoing care. Harvard Pilgrim's Gold plan averages $698 per month, only $20 more than its Silver plan, while lowering the average deductible from $2,719 to $1,275. Review copays, coinsurance and MOOP limits as well as the deductible before choosing between them.
  • doctor icon

    Decide on your coverage needs before buying

    Compare premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket limits together rather than looking at any single cost factor. Wellcare's Silver HMO combines a $389 monthly premium with a $1,714 average deductible, while Harvard Pilgrim's Silver HMO costs $678 per month with a $2,719 deductible. Harvard Pilgrim does have the lower MOOP at $5,214 compared with Wellcare's $6,031.

    For shoppers whose doctors participate in both networks, Wellcare has the advantage on premium and deductible. Harvard Pilgrim's main cost advantage is its $817 lower maximum out-of-pocket limit.

  • computer icon

    Compare provider networks

    Before enrolling, confirm that your primary care doctor, specialists, preferred hospital and pharmacies participate in the specific plan network you're considering.
    Wellcare and Harvard Pilgrim have HMO networks that exclude nonemergency out-of-network care. Anthem's PPO is the only New Hampshire Marketplace option with out-of-network coverage.

  • shoppingCart icon

    Shop around

    Compare the specific plans available for your ZIP code before enrolling. Among the lowest-priced Silver options in our analysis, Wellcare's HMO averages $389 per month while Anthem's PPO averages $747, a $358 monthly or $4,296 annual difference for a 40-year-old.

    Open enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15. Outside that window, you need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, getting married or having a child, to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

  • money2 icon

    Take advantage of federal programs and subsidies

    New Hampshire residents may qualify for Medicaid or premium tax credits based on household income and other eligibility factors. Marketplace subsidies can substantially reduce monthly premiums, so check your eligibility through HealthCare.gov before comparing plans based on full-price premiums.
    Adults approaching age 65 should also understand how Medicare eligibility changes their coverage options. Medicare eligibility begins at 65, but some younger people qualify because of disability or certain medical conditions. Compare Medicare coverage separately once you become eligible.

Best Medicare Plans in New Hampshire

New Hampshire residents who qualify for Medicare have different coverage options from ACA Marketplace shoppers. Medicare covers adults 65 and older and some younger people who qualify because of disability or specific medical conditions.

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.
Compare Health Insurance Rates

Get the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Related Pages

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, Licensed P&C Insurance Expert, MoneyGeek

Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's resident expert in insurance and economics. In nearly a decade covering the insurance market at LendingTree and MoneyGeek, he's analyzed hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.

His work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR. He draws on independent cost and consumer experience data, and no insurance company partnerships affect his recommendations.

Mark studied at Boston College and later earned a master's in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University. He worked in financial risk management at State Street before joining MoneyGeek. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.

Read Full Bio »
Sources