Best Health Insurance in North Carolina (2026)

Key Takeaways

Ambetter is the top health insurance provider in North Carolina, delivering affordable premiums alongside comprehensive coverage across all metal tiers.

Ambetter provides the cheapest health insurance in North Carolina, with Silver HMO plans averaging $640 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 North Carolina

Ambetter is the best health insurance in North Carolina, with Silver-tier HMO plans averaging $640 monthly. AmeriHealth, Cigna, Oscar and Blue Cross Blue Shield also rank among the top five providers in the state.


Ambetter	$640	$5,347	$3,369	4.6	Standard Silver With Atrium Health
AmeriHealth	$684	$5,888	$2,190	4.5	Amerihealth Caritas Next Silver Premier + No Referrals
Cigna Healthcare	$915	$5,659	$2,626	4.1	Connect Silver 3600 Indiv Med Deductible
Oscar Health Plan Of North Carolina, Inc	$666	$5,955	$3,258	4.0	Silver Simple Diabetes \| With Atrium Health
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$840	$6,184	$2,330	4.0	Blue Care Silver Preferred \| 3 Free Pcp \| $10 Tier 1 Rx \| Integrated \| Statewide Doctors
UnitedHealthcare	$875	$6,103	$2,086	4.0	Uhc Silver Advantage + ($0 Virtual Urgent Care, $3 Tier 2 Rx, Dental + Vision, No Referrals)

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

Ambetter

MoneyGeek Rating

4.6/ 5

5/5Affordability

2.8/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$640
Average MOOP
$5347
Average Deductible
$3369

pros
- Cheapest HMO plans in the state
- HSA-eligible Expanded Bronze option available
cons
- HMO plans limit care to in-network providers
- High $5,981 deductible on Expanded Bronze plan
Ambetter is the best health insurance company in North Carolina with savings across all coverage tiers, featuring Gold plans at 18% below state averages. Monthly rates range from $514 for Expanded Bronze to $667 for Gold, while Silver lands at $640. Gold delivers the strongest value with just $1,294 deductibles and $5,888 out-of-pocket maximums, with low premiums saving North Carolina residents $1,779 annually. Silver provides middle-ground protection at $640 monthly with moderate $3,369 deductibles. Ambetter's HMO network covers the entire state, serving budget-focused residents who need affordable premiums and statewide provider access.

Ambetter North Carolina health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Standard Expanded Bronze With Atrium Health	$452	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Standard Expanded Bronze With Atrium Health + Vision + Adult Dental	$467	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Everyday Bronze With Atrium Health	$450	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,613	$6,338	Yes
Everyday Bronze With Atrium Health + Vision + Adult Dental	$465	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,613	$6,338	Yes
Standard Expanded Bronze	$518	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Standard Expanded Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental	$535	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Everyday Bronze	$516	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,613	$6,338	Yes
Everyday Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental	$533	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,613	$6,338	Yes
Elite Bronze With Atrium Health	$511	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,875	No Data	Yes
Elite Bronze With Atrium Health + Vision + Adult Dental	$528	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,875	No Data	Yes
Elite Bronze	$586	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,875	No Data	Yes
Elite Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental	$605	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,875	No Data	Yes

AmeriHealth

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

4.8/5Affordability

4.8/5Deductible

3.2/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$684
Average MOOP
$5888
Average Deductible
$2190

pros
- Monthly premiums 7-13% below state average
- HSA-eligible Bronze and Expanded Bronze plans
- Low-income plans available
cons
- HMO-only network restricts out-of-network coverage
- High $7,950 deductible on Bronze plan
AmeriHealth provides HMO coverage across Bronze through Gold tiers for North Carolina residents, charging $515 to $711 monthly. Gold plans cost 13% less than state averages, with $1,069 deductibles; North Carolinians save $1,250 annually. Silver plans run $684 monthly and carry $2,190 deductibles for balanced coverage needs. Expanded Bronze costs $527 monthly. Both Bronze options qualify for HSA contributions, though standard Bronze matches $7,950 for deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. AmeriHealth's below-average rates across all coverage levels serve North Carolina residents prioritizing affordability.
AmeriHealth North Carolina health insurance plans for 2026:
Data filtered by:
Metal Level
Bronze
Amerihealth Caritas Next Bronze Essential + No Referrals $515 HMO Bronze $7,950 $7,950 Yes


Amerihealth Caritas Next Bronze Essential + No Referrals	$515	HMO	Bronze	$7,950	$7,950	Yes

Cigna

MoneyGeek Rating

4.1/ 5

4.2/5Affordability

3.9/5Deductible

4/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$915
Average MOOP
$5,659
Average Deductible
$2,626

pros
- Ranks second in the state for maximum out-of-pocket limits
- Gold plans feature $1,375 deductibles
- Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers
cons
- Offers HMO plans only with network restrictions
- Higher than average premiums
Cigna charges 22% to 34% above North Carolina averages across all metal tiers. Expanded Bronze costs $737 monthly, $1,800 more annually than state norms. Silver runs $915 monthly with $2,626 deductibles. Gold reaches $1,090 monthly despite $1,375 deductibles. North Carolinians pay $2,000 to $3,297 extra per year compared to state averages. Cigna's national network spans the state, though local competitors Ambetter and AmeriHealth offer lower premiums. The price difference makes Cigna a suitable option for residents who prioritize brand recognition over cost savings.

Cigna North Carolina health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Connect Bronze Rd 5000 Indiv Med Deductible	$790	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,275	$3,750	Yes
Connect Bronze 5500 Indiv Med Deductible	$701	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,688	$4,125	Yes
Connect Bronze Rd 6000 Indiv Med Deductible	$775	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,725	$4,500	Yes
Connect Mydiabetescare Bronze	$711	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,425	$4,500	Yes
Connect Bronze 6500 Indiv Med Deductible	$705	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,425	$4,875	Yes
Connect Bronze Cms Standard	$702	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Connect Bronze Rd Cms Standard	$776	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes

Best North Carolina Health Insurance by Category

North Carolina health insurance prices vary by age and type of network. Silver-tier plan comparisons show category leaders:

By Age:

Teens (18): Ambetter HMO ($457 monthly), Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO ($472), Blue Cross Blue Shield POS ($519)
Young adults (26): Ambetter HMO ($513 monthly), Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO ($530), Blue Cross Blue Shield POS ($582)
Adults (40): Ambetter HMO ($640 monthly), Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO ($661), Blue Cross Blue Shield POS ($727)
Seniors (60): Ambetter HMO ($1,359 monthly), Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO ($1,403), Blue Cross Blue Shield POS ($1,543)

By Network Type (40-year-olds):

HMO: Ambetter offers the lowest rate at $640 monthly
EPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield provides Silver coverage at $661 monthly
PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield costs $865 monthly with broader network access

Compare Health Insurance Companies in North Carolina

Health insurance costs vary between providers and metal tiers in North Carolina. The comparison table below breaks down plans by age, coverage level and HSA eligibility to help you find suitable options.

Data filtered by:


Ambetter	$640	HMO	Silver	$5,347	$3,369	40	No
Oscar Health Plan Of North Carolina, Inc	$666	HMO	Silver	$5,955	$3,258	40	No
AmeriHealth	$684	HMO	Silver	$5,888	$2,190	40	No
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$840	HMO	Silver	$6,184	$2,330	40	No
UnitedHealthcare	$875	HMO	Silver	$6,103	$2,086	40	No
Cigna Healthcare	$915	HMO	Silver	$5,659	$2,626	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 North Carolina

Finding the right health insurance in North Carolina requires comparing coverage needs, provider reputations and enrollment options.

Decide on your coverage needs before buying

Compare monthly premiums against out-of-pocket maximums before choosing a plan. If you visit doctors frequently, higher monthly premiums with lower deductibles often save money long-term. For those rarely needing care, lower-premium plans with higher out-of-pocket costs may work better. Review HMO, PPO and EPO plan types to understand network restrictions and referral requirements.

Compare company offerings and reputations

Research plan availability in your area and examine network coverage plus included benefits. Check J.D. Power ratings alongside state complaint databases for customer service performance and claims processing records. Strong ratings and low complaint ratios indicate that insurers are responsive.

Shop around

Age, plan type, coverage tier and ZIP code determine your North Carolina health insurance rates. Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15. Qualifying life events like job loss, marriage, divorce and childbirth trigger Special Enrollment eligibility. Request quotes from several insurers to identify your lowest-cost option.

Take advantage of federal programs and subsidies

North Carolina residents may qualify for federal subsidies through Healthcare.gov based on income and household size. Some people may be eligible for $0 premium plans or cost-sharing reductions. Medicare-eligible residents can explore Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans for additional coverage options.

Average Health Insurance Cost in North Carolina

Health insurance costs in North Carolina vary based on plan type, metal tier, age and location. HMO plans are the most affordable option, with Bronze coverage averaging $553 monthly and Gold plans averaging $815 per month. EPO plans range from $661 for Silver to $686 for Gold. PPO plans cost the most, averaging $865 monthly for Silver and $899 for Gold coverage.


EPO	No Data	$661	$686
HMO	$553	$748	$815
POS	No Data	$727	$756
PPO	No Data	$865	$899

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

Best Health Insurance in North Carolina: Bottom Line

Ambetter, AmeriHealth and Cigna lead North Carolina's Silver-tier HMO market. The best plan for you depends on your age, health needs, budget and network preferences. Get quotes from several insurers and compare premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums to find your best match.

Best North Carolina Health Insurance: FAQ

Here are answers about the best health insurance in North Carolina:

Is health insurance required in North Carolina?

North Carolina does not require residents to have health insurance. The state has no mandate or penalty for being uninsured. However, residents can still access federal subsidies through the health insurance marketplace to make coverage more affordable if they qualify based on income.

When is open enrollment in North Carolina?

North Carolina's open enrollment for 2026 health insurance 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 North Carolina?

Yes, North Carolina residents can access free health insurance through Medicaid if they meet income requirements. Many others qualify for premium subsidies through the federal marketplace that reduce monthly costs or eliminate them entirely, making coverage affordable for middle-income families.

How We Chose the Best Health Insurance in North Carolina

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

Scoring methodology:

Monthly premium (60%): Plans with the cheapest average monthly costs receive the top ratings.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) score (20%): MOOP is the most you'll pay for covered services in a year, not including premiums. Plans with lower MOOP limits earn better scores.
Deductible (20%): Your deductible is how much you pay for covered care before your plan starts paying. Plans with lower deductibles get higher ratings.

We standardized all scores within each plan category. The best Silver-tier HMO plan gets a perfect 5.0 score, with other plans rated relative to this top performer.

MoneyGeek analyzed every 2026 health plan offered in North Carolina for people ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Premium costs shown reflect 40-year-old rates unless stated otherwise. Our review covers all available metal tiers: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

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.

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Best Health Insurance in North Carolina (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in North Carolina

Best North Carolina Health Insurance by Category

Compare Health Insurance Companies in North Carolina

How to Find the Best Health Insurance in North Carolina

Average Health Insurance Cost in North Carolina

Best Health Insurance in North Carolina: Bottom Line

Best North Carolina Health Insurance: FAQ

Is health insurance required in North Carolina?

When is open enrollment in North Carolina?

Can you get free health insurance in North Carolina?

How We Chose the Best Health Insurance in North Carolina

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