Best Health Insurance in South Carolina (2026)

Key Takeaways

Ambetter and First Choice Next are tied as South Carolina’s best health insurance providers, thanks to their low premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs.

Blue Cross Blue Shield has the most affordable health insurance in South Carolina, though its deductibles are higher than other options in the state.

When shopping for health insurance in South Carolina, compare multiple insurer quotes, review coverage and deductibles, and ensure your preferred doctors are in-network.

Best Health Insurance Companies in South Carolina

Based on pricing, out-of-pocket costs, and overall plan value, Ambetter is the best health insurance company in South Carolina. First Choice Next, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Molina Healthcare, and Instil Health also score highly statewide, offering competitive alternatives across premiums, deductibles, and coverage.


Ambetter	$590	$5,545	$3,212	4.6	Focused Silver
First Choice Next	$628	$5,888	$2,190	4.6	First Choice Next Silver Premier
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$576	$5,578	$4,064	4.5	Blue Pee Dee Silver 2
Molina Healthcare	$584	$5,800	$3,368	4.4	Molina Silver Standard
Instil Health	$587	$6,341	$3,121	4.2	Inhealth Basic Standard
UnitedHealthcare	$766	$6,048	$2,529	4.0	Uhc Silver Standard-

*Our picks are the best health insurance options for 40-year-olds looking for Silver-tier HMO plans.

Ambetter

MoneyGeek Rating

4.6/ 5

4.9/5Affordability

3.3/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$590
Average MOOP
$5,545
Average Deductible
$3,212

pros
- Ranks second in state for affordability
- Gold plans feature reasonable $1,500 deductibles
- Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers
- Silver plans provide strong MOOP protection at $5,545
cons
- Limited to HMO network structures only
- Bronze plans carry high $6,100 deductibles and $7,695 MOOP limits
Ambetter is the best health insurance provider in South Carolina, offering HMO plans in Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers. Their Silver plans average $590 per month, which is $21 below the state average, and feature $3,212 deductibles along with the lowest out-of-pocket maximum in the tier at $5,545. Gold plans cost $607 per month, $46 under state averages, with $1,500 deductibles and $6,150 out-of-pocket maximums, earning a third-place finish. Ambetter also offers Expanded Bronze plans priced around $488 per month, which are HSA-eligible and include $6,100 deductibles and $7,695 out-of-pocket limits. Overall, Ambetter stands out for keeping out-of-pocket costs low across metal tiers, particularly in Silver plans where its MOOP limit is the most competitive. For South Carolina residents seeking predictable healthcare expenses at below-average premiums, Ambetter’s HMO options offer strong value, especially at the Silver level.

Ambetter South Carolina health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Standard Expanded Bronze	$457	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Everyday Bronze	$456	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,613	$6,338	Yes
Everyday Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental	$471	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,613	$6,338	Yes
Elite Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental	$537	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,875	No Data	Yes
Elite Bronze	$520	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,875	No Data	Yes

First Choice Next

MoneyGeek Rating

4.6/ 5

4.7/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

3.7/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$628
Average MOOP
$5,888
Average Deductible
$2,190

pros
- Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Gold and Silver tiers
- Low $1,069 deductibles available on Gold plans
- Competitive MOOP limits on Bronze plans compared to state average
cons
- Limited to HMO network structures only
- Higher maximum out-of-pocket limits on Expanded Bronze plans
First Choice Next stands out in the South Carolina health insurance market with some of the state’s lowest deductibles. Its Silver plans cost $628 per month, with $2,190 deductibles and $5,888 out-of-pocket maximums, earning second place overall in the tier. Bronze plans run $482 monthly, are HSA-eligible, and feature $7,950 deductibles and maximums, while Expanded Bronze costs $522 with $4,256 deductibles and $7,725 maximums. Gold coverage is $716 per month with $1,069 deductibles and $6,263 maximums. Residents seeking low upfront costs will find strong value in First Choice Next, especially at the Silver level where deductibles beat all competitors.
First Choice Next South Carolina health insurance plans for 2026:
Data filtered by:
Metal Level
Bronze
First Choice Next Bronze Essential $482 HMO Bronze $7,950 $7,950 Yes


First Choice Next Bronze Essential	$482	HMO	Bronze	$7,950	$7,950	Yes

Blue Cross Blue Shield

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

5/5Affordability

2.5/5Deductible

4.9/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$576
Average MOOP
$5,578
Average Deductible
$4,064

pros
- Lowest premiums in the state
- HMO, PPO, POS and EPO plans
- All major metal levels from Bronze to Gold
- Competitive deductibles starting as low as $843 on select plans
cons
- Higher deductibles up to $5,550 on Expanded Bronze HMO plan
Blue Cross Blue Shield stands out as South Carolina’s most comprehensive insurer, earning top marks across multiple plan types. The provider leads in EPO, POS, and PPO categories while also providing competitive HMO options. HMO Bronze plans start at $386 per month and are HSA-eligible, while HMO Gold costs $612 monthly with low $844 deductibles and $6,413 out-of-pocket maximums. PPO Gold offers flexible options, including a $762 plan with $1,758 deductibles and $3,308 maximums, alongside an HSA-eligible option at $758 per month. EPO plans provide a balance of network flexibility and strong performance across all tiers. Overall, Blue Cross Blue Shield delivers unmatched plan variety and network access throughout South Carolina.

Blue Cross Blue Shield South Carolina health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Blue Pee Dee Silver 2	$550	HMO	Silver	$5,229	$4,557	No
Blue Pee Dee Silver 2 + Adult Vision	$552	HMO	Silver	$5,229	$4,557	No
Blue Congaree Silver 2	$560	HMO	Silver	$5,229	$4,557	No
Blue Congaree Silver 2 + Adult Vision	$561	HMO	Silver	$5,229	$4,557	No
Blue Cooper Silver 2	$571	HMO	Silver	$5,229	$4,557	No
Blue Cooper Silver 2 + Adult Vision	$573	HMO	Silver	$5,229	$4,557	No
Blue Reedy Silver 2	$585	HMO	Silver	$5,229	$4,557	No
Blue Reedy Silver 2 + Adult Vision	$587	HMO	Silver	$5,229	$4,557	No
Blue Beaufort Silver 2	$592	HMO	Silver	$5,229	$4,557	No
Blue Beaufort Silver 2 + Adult Vision	$594	HMO	Silver	$5,229	$4,557	No
Blue Pee Dee Standard Silver	$562	HMO	Silver	$5,657	$3,100	No
Blue Congaree Standard Silver	$572	HMO	Silver	$5,657	$3,100	No
Blue Cooper Standard Silver	$584	HMO	Silver	$5,657	$3,100	No
Blue Reedy Standard Silver	$598	HMO	Silver	$5,657	$3,100	No
Blue Beaufort Standard Silver	$606	HMO	Silver	$5,657	$3,100	No
Blue Pee Dee Silver 1	$554	HMO	Silver	$6,196	$4,043	No
Blue Congaree Silver 1	$563	HMO	Silver	$6,196	$4,043	No
Blue Cooper Silver 1	$575	HMO	Silver	$6,196	$4,043	No
Blue Reedy Silver 1	$589	HMO	Silver	$6,196	$4,043	No
Blue Beaufort Silver 1	$596	HMO	Silver	$6,196	$4,043	No

Best Health Insurance in South Carolina by Category

The best health insurance in South Carolina varies by age, plan type, and coverage level. Silver-tier premiums, for example, range from $421 to $1,577 per month depending on your age, plan type and the provider you choose. Understanding how rates shift across different ages and plan options can help you choose coverage that fits both your budget and healthcare needs.

By Age:

Teens (18): Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO plans cost $472 monthly, Ambetter HMO plans cost $421, and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans cost $531.
Young adults (26): Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO plans cost $529 monthly, Ambetter HMO plans cost $472, while Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans cost $595.
Adults (40): Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO plans cost $660 monthly, Ambetter HMO plans cost $590, and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans cost $743.
Seniors (60): Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO plans cost $1,402 monthly, Ambetter HMO plans cost $1,252, and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans cost $1,577.

By Plan Type:

PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield is South Carolina's primary PPO provider, charging 40-year-olds $743 monthly with a $2,390 deductible and $3,242 MOOP.
HMO: Ambetter offers competitive HMO coverage for 40-year-olds at $590 monthly with a $3,212 deductible and $5,545 MOOP.
EPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield charges 40-year-olds $660 monthly with a $3,483 deductible and $5,786 MOOP.
POS: Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only provider of POS plans in South Carolina, averaging $572 per month with $3,121 deductibles and $6,341 MOOP limits.

*All rates are averages based on Silver plans for the given category.

Compare South Carolina Health Insurance Providers

Health insurance costs in South Carolina differ by provider, plan type, and coverage level. Use the filters below to compare premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, age groups, metal tiers, and HSA eligibility to find the plan that best fits your needs.

Data filtered by:


Ambetter	$590	HMO	Silver	$5,545	$3,212	40	No
First Choice Next	$628	HMO	Silver	$5,888	$2,190	40	No
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$576	HMO	Silver	$5,578	$4,064	40	No
Molina Healthcare	$584	HMO	Silver	$5,800	$3,368	40	No
Instil Health	$587	HMO	Silver	$6,341	$3,121	40	No
UnitedHealthcare	$766	HMO	Silver	$6,048	$2,529	40	No

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in South Carolina

Choosing health insurance in South Carolina means weighing premiums against deductibles, network access and coverage limits.

1
Assess Your Health Needs
Review your current medications, planned procedures and how often you visit doctors to determine which coverage level makes sense.
2
Compare Multiple Insurer Quotes
Request rates from at least three South Carolina health insurance companies to spot price differences and coverage variations.
3
Check 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.
4
Review Cost-Sharing Details
Higher deductibles lower monthly premiums, but increase upfront costs when you need care. Your maximum out-of-pocket limit caps annual expenses, limiting your total costs even during major medical events.
5
Evaluate Plan Types
HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, and POS plans are available nationwide; each offers different trade-offs between cost and flexibility. HMOs require referrals but cost less, while PPOs offer freedom to see specialists without approval at higher premiums. EPOs and POS plans fall between these options.
6
Explore Federal Programs
Subsidies and Medicare plans make health insurance more affordable. If you have low income, a qualifying disability or are 65 or older, explore Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options. Premium tax credits through HealthCare.gov can reduce monthly costs for eligible individuals and families.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in South Carolina?

HMO plans offer the most affordable Bronze coverage in South Carolina at $426 per month and are the only standard Bronze option available. For Expanded Bronze, POS plans lead with the lowest average rate at $397 monthly, followed by HMO at $461, PPO at $503, and EPO at $476.

In the Silver tier, POS plans remain the cheapest at $572 per month, while HMO plans cost $611, EPO $660, and PPO $748. For Gold coverage, POS again offers the lowest premiums at $621, with HMO at $653, EPO $701, and PPO $760.

HMO plans are generally the most cost-effective but come with more limited provider networks, while PPO and EPO plans provide broader access at higher prices. No Platinum coverage is available in South Carolina.


EPO	No Data	$476	$660	$701
HMO	$426	$461	$611	$653
POS	No Data	$397	$572	$621
PPO	No Data	$503	$748	$760

*Rates are averages for 40-year-olds in South Carolina. Your rates will vary based on your age and location.

Best Health Insurance in South Carolina: Bottom Line

Ambetter, First Choice Next and Blue Cross Blue Shield are the top health insurance providers in South Carolina for 2026. Ambetter offers the best balance of affordable monthly rates and reasonable out-of-pocket costs, while Blue Cross Blue Shield provides a broader selection of network types along with the cheapest premiums but higher deductibles.

Best South Carolina Health Insurance: FAQ

South Carolina health insurance questions typically cover enrollment timing, state regulations and coordinating multiple plans:

How do I get health insurance in South Carolina?

South Carolina residents can obtain health insurance through HealthCare.gov, directly from insurance companies, or with help from licensed brokers. The open enrollment period runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15 each year. Special enrollment periods are available after qualifying life events like marriage, job loss or relocation.

Are you required to have health insurance in South Carolina?

South Carolina doesn't require health insurance, and you won't experience penalties for being uninsured. Without coverage, though, you pay the full price for medical care.

Can you have multiple health insurance plans in South Carolina?

Yes, you can have multiple health insurance plans in South Carolina. Through coordination of benefits, your primary plan pays first, and your secondary plan may cover remaining eligible expenses. This arrangement commonly occurs when both spouses have employer-sponsored coverage or when combining Medicare with supplemental insurance.

Our Review Methodology

We ranked the best South Carolina health insurance providers by focusing heavily on monthly premiums since they create the highest ongoing cost. We also examined maximum out-of-pocket limits and deductibles, which impact your total annual spending.

Our Scoring System

We weighted three cost factors:

Monthly premium (60%): This monthly payment has the biggest impact on affordability. Lower premiums earn higher scores.
Maximum out-of-pocket (20%): This caps your total yearly costs beyond premiums. Lower limits score better.
Deductible (20%): This is what you pay before coverage starts. Lower deductibles get higher scores.

Sample Consumer Profile

We reviewed all 2026 South Carolina plans for people aged 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Prices are shown for 40-year-olds unless otherwise noted. We analyzed every tier: 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. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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.

Read Full Bio »

Best Health Insurance in South Carolina (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in South Carolina

Best Health Insurance in South Carolina by Category

Compare South Carolina Health Insurance Providers

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in South Carolina

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in South Carolina?

Best Health Insurance in South Carolina: Bottom Line

Best South Carolina Health Insurance: FAQ

How do I get health insurance in South Carolina?

Are you required to have health insurance in South Carolina?

Can you have multiple health insurance plans in South Carolina?

Our Review Methodology

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