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.

Your best plan in South Carolina depends on how often you use health care. If you use care regularly, First Choice Next's $2,190 deductible makes it the better fit even at $628 per month. If you want the lowest monthly bill, Blue Cross Blue Shield at $576 is the cheapest Silver option. For the best balance of premium and out-of-pocket protection, Ambetter leads at $590 per month.

South Carolina's ACA marketplace has only six carriers writing Silver HMO plans for 2026. Our analysis found a tight $190 monthly spread between the cheapest and most expensive option for 40-year-olds, but the deductible gap is the more useful finding:

Blue Cross Blue Shield carries a $4,064 deductible, nearly twice what First Choice Next charges at $2,190. The four mid-tier carriers sit within $38 of each other on premiums but vary by nearly $1,700 on deductibles. Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only carrier offering all four plan types, and running HMO, PPO, EPO and POS networks simultaneously pushes its deductible above every competitor in the Silver tier. In this market, the monthly rate is almost never the right number to compare first.

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	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
When we ranked South Carolina's 2026 Silver HMO plans, Ambetter's out-of-pocket maximum was the finding that set it apart.

Its Focused Silver plan averages $590 per month for 40-year-olds, $21 below the HMO Silver state average and carries the lowest out-of-pocket maximum among Silver HMO plans in our analysis at $5,545. The gap between Ambetter's out-of-pocket maximum and the next-best option is $33, a consistent advantage for anyone managing a chronic condition or expecting surgery.

Gold plans are $607 per month with $1,500 deductibles, $46 below the HMO Gold state average of $653. Expanded Bronze plans are HSA-eligible at roughly $488 per month and carry $6,100 deductibles, which works well for residents who rarely need care and want to pair coverage with a tax-advantaged savings account.
Ambetter's HMO structure limits you to its provider network for all non-emergency care. Residents who travel regularly, split time between states, or have established relationships with specialists outside Ambetter's network will run into coverage gaps that no premium advantage offsets. Blue Cross Blue Shield's EPO plans start at $660 per month for 40-year-olds, $70 more than Ambetter's Silver rate, but include out-of-network access that HMO plans don't provide.

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, Silver and Gold tiers
- Gold plan deductibles from $1,069
- Bronze plan MOOP limits below state average
cons
- HMO only
- Expanded Bronze MOOP limits above most alternatives
First Choice Next earned a 4.6 out of 5 MoneyGeek score and has the lowest Silver deductibles in South Carolina at $2,190, a $1,022 gap below Ambetter's $3,212 deductible. Its First Choice Next Silver Premier plan averages $628 per month for 40-year-olds. At $38 more than Ambetter, the higher premium buys considerably lower cost-sharing for anyone who uses health care regularly before hitting their annual deductible.

Bronze plans are HSA-eligible at $482 per month with $7,950 deductibles matching the out-of-pocket maximum, meaning you pay the full deductible before any cost-sharing starts. Expanded Bronze adds a $4,256 deductible at $522 monthly. Gold coverage is $716 with $1,069 deductibles, the second-lowest Gold deductible in our South Carolina analysis.
First Choice Next's Expanded Bronze out-of-pocket maximum of $7,725 runs above most alternatives in that tier, and its Gold premium of $716 per month is above the $653 HMO Gold state average. Residents who want broad metal-tier flexibility at consistent price points across Bronze, Silver and Gold will find better balance at Ambetter, which scores identically at 4.6 out of 5 and averages $590 per month at the Silver tier, $38 less per month.
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
- HMO, PPO, POS and EPO plans
- Bronze through Gold metal tiers
- Deductibles from $843 on select plans
cons
- Expanded Bronze HMO deductibles reach $5,550
Blue Cross Blue Shield earned a 4.5 out of 5 MoneyGeek score. It is the only carrier in our South Carolina analysis offering all four plan structures: HMO, PPO, EPO and POS. That breadth is the main reason we rank it third despite the $4,064 Silver HMO deductible, the highest in the tier. Its Blue Pee Dee Silver 2 plan is $550 per month for 40-year-olds. HMO Bronze starts at $386, the cheapest Bronze entry point in the state.

PPO Gold offers two options for 40-year-olds: $762 per month with a $1,758 deductible and $3,308 out-of-pocket maximum, or an HSA-eligible version at $758 with the same structure. EPO plans skip the referral requirement that HMO plans carry, without covering out-of-network care. Blue Cross Blue Shield names its HMO plans after South Carolina rivers and regions (Blue Pee Dee, Blue Congaree, Blue Cooper, Blue Reedy and Blue Beaufort), each covering different service areas. Confirm which variant applies to your ZIP code before enrolling.
Cost-conscious Silver-tier shoppers will find better deductible value elsewhere. Blue Cross Blue Shield's average Silver HMO deductible of $4,064 is $852 above Ambetter and $1,874 above First Choice Next. Residents who anticipate regular health care use and want to minimize out-of-pocket costs before their deductible clears should weigh those deductible gaps against the $14 monthly savings Blue Cross Blue Shield's lower premium provides over Ambetter's $590 Silver rate.

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

Which Is the Best Health Insurance in South Carolina by Age and Plan Type?

The best health insurance in South Carolina changes by age, plan type and coverage level. Silver-tier premiums range from $421 to $1,577 monthly. The rate varies based on age and plan type.

By Age:

Teens (18): For Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO plans, you pay $472 a month, Ambetter HMO plans are $421 and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans cost $531.
Young adults (26): Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO plans charge $529 per month, Ambetter HMO plans are $472 and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans charge $595.
Adults (40): You pay $660 per month for Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO plans, while your costs for Ambetter HMO plans are $590. Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans charge you $743.
Seniors (60): Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO plan premiums are $1,402 a month, Ambetter HMO plans cost $1,252 and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans charge $1,577.

The rate difference between 18 and 60 tells the clearest story. A 60-year-old pays $1,252 per month for the same Ambetter Silver HMO plan that costs an 18-year-old $421, an $831 monthly gap. That nearly 3:1 ratio holds across carriers and is the primary reason premium tax credits matter for older South Carolina residents: without subsidies, Silver coverage consumes a large share of a fixed income

By Plan Type:

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

*All these rates are averages based on Silver plans for the category in each case.

PPO plans carry a meaningful premium over all alternatives. Blue Cross Blue Shield's Silver PPO is $743 per month versus $590 for Ambetter's HMO, a $153 monthly gap with no South Carolina PPO competitor to offset it. That premium pays for out-of-network access and no referral requirement. Residents who rely on out-of-network specialists or want to see any provider without prior authorization should price that trade-off carefully against the added cost.

Compare South Carolina Health Insurance Providers

Health insurance costs in South Carolina change by provider, plan type and coverage level. Compare premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, age groups, metal tiers and HSA eligibility.

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 Do I Choose 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
Start by estimating your annual health care use rather than guessing at a coverage level. In our South Carolina data, a 40-year-old on an Ambetter Silver plan who hits their $3,212 deductible once pays roughly $5,545 at most that year, the lowest out-of-pocket ceiling in the state. A 40-year-old who rarely sees a doctor and never meets the deductible pays only the $590 monthly premium, or $7,080 annually. Your expected use determines which of those two totals you're actually buying.
2
Compare Multiple Insurer Quotes
MoneyGeek analyzed every 2026 plan on South Carolina's exchange and found Silver HMO premiums for 40-year-olds ranging from $590 to $766 per month across the six carriers we reviewed. The pattern that surprised us most was how often the lowest-premium carrier is not the lowest-cost carrier. Blue Cross Blue Shield is $14 per month cheaper than Ambetter at the Silver level, but its average deductible is $852 higher, meaning a single hospital visit can erase five years of premium savings. Get quotes from at least three carriers and compare total annual cost, not just monthly premium.
3
Check Provider Networks
Confirm your doctors, specialists and hospitals accept the plan before enrolling. South Carolina's six carriers use different HMO networks, so a provider who accepts Ambetter may not accept Molina Healthcare or Instil Health. Out-of-network care costs more and often requires full payment upfront. If you need out-of-network access as a routine matter, Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only carrier in the state offering a PPO plan.
4
Review Cost-Sharing Details
South Carolina's Silver HMO deductibles for 2026 range from $2,190 to $4,064 among the top five carriers, a $1,874 spread. On a $628 monthly plan, choosing a carrier with a $2,190 deductible instead of a $4,064 deductible saves $1,874 in out-of-pocket costs the first time you meet your deductible, more than two months of premiums. Raise your deductible to lower monthly payments only if you have enough savings to cover that amount when you need care. Your out-of-pocket maximum caps what you'll spend in a year beyond premiums.
5
Evaluate Plan Types
HMOs, PPOs, EPOs and POS plans are available throughout the country. HMOs cost less but require referrals to see specialists. PPOs give you direct access to specialists without prior approval, though premiums run higher. EPO plans skip the referral requirement like PPOs but don't cover out-of-network care, putting their premiums between HMOs and PPOs. POS plans are the most affordable plan type in South Carolina's Silver tier, running below HMO averages while still requiring referrals for specialist care.
6
Review Federal Programs
Premium tax credits through HealthCare.gov can cut your monthly cost considerably for qualifying South Carolina residents. A 40-year-old earning $35,000 per year may qualify for credits that reduce a $590 Ambetter Silver premium to well below $200 per month, depending on the credit amount. South Carolina did not expand Medicaid, so residents below the federal poverty level who don't qualify for marketplace plans have fewer options. If you have low income, a qualifying disability or are 65 or older, check out Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options.

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 cost the least but have smaller provider networks. PPO and EPO plans have bigger networks but cost more. South Carolina has no Platinum coverage.

The most consistent pattern in South Carolina's cost data is the POS tier advantage. POS plans undercut the next cheapest option across Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers, by $39 per month in Silver alone, but Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only carrier offering POS plans in the state. That means POS shoppers have no competitive alternative if Blue Cross Blue Shield's network or deductibles don't fit their needs. HMO plans offer the broadest carrier choice and the most competitive pricing for residents who can accept a more limited provider network.


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.

One pattern in this data surprised us. UnitedHealthcare, the lowest-scoring carrier on this list at 4.0 out of 5, has the second-lowest Silver HMO deductible in the state at $2,529, behind only First Choice Next. That's a finding most shoppers who sort by score alone would miss entirely. UnitedHealthcare's weak score comes from its $766 monthly premium, the most expensive Silver HMO rate in the state by $138. But for a South Carolina resident who expects to use a lot of health care in a given year and can absorb a high monthly cost, UnitedHealthcare's deductible picture is better than three of the five higher-ranked carriers. Score alone doesn't tell the full story here.

Use the table above as a starting point, not a final answer. If monthly premium is your first filter, start with Blue Cross Blue Shield. If deductible is your first filter, start with First Choice Next. If you want the best balance of both, read the Ambetter section first. If you're 60 or older, the By Age section below shows how rates shift for your profile before you commit to any carrier.

Best Health Insurance in South Carolina: Bottom Line

Ambetter and First Choice Next are the strongest choices for most South Carolina residents in 2026. Ambetter wins on the lowest out-of-pocket maximum in the Silver tier at $5,545, which limits your largest possible annual cost. First Choice Next wins on the lowest deductibles at $2,190, which matters most for residents who use health care regularly and want cost-sharing to start sooner.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is the right call if plan-type flexibility is the priority. It is the only carrier offering PPO and POS options in the state and its HMO Bronze plans start at $386 per month for 40-year-olds. The trade-off is higher Silver deductibles than any competing carrier. Compare all three before choosing.

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.

Should I choose Ambetter or First Choice Next in South Carolina?

The right choice depends on how often you use health care. Ambetter's Silver plan averages $590 per month with an out-of-pocket maximum of $5,545, the lowest in the state for this tier. First Choice Next costs $38 more per month at $628 but carries a $2,190 deductible, $1,022 lower than Ambetter's $3,212. If you expect to meet your deductible in a given year, First Choice Next's lower cost-sharing saves more than its premium premium costs. If you rarely use care, Ambetter's lower MOOP gives you better protection against a large unexpected medical event.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield worth the higher deductible in South Carolina?

Blue Cross Blue Shield's Silver HMO deductible of $4,064 is the highest among the six carriers we reviewed, $852 above Ambetter and $1,874 above First Choice Next. At $576 per month, it saves you x$14 monthly over Ambetter, but that savings takes five years to offset a single deductible gap. Blue Cross Blue Shield is worth choosing if you want plan-type flexibility. It is the only carrier in South Carolina offering PPO and POS plans, and its HMO Bronze options start at $386 per month, the lowest Bronze entry point in the state.

What is the best health insurance plan in South Carolina for someone on a budget?

Blue Cross Blue Shield's Silver HMO deductible of $4,064 is the highest in the state, $852 above Ambetter and $1,874 above First Choice Next. Its $14 monthly premium advantage over Ambetter takes five years to offset a single deductible gap. It is the only South Carolina carrier with PPO and POS plans. HMO Bronze starts at $386 per month.

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 (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 has produced original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.

He writes about economics and insurance on MoneyGeek so people can make coverage decisions with confidence. His insurance insights have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other media outlets.

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

Fitzpatrick earned his degrees from Johns Hopkins University (M.A. Economics and International Relations) and Boston College (B.A.). He began his career in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Read Full Bio »

Sources

HealthCare.gov. . "When Can I Enroll in Health Insurance." Accessed May 22, 2026.
HealthCare.gov. . "How to Apply and Enroll." Accessed May 22, 2026.

Best Health Insurance in South Carolina (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in South Carolina

Ambetter

First Choice Next

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Which Is the Best Health Insurance in South Carolina by Age and Plan Type?

Compare South Carolina Health Insurance Providers

How Do I Choose 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?

Should I choose Ambetter or First Choice Next in South Carolina?

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield worth the higher deductible in South Carolina?

What is the best health insurance plan in South Carolina for someone on a budget?

Our Review Methodology

Related Pages

Sources