Updated: December 29, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Sanford Health Plan delivers the best HMO and PPO plans in South Dakota, balancing affordable rates with comprehensive coverage.
Wellmark has the best EPO plans in South Dakota, with $740 average monthly premiums for Silver-tier plans.
Compare multiple insurer quotes, examine coverage limits and deductibles, and verify your preferred doctors participate in the network before choosing a plan.
Sanford Health Plan is the best health insurance provider in South Dakota for HMO and PPO policies, with the most affordable rates in the state for these plan types.
Wellmark features lower maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits and is best suited for shoppers who prefer EPO plans and more predictable cost sharing.
Sanford Health Plan | $547 | $5,881 | $2,748 | 4.5 | HMO, PPO |
Wellmark Of South Dakota, Inc. | $740 | $5,325 | $3,007 | 5 | EPO |
*Our picks reflect the best companies for 40-year-olds seeking Silver-tier plans. Rates vary by age and coverage level.
Average Monthly Rate
Average MOOP
Average Deductible
Average Monthly Rate
Average MOOP
Average Deductible
Based on age and network preference, some providers in South Dakota offer better plan structures and coverage access than others, as detailed below.
By Age:
By Network Type (40-year-olds):
Health insurance costs in South Dakota change based on your age, metal tier and provider choice.
| Avera Health Plans | $545 | HMO | Silver | $5,998 | $3,021 | 40 | No |
| Sanford Health Plan | $547 | HMO | Silver | $5,881 | $2,748 | 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.
Finding the right health insurance in South Dakota involves comparing your coverage needs, checking insurer reputations and exploring available enrollment options.
Compare monthly premiums against out-of-pocket limits based on how often you use health care. If you visit doctors frequently, plans with higher monthly costs but lower out-of-pocket maximums often result in long-term savings.
For those who rarely need care, lower-premium plans with higher deductibles may be more suitable. Review HMO, PPO and EPO plan types to understand network flexibility and referral requirements.
Research what plans insurers offer in your area and compare coverage terms, provider networks and benefits. Check company reputations through J.D. Power ratings and state complaint databases to verify claims handling and customer service quality before making your decision.
South Dakota rates vary based on age, plan type and coverage level. Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15. Special Enrollment applies after qualifying life events like job loss, marriage, divorce or having a child. Compare plans from different insurers.
Depending on your income, you may qualify for federal subsidies or reduced-cost plans through Healthcare.gov. Some South Dakota residents may be eligible for $0 premium plans based on income and family size.
Those 65 and older can explore Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans for additional coverage options.
HMO plans are the most affordable health insurance plans in South Dakota, with Silver coverage averaging $546 monthly. EPO plans cost $740 for Silver-tier coverage in the state, while PPO plans are the most expensive, averaging $765 monthly for Silver-tier coverage.
| HMO | $546 | $597 |
| EPO | $740 | $720 |
| PPO | $765 | $805 |
*Average monthly premiums for 40-year-olds in South Dakota by plan type. Rates vary by age and location.
Sanford Health Plan and Avera Health Plans lead South Dakota's Silver-tier HMO coverage options. Your best plan depends on your age, budget, health needs and preferred provider network. Get quotes from multiple insurers and compare premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums to find the right fit for your situation.
Answers about the best health insurance in South Dakota:
South Dakota does not require residents to have health insurance at the state level. Residents don't pay penalties for being uninsured. People may still qualify for federal subsidies through the health insurance marketplace to make coverage more affordable.
South Dakota's open enrollment period for 2026 health coverage begins November 1, 2025, and ends January 31, 2026. You must select your plan by December 31, 2025, to have coverage start January 1, 2026.
Yes, South Dakota residents can access free health insurance through Medicaid if they meet income requirements. Others qualify for premium subsidies through the federal marketplace that reduce monthly costs or eliminate them entirely.
Our ranking system evaluates health insurance plans based on three cost factors: monthly premiums, maximum out-of-pocket limits and deductibles.
Scoring breakdown:
We standardized all scores within each filter group. For Silver-tier HMO options, the best-performing plan earns a 5 out of 5 rating, with other plans scored relative to this top performer.
MoneyGeek examined every 2026 health plan offered in South Dakota for people ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Premium costs shown reflect 40-year-old rates unless stated otherwise. Our analysis covers Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum coverage levels.
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.
