Sendero Health Plans offers the best health insurance options in Texas with a 4.7 out of 5 MoneyGeek score. Its Silver HMO plans average $633 monthly, which is 15% below state averages for this plan type and metal tier. Christus Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter and Blue Cross Blue Shield also rank highly among Texas providers.
Best Health Insurance in Texas (2026)
Updated: January 30, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Sendero Health Plans delivers the best health insurance in Texas, providing HMO plans with an average rate of $633 for Silver-tier coverage.
Sendero Health Plans also provides the cheapest health insurance in Texas, with Silver-tier HMO plans averaging $633 per month.
Before choosing a health plan in Texas, compare multiple insurer quotes, examine coverage details and deductibles, and verify your doctors participate in the network.
Best Health Insurance Companies in Texas
| Sendero Health Plans | $633 | $5,457 | $1,890 | 4.7 | Sendero Health Capital Silver / $40 Pcp / $80 Specialist / $20 Generic Drugs |
| Christus Health Plan | $662 | $4,899 | $3,659 | 4.5 | Christus Value Silver 70 ($0 Virtual Urgent Care) |
| UnitedHealthcare | $732 | $5,542 | $2,237 | 4.4 | Uhc Sanitas Silver Value ($0 Virtual Urgent Care) |
| Ambetter | $691 | $5,489 | $3,268 | 4.2 | Focused Value Silver |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $804 | $5,949 | $2,007 | 4.2 | Myblue Health Silver℠ 405 |
| Imperial Insurance Companies | $696 | $5,764 | $3,818 | 4.0 | Imperial Standard Silver |
| Oscar | $701 | $6,014 | $3,404 | 4.0 | Silver Simple Breathe Easy With Enhanced Copd Benefits Guided Care |
| Molina Healthcare | $746 | $5,800 | $3,368 | 4.0 | Molina Silver Standard |
| Cigna Healthcare | $982 | $5,913 | $2,666 | 3.8 | Connect Silver 4000 Indiv Med Deductible |
*Our picks reflect the best companies for 40-year-olds seeking Silver-tier HMO plans. Rates vary by age and coverage level.
Sendero Health Plans
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
5/5Affordability
5/5Deductible
3.7/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$633Average MOOP
$5,457Average Deductible
$1,890
Christus Health Plan
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.9/5Affordability
2.5/5Deductible
5/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$662Average MOOP
$4,899Average Deductible
$3,659
UnitedHealthcare
MoneyGeek Rating
4.4/ 5
4.7/5Affordability
4.5/5Deductible
3.5/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$732Average MOOP
$5,542Average Deductible
$2,237
Ambetter
MoneyGeek Rating
4.2/ 5
4.8/5Affordability
3.1/5Deductible
3.6/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$691Average MOOP
$5,489Average Deductible
$3,268
Blue Cross Blue Shield
MoneyGeek Rating
4.2/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.8/5Deductible
2.5/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$804Average MOOP
$5,949Average Deductible
$2,007
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Texas in 2026?
Health insurance costs in Texas vary based on plan type, metal tier, age and location. HMO plans are the most affordable option, with Bronze coverage averaging $493 monthly and Gold at $650. POS plans cost more, ranging from $548 for Bronze to $720 for Gold. EPO plans fall between these options, with Silver averaging $764 and Gold at $678 monthly.
| EPO | No Data | $764 | $678 |
| HMO | $493 | $745 | $650 |
| POS | $548 | $858 | $720 |
*Average monthly premiums for 40-year-olds in Texas by plan type. Rates vary by age and location.
Compare Health Insurance Companies
Health insurance costs in Texas vary widely between providers and metal tiers. We compare plan type, age, coverage level and HSA eligibility to help you find suitable options.
Data filtered by:
HMO
Silver
40
No
| Sendero Health Plans | $633 | HMO | Silver | $5,457 | $1,890 | 40 | No |
| Christus Health Plan | $662 | HMO | Silver | $4,899 | $3,659 | 40 | No |
| Community Health Choice | $672 | HMO | Silver | $5,757 | $2,580 | 40 | No |
| Ambetter | $691 | HMO | Silver | $5,489 | $3,268 | 40 | No |
| Imperial Insurance Companies | $696 | HMO | Silver | $5,764 | $3,818 | 40 | No |
| Oscar | $701 | HMO | Silver | $6,014 | $3,404 | 40 | No |
| UnitedHealthcare | $732 | HMO | Silver | $5,542 | $2,237 | 40 | No |
| Molina Healthcare | $746 | HMO | Silver | $5,800 | $3,368 | 40 | No |
| Wellcare Health | $755 | HMO | Silver | $5,720 | $2,034 | 40 | No |
| Baylor Scott And White Health Plan | $793 | HMO | Silver | $5,612 | $2,557 | 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 Cheap Health Insurance in Texas
Finding the right and affordable health insurance in Texas involves evaluating your coverage needs, researching insurer reputations and exploring available enrollment options.
Decide on your coverage needs before buying
Compare monthly premiums against out-of-pocket limits before choosing a plan. If you visit doctors frequently, plans with higher monthly costs but lower maximum out-of-pocket limits often save money long-term.
For those rarely needing care, lower-premium plans with higher deductibles may work better. Review HMO, PPO and EPO plan types to understand network flexibility and referral requirements.
Compare company offerings and reputations
Research which 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 enrolling.
Shop around
Health insurance rates in Texas 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, birth of a child or losing existing coverage. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best value.
Take advantage of federal programs and subsidies
Texas residents may qualify for federal subsidies based on income, with some eligible for $0 premium plans.
Seniors 65 and older can access Medicare coverage options. Those meeting income requirements may qualify for reduced-cost marketplace plans. Medicare-eligible residents can explore Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans for additional coverage.
Bottom Line
Sendero Health Plans, Christus Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter and Blue Cross Blue Shield are the best health insurance companies in Texas for the 2026 plan year. The best plan for you depends on your age, health needs, network preferences and budget. Get quotes from multiple insurers and compare premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
Best Texas Health Insurance: FAQ
Answers about the best health insurance in Texas:
Is health insurance required in Texas?
No, Texas does not require residents to have health insurance. The state has no mandate or penalty for being uninsured. Residents can still access federal subsidies through the health insurance marketplace to make coverage more affordable if they qualify based on income.
Can you get free health insurance in Texas?
Yes, Texas residents can access free health insurance through Medicaid if they meet income requirements. Others qualify for marketplace subsidies that reduce or eliminate monthly premiums, making coverage affordable or free based on household income.
Which health insurance plan covers your doctors in Texas?
When you’re choosing a plan in Texas, start with insurers that score well on cost and coverage, like Sendero Health Plans, Christus Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Then use each company’s provider search tool to confirm your doctors are in-network before enrolling.
Which Texas health insurance plans are good for small business employers?
Small business employers in Texas can choose between traditional group health plans and Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRAs). With an ICHRA, you set a budget and employees buy their own marketplace plans from insurers like Ambetter, Blue Cross Blue Shield or Sendero, matching networks and costs to their needs.
How to get the best health insurance for freelancers or self-employed in Texas?
For freelancers or self-employed Texans, start by estimating how often you see doctors, then compare plans from different providers, such as Sendero Health Plans, Christus Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Balance premiums with deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket limits so routine care and surprise bills both stay manageable.
How to find cheapest health insurance in Texas if you don’t have employer insurance?
Bronze plans are usually the cheapest option in Texas as HMO Bronze coverage averages $493 a month, less than HMO Silver ($745) or Gold ($650). If that’s still too expensive, you can look at CHIP for kids, pregnancy-related Medicaid for qualifying women since Texas hasn't expanded Medicaid for adults, or low-cost care at community health centers.
How We Chose the Best Health Insurance in Texas
Our ranking system evaluates health insurance plans based on three 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 ratings.
- Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) score (20%): This is the annual spending cap for healthcare costs beyond your premium. Insurers with lower MOOP limits earn better scores.
- Deductible (20%): This amount must be paid before insurance begins covering costs. Plans with smaller deductibles get higher ratings.
We standardized all scores within each filter group. The best-performing Silver-tier HMO 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 Texas for people ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Premium costs shown reflect 40-year-old rates unless stated otherwise. Our analysis covers all available tiers: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
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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.