Health Net provides California's overall health insurance with an average monthly premium of $367. While this is the case overall in the state, they may not be available to you, and we also recommend Valley Health, Western Health, Aetna Health and CCHP for some of the most affordable health plans in the state.
Most Affordable Health Insurance in California
Updated: June 6, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Health Net offers California's most affordable health insurance with an average monthly savings of $365 compared to the state average.
LA Care offers the best full coverage (platinum) plans, with rates starting as low as $446 per month.
To find the cheapest health insurance for you, decide on a coverage level within your budget, check subsidy eligibility and compare plans from several companies.
Most Affordable Health Insurance Companies in California
| Health Net | $367 | $365 |
| Valley Health | $393 | $339 |
| Western Health | $437 | $295 |
| Aetna Health of California Inc. | $601 | $131 |
| CCHP | $719 | $13 |
*These plans reflect rates for 40-year-olds who are not considered low-income.
Cheapest California Health Insurance Plans by Profile
While we've summarized the cheapest companies for most in California, the most affordable plan for you will differ widely depending on your desired coverage tier and age. Below, we've broken down the cheapest companies by category for most in the state:
- Cheapest For Young Adults: LA Care ($292 monthly)
- Cheapest For Seniors: LA Care ($774 monthly)
- Cheapest Bronze Plan: LA Care ($317 monthly)
- Cheapest Silver Plan: LA Care ($364 monthly)
- Cheapest Gold Plan: LA Care ($403 monthly)
- Cheapest Full Coverage (Platinum Plan): LA Care ($446 monthly)
While these are a good measure of the most affordable plans, this only represents the cheapest for 40-year-olds (26-year-olds for young adults and 60 for seniors), and your cheapest company and plan may differ for your profile. So below, we've created a filterable table that you can modify for plan tier and age to find your lowest rate match.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Plan Level:Silver
Select
Age:40
| LA Care | LA Care Silver 73 HMO | $364 | $247 | $6,100 |
Cheapest Health Insurance Plans by County in California
While Health Net is the cheapest provider overall, it also ranks as the most affordable and widely available for silver plans in most counties. Below, you can review which company and plan are most affordable in your area.
| Alameda | Kaiser Permanente | $410 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Alpine | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Amador | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Butte | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Calaveras | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Colusa | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Contra Costa | Kaiser Permanente | $410 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Del Norte | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| El Dorado | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Fresno | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Glenn | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Humboldt | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Imperial | Health Net | $384 | Silver 70 Ambetter HMO |
| Inyo | Health Net | $384 | Silver 70 Ambetter HMO |
| Kern | Health Net | $384 | Silver 70 Ambetter HMO |
| Kings | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Lake | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Lassen | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Los Angeles | LA Care | $335 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Madera | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Marin | Western Health | $524 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Mendocino | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Modoc | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Mono | Health Net | $384 | Silver 70 Ambetter HMO |
| Monterey | Valley Health | $457 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Napa | Western Health | $524 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Nevada | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Orange | Anthem Blue Cross | $373 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Placer | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Plumas | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Riverside | Inland Empire Health Plan | $385 | Inland Empire Health Plan Silver 70 HMO |
| Sacramento | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| San Benito | Valley Health | $457 | Silver 70 HMO |
| San Bernardino | Inland Empire Health Plan | $385 | Inland Empire Health Plan Silver 70 HMO |
| San Diego | Molina Health Care | $384 | Silver 70 HMO |
| San Francisco | Kaiser Permanente | $410 | Silver 70 HMO |
| San Luis Obispo | Blue Shield | $422 | Silver 70 Trio HMO |
| San Mateo | Kaiser Permanente | $410 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Santa Barbara | Blue Shield | $422 | Silver 70 Trio HMO |
| Santa Clara | Valley Health | $457 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Santa Cruz | Valley Health | $457 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Shasta | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Sierra | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Siskiyou | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Solano | Western Health | $524 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Sonoma | Western Health | $524 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Sutter | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Tehama | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Trinity | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Tuolumne | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Ventura | Blue Shield | $422 | Silver 70 Trio HMO |
| Yolo | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Yuba | Aetna Health of California Inc. | $402 | Silver 70 HMO |
How to Find the Cheapest Health Insurance in California
Follow these steps to find affordable health insurance in California:
- 1
Determine what coverage plan you need and can afford
Depending on your personal health circumstances and income, your type of coverage plan and tier needed will differ widely. To decide how much health insurance you should get, calculate how much income you can put aside for monthly premiums, consider your health and determine your risk for injury or disease based on your location, age and habits.
- 2
Find out your subsidy eligibility
Individuals with incomes between $14,580 and $54,000 qualify for premium tax credits, offering 40% to 100% cost reductions. Additionally, those earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is $36,450, can qualify for cost-sharing reductions to lower out-of-pocket expenses by up to 73%. Check your eligibility to benefit from these savings.
- 3
Consider federal programs if old enough
If you are old enough, consider exploring Medicare/Medicaid programs, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Supplement plans. They're often cheaper than traditional options and allow more flexibility with coverage choices.
- 4
Review prescription formularies
Review prescription coverages for medications you regularly take. Some insurers place common medications on lower tiers with reduced copays compared to competitors, potentially saving you hundreds annually.
- 5
Compare plans during Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15, but you may qualify for Special Enrollment if you've lost your job, experienced a divorce or had a child. During this time, consider the types of coverage, customer ratings, costs and the availability of your medical providers in the plan.
MONEYGEEK TIP: MAKE SURE TO APPLY PROMPTLY
Submit your application at least five days before the deadline to prevent technical hiccups. Gather your income details, Social Security numbers and immigration documents in advance for a seamless enrollment experience.
Most Affordable Health Insurance in California: Bottom Line
Health Net, Western Health, Valley Health, Aetna Health and CCHP are California's cheapest health insurance providers. While we recommend these options, you should compare as many plan types and tier quotes as possible from multiple companies to get the best deal.
Cheap California Health Insurance: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about cheap health insurance in California:
What is the cheapest health insurance in California?
In California, Health Net offers the cheapest health insurance, with silver plans starting at $367 for 40-year-olds. Your ideal option may vary, so also consider Western Health, Valley Health, Aetna Health and CCHP for affordable choices.
What are the downsides of a cheap health insurance plan?
Low-cost health insurance plans often mean high out-of-pocket expenses when accessing medical services. Higher-premium plans usually ensure broader coverage and reduce your out-of-pocket maximums significantly.
Do I qualify for subsidies on health insurance in California?
People earning $14,580 to $54,000 annually qualify for premium tax credits that reduce costs by 40% to 100%. Those earning under $36,450 (250% of the Federal Poverty Level) can also receive cost-sharing reductions that lower out-of-pocket expenses by up to 73%.
When can I enroll in health insurance in California?
Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15, but you may qualify for Special Enrollment if you've lost your job, experienced a divorce or had a child.
How We Decided the Cheapest Health Insurance Companies in California
MoneyGeek obtained data directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on available health insurance plans in California based on consumers aged 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. We considered the cheapest overall to be those that have the lowest monthly premium costs for 40-year-olds due to most in the state being near this age demographically and for simplicity. However, cheaper plans tend to have higher out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles, meaning you may pay more if you receive care.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.