Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the cheapest overall health insurance in Illinois, with an average monthly premium of $243. However, availability may vary, so we also recommend Ambetter, Molina, Health Alliance and Oscar for some of the most affordable health plans in the state.
Most Affordable Health Insurance in Illinois
Updated: June 6, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the most affordable health insurance in Illinois, with average monthly savings of $498 compared to the state average.
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the best full coverage gold plans, with rates starting at $471 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 Illinois
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $243 | $498 |
| Molina | $336 | $405 |
| Ambetter | $346 | $395 |
| Health Alliance | $403 | $338 |
| Oscar | $463 | $278 |
*These plans reflect rates for 40-year-olds who are not considered low-income.
Cheapest Illinois Health Insurance Plans by Profile
While we've summarized the cheapest companies for most in Illinois, the most affordable plan for you will differ widely depending on your desired coverage tier and age. So below we've broken down the cheapest companies by category for most in the state:
- Cheapest For Young Adults: Blue Cross Blue Shield ($310 monthly)
- Cheapest For Seniors: Blue Cross Blue Shield ($823 monthly)
- Cheapest Catastrophic Plan: Oscar ($322 monthly)
- Cheapest Expanded Bronze Plan: Blue Cross Blue Shield ($315 monthly)
- Cheapest Silver Plan: Blue Cross Blue Shield ($387 monthly)
- Cheapest Gold Plan: Blue Cross Blue Shield ($471 monthly)
While these are a good measure of the most affordable plans, they only represent 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 by plan tier and age to find your lowest rate match.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Plan Level:Silver
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Age:40
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | MyBlue Plus Silver℠ 906 | $387 | $283 | $9,200 |
Cheapest Health Insurance Plans by County in Illinois
While Blue Cross Blue Shield ranks as the cheapest provider overall, it also dominates in affordability and availability for silver plans in most counties. Below, you can review which company and plan are most affordable in your area.
| Adams | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Bond | Aetna | $401 | Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 CVS Health Virtual Care 24/7 |
| Boone | MercyCare Health Plans | $526 | MercyCare HMO Silver Option A |
| Brown | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Bureau | Ambetter | $397 | Clear Silver |
| Calhoun | Aetna | $401 | Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 CVS Health Virtual Care 24/7 |
| Carroll | MercyCare Health Plans | $526 | MercyCare HMO Silver Option A |
| Cass | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Christian | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Clinton | Aetna | $401 | Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 CVS Health Virtual Care 24/7 |
| Cook | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $379 | Blue FocusCare Silver℠ 210 |
| DeKalb | MercyCare Health Plans | $526 | MercyCare HMO Silver Option A |
| Dupage | Molina | $401 | Silver 8 |
| Fulton | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $443 | Blue Precision Silver HMO℠ 206 |
| Greene | Aetna | $401 | Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 CVS Health Virtual Care 24/7 |
| Grundy | Oscar | $383 | Silver Classic Standard |
| Hancock | Ambetter | $397 | Clear Silver |
| Henderson | Ambetter | $397 | Clear Silver |
| Henry | Ambetter | $397 | Clear Silver |
| Jersey | Aetna | $401 | Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 CVS Health Virtual Care 24/7 |
| Jo Daviess | MercyCare Health Plans | $526 | MercyCare HMO Silver Option A |
| Kane | Molina | $401 | Silver 8 |
| Kankakee | Oscar | $383 | Silver Classic Standard |
| Kendall | Oscar | $383 | Silver Classic Standard |
| Knox | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $443 | Blue Precision Silver HMO℠ 206 |
| LaSalle | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $443 | Blue Precision Silver HMO℠ 206 |
| Lake | Ambetter | $397 | Clear Silver |
| Lee | MercyCare Health Plans | $526 | MercyCare HMO Silver Option A |
| Logan | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Macon | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Macoupin | Aetna | $401 | Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 CVS Health Virtual Care 24/7 |
| Madison | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Marshall | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $443 | Blue Precision Silver HMO℠ 206 |
| Mason | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| McDonough | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $443 | Blue Precision Silver HMO℠ 206 |
| McHenry | Ambetter | $397 | Clear Silver |
| Menard | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Mercer | Ambetter | $397 | Clear Silver |
| Monroe | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Montgomery | Aetna | $401 | Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 CVS Health Virtual Care 24/7 |
| Morgan | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Moultrie | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Ogle | MercyCare Health Plans | $526 | MercyCare HMO Silver Option A |
| Peoria | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $443 | Blue Precision Silver HMO℠ 206 |
| Pike | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Putnam | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $443 | Blue Precision Silver HMO℠ 206 |
| Randolph | Aetna | $401 | Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 CVS Health Virtual Care 24/7 |
| Rock Island | Ambetter | $397 | Clear Silver |
| Sangamon | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Schuyler | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Scott | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Shelby | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| St. Clair | UnitedHealthcare | $437 | UHC Silver Virtual First (Disponible en espanol) |
| Stark | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $443 | Blue Precision Silver HMO℠ 206 |
| Stephenson | MercyCare Health Plans | $526 | MercyCare HMO Silver Option A |
| Tazewell | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $443 | Blue Precision Silver HMO℠ 206 |
| Warren | Ambetter | $397 | Clear Silver |
| Washington | Aetna | $401 | Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 CVS Health Virtual Care 24/7 |
| Whiteside | Ambetter | $397 | Clear Silver |
| Will | Oscar | $383 | Silver Classic Standard |
| Winnebago | MercyCare Health Plans | $526 | MercyCare HMO Silver Option A |
| Woodford | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $443 | Blue Precision Silver HMO℠ 206 |
How to Find the Cheapest Health Insurance in Illinois
Follow these steps to find affordable health insurance in Illinois:
- 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 a 40% to 100% reduction in costs. Those earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, or $36,450, can also qualify for cost-sharing reductions that lower out-of-pocket expenses by up to 73%.
- 3
Consider federal programs if old enough
If you are old enough, explore Medicare/Medicaid programs, Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. These plans are often more affordable than traditional health insurance and offer more flexible coverage options.
- 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 is from November 1 to January 15, with Special Enrollment available after life events like job loss, divorce or childbirth. When comparing plans, consider coverage types, customer ratings, costs and provider availability to ensure you select an insurance plan that best fits your needs.
MONEYGEEK TIP: MAKE SURE TO APPLY PROMPTLY
To avoid technical issues, apply for coverage at least five days before the enrollment deadline. Prepare your income verification, Social Security numbers and immigration papers ahead of time for a smooth application process.
Most Affordable Health Insurance in Illinois: Bottom Line
Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Alliance, Ambetter, Molina and Oscar are the most affordable health insurance companies in Illinois. 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 Illinois Health Insurance: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about cheap health insurance in Illinois:
What is the cheapest health insurance in Illinois?
In Illinois, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the most affordable health insurance, with silver plans starting at $243 for 40-year-olds. However, also consider plans from Health Alliance, Ambetter, Molina and Oscar based on your budget and requirements
What are the downsides of a cheap health insurance plan?
With cheap health insurance plans, you're likely to face higher costs such as copays and deductibles during medical services. Meanwhile, pricier plans generally deliver extensive benefits and reduced out-of-pocket limits.
Do I qualify for subsidies on health insurance in Illinois?
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 Illinois?
Open Enrollment is from November 1 to January 15, with Special Enrollment available after life events like job loss, divorce or childbirth.
How We Decided the Cheapest Health Insurance Companies in Illinois
MoneyGeek obtained data directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on available health insurance plans in Illinois 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.