Updated: December 21, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Oscar offers the lowest health insurance rates in Iowa with monthly premiums averaging $496, which is 14% below the state average.
Ambetter provides the most affordable coverage for young adults, adults, seniors and HMO plans in Iowa, while Avera Health Plans delivers the cheapest PPO rates and Oscar maintains the lowest EPO premiums.
Choose your coverage level within budget, verify subsidy eligibility and get quotes from at least three insurers.
The cheapest health insurance policies in Iowa come from Oscar, with an average monthly premium of $496. Oscar ranks as the most affordable statewide, with availability varying by county.
Consider Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc., Avera Health Plans, Ambetter, UnitedHealthcare and Medica for competitive health plan rates in the state.
| Oscar | $496 | $79 | $5,952 | $948 |
| Wellmark Health Plan Of Iowa, Inc. | $524 | $51 | $6,288 | $612 |
| Avera Health Plans | $548 | $27 | $6,576 | $324 |
| Ambetter | $557 | $18 | $6,684 | $216 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $634 | $59 | $7,608 | $708 |
| Medica | $729 | $154 | $8,748 | $1,848 |
* We calculate average monthly rates by taking the rounded average of each provider’s monthly plan rates in Iowa. We calculate average monthly savings by subtracting the statewide average monthly rate from each provider’s average to show how much cheaper they are than the overall state average. Your actual rates will vary based on age, location and chosen plan.
Average Monthly Rate
Average MOOP
Average Deductible
Though we've outlined the most affordable health insurance companies in Iowa, the most affordable plan for you varies based on age, plan type preference and metal level. You should also weigh premiums against deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs. We've organized the most affordable options by category below for most in the state.
| Children | Ambetter | $311 | $3,727 | $5,489 | $3,268 |
| Teens | Ambetter | $371 | $4,448 | $5,489 | $3,268 |
| Young Adults | Ambetter | $416 | $4,989 | $5,489 | $3,268 |
| Adults | Ambetter | $519 | $6,226 | $5,489 | $3,268 |
| HMO | Ambetter | $519 | $6,226 | $5,489 | $3,268 |
| EPO | Oscar | $523 | $6,281 | $5,760 | $3,176 |
| PPO | Avera Health Plans | $588 | $7,053 | $6,046 | $3,021 |
| Seniors | Ambetter | $1,102 | $13,223 | $5,489 | $3,268 |
* Rates shown are averages for silver-tier plans, using the following ages for each group: teens age 18, young adults age 26, adults age 40, seniors age 60. For plan type costs, we used average rates for 40-year-olds.
Your metal tier choice affects the balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Bronze plans offer the lowest monthly payments but require higher cost-sharing during doctor visits. Platinum plans have higher monthly costs but minimal expenses when seeking medical care.
Oscar offers Iowa's cheapest Catastrophic coverage at $350 monthly for 40-year-olds, though this plan type carries a $10,600 deductible and suits only those seeking emergency-only protection. Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa provides Expanded Bronze at $380 with a more manageable $5,719 deductible. For those needing broader coverage, Wellmark's Gold plans cost $495 monthly.
| Catastrophic | Oscar | $350 | $4,196 | $10,600 | $10,600 |
| Expanded Bronze | Wellmark Health Plan Of Iowa, Inc. | $380 | $4,563 | $7,163 | $5,719 |
| Gold | Wellmark Health Plan Of Iowa, Inc. | $495 | $5,938 | $5,925 | $1,513 |
| Silver | Ambetter | $519 | $6,226 | $5,489 | $3,268 |
* Rates shown are the provider's average at the given metal tier for 40-year-olds.
Check to find the most affordable health insurance options in Iowa that match your needs:
| Ambetter | Standard Silver | $505 | HMO | Silver | $5,657 | $3,100 | 40 | No |
| Wellmark Health Plan Of Iowa, Inc. | Wellmark Silver Primary Care | Unitypoint Health | $510 | HMO | Silver | $5,157 | $3,143 | 40 | No |
| Ambetter | Focused Silver | $511 | HMO | Silver | $5,321 | $3,436 | 40 | No |
| Ambetter | Standard Silver + Vision + Adult Dental | $527 | HMO | Silver | $5,657 | $3,100 | 40 | No |
| Ambetter | Focused Silver + Vision + Adult Dental | $533 | HMO | Silver | $5,321 | $3,436 | 40 | No |
| Wellmark Health Plan Of Iowa, Inc. | Wellmark Silver Traditional Hmo | $559 | HMO | Silver | $4,993 | $2,914 | 40 | No |
| Wellmark Health Plan Of Iowa, Inc. | Wellmark Standard Silver Hmo | $567 | HMO | Silver | $5,657 | $3,100 | 40 | No |
| UnitedHealthcare | Uhc Silver Value ($0 Virtual Urgent Care, $3 Tier 2 Rx, No Referrals) | $615 | HMO | Silver | $6,436 | $2,086 | 40 | No |
| UnitedHealthcare | Uhc Silver Standard (No Referrals) | $616 | HMO | Silver | $5,657 | $3,100 | 40 | No |
| UnitedHealthcare | Uhc Silver Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded ($0 Virtual Urgent Care, No Referrals) | $623 | HMO | Silver | $6,271 | No Data | 40 | No |
Use these steps to identify affordable coverage matching your healthcare needs while staying within budget.
Your ideal type of plan and metal tier depends on your health needs and financial situation. Start by calculating what you can afford monthly for premiums. Factor in your current health status and assess your risk level based on age, lifestyle and location to determine appropriate coverage.
Subsidy eligibility for 2026 health insurance depends on your household size and income. Financial assistance is available for incomes ranging from 100% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Families with lower incomes receive more substantial subsidies, while assistance decreases as earnings increase.
Seniors should investigate Medicare and Medicaid programs, including Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. These federal options often cost less than marketplace plans while offering greater flexibility in coverage decisions.
Check each plan's formulary for medications you take regularly. Insurance companies often categorize identical drugs differently, with some placing common prescriptions in lower-cost tiers that reduce your copays substantially.
The Open Enrollment window runs November 1 through January 15 annually. You might qualify for Special Enrollment after major life changes like job loss, divorce or adding a family member. Evaluate coverage types, insurer ratings, total costs and whether your preferred doctors participate in each network.
Iowa residents have access to specific insurers operating in the state marketplace. Compare local network coverage, especially if you live in rural areas where provider options may be limited. Consider telehealth benefits that can expand access to specialists regardless of your location in Iowa.
Oscar, Wellmark Health Plan Of Iowa, Inc. and Avera Health Plans offer Iowa's most affordable health insurance. These are our recommendations, though you should get quotes from multiple companies across different plan types and tiers to secure the best rate.
Below we answer questions about affordable health insurance in Iowa:
Oscar offers the most affordable health insurance in Iowa, with Silver plans averaging $496 monthly for 40-year-olds.
Cheap health insurance plans come with high deductibles ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually, limited provider networks that may exclude top specialists, and higher coinsurance rates of 30-50%. You'll pay substantially more out-of-pocket when accessing medical care.
Yes, you may qualify for health insurance subsidies through HealthCare.gov, Iowa's federal marketplace. Premium tax credits help reduce monthly costs for people earning 100% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Enter your household income during enrollment to see available subsidies and coverage options that fit your budget.
You can enroll in health insurance in Iowa during Open Enrollment from November 1 to January 15. You may also qualify for Special Enrollment outside this window if you experience a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage or having a baby.
We gathered plan information from the federal health insurance marketplace for consumers aged 18 to 60, specifically examining costs for 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60-year-olds. Our cheapest overall rankings focus on 40-year-olds' monthly premiums because this age group is most common demographically and provides clear comparison. Age-specific rankings use their corresponding premium costs. Keep in mind that lower premiums often come with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, which could increase your costs when receiving 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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
