Updated: May 22, 2024
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Health insurance costs vary by metal tier. For the cheapest plans in Texas, consider Sendero Health for Bronze, Community Health Choice for Expanded Bronze and Silver, Blue Cross Blue Shield for Gold and Christus Health for Catastrophic.
If you're looking to balance affordability with high quality and ample coverage options, MoneyGeek also analyzed the best health insurance in Texas.
CheapestHealth InsuranceTexasMost Affordable Health Insurance in Texas
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for Texas directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in October, the latest available data for the 2024 enrollment period.
Health insurance costs fluctuate across metal tiers, reflecting a trade-off between monthly premiums and the financial risk associated with deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
The Community Select Silver 019 plan from Community Health Choice is the most affordable option in the popular Silver tier for Texans, with a monthly cost of $470 and cost-sharing plan eligibility. For those willing to risk higher out-of-pocket costs, Bronze plans offer a way to reduce monthly expenses.
Discover the most affordable health insurance plans in Texas across different metal tiers:
Catastrophic plans are available only to individuals under 30 or with a qualifying medical exemption.
For more information on affordable options, explore cheap health insurance plans that cater to a variety of needs and budgets.
| Catastrophic | PlanCHRISTUS Catastrophic | CompanyChristus Health | Monthly Cost$311 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Expanded Bronze | PlanCommunity Select Bronze 016 | CompanyCommunity Health Choice | Monthly Cost$321 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Bronze | PlanSendero Health Reliable Bronze High Deductible | CompanySendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit | Monthly Cost$348 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 |
| Gold | PlanMyBlue Health Gold℠ 403 | CompanyBlue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$394 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Silver | PlanCommunity Select Silver 019 | CompanyCommunity Health Choice | Monthly Cost$470 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 |
In the Texas health insurance marketplace, consumers can choose from several metal tiers: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each tier differently balances monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses when accessing care. Generally, plans with more valuable metals, like Gold, have higher monthly premiums but lower costs when you receive medical care. Bronze plans tend to have lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs.
For individuals earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are available on Silver plans. CSRs lower the amount you must pay for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance, making health care more accessible and affordable.
The most affordable Silver plan in Texas is the Community Select Silver 019 offered by Community Health Choice, with a monthly cost of $470. The three most affordable Silver health insurance plans in Texas are:
Silver plans are ideal for individuals who expect moderate medical expenses and want a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) can further lower the amount you'll pay out of pocket and are available to those who qualify based on income.
| Community Health Choice | Monthly Cost$470 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanCommunity Select Silver 019 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$475 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanMyBlue Health Silver℠ 405 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Monthly Cost$480 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanUHC Kelsey-Seybold Silver Copay Focus |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$493 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanMyBlue Health Silver℠ 807 |
| Aetna | Monthly Cost$510 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,885 | PlanSilver 5: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 walk-in clinic + $0 Virtual Care options 24/7 |
The most affordable Gold-tier plan in Texas is the MyBlue Health Gold℠ 403 offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a monthly cost of $394. The three most affordable Gold health insurance plans in Texas are:
Gold plans are best if you anticipate regular medical expenses and want comprehensive coverage. These plans offer lower out-of-pocket costs in exchange for higher monthly premiums.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$394 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanMyBlue Health Gold℠ 403 |
| Community Health Choice | Monthly Cost$406 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanCommunity Select Gold 022 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Monthly Cost$422 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,000 | PlanUHC Kelsey-Seybold Gold Copay Focus |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$427 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,700 | PlanMyBlue Health Gold℠ 808 |
| Oscar | Monthly Cost$465 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,700 | PlanGold Classic Standard |
The cheapest Bronze plan in Texas is the Sendero Health Reliable Bronze High Deductible offered by Sendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit, at $348 per month. The three most affordable Bronze health insurance plans in Texas are:
Bronze plans offer lower monthly premiums but come with higher out-of-pocket costs, meaning they're best if you're in good health and don't expect to incur high medical expenses. When you do need medical services, be prepared to pay more than with plans in higher metal tiers.
| Sendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit | Monthly Cost$348 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 | PlanSendero Health Reliable Bronze High Deductible |
| Cigna | Monthly Cost$362 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanConnect Bronze 9450 Indiv Med Deductible |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$398 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Advantage Bronze HMO℠ 301 |
| Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc. | Monthly Cost$410 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanImperial Preferred Bronze |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$430 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Advantage Plus Bronze℠ 305 |
The most affordable Expanded Bronze plan in Texas is the Community Select Bronze 016 offered by Community Health Choice, with a monthly premium of $321. The three cheapest Expanded Bronze health insurance plans in Texas are:
Expanded Bronze plans offer moderate premiums for those who expect average medical expenses. They're a middle-ground option for those who find standard Bronze plans too limiting.
| Community Health Choice | Monthly Cost$321 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanCommunity Select Bronze 016 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$325 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanMyBlue Health Bronze℠ 402 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$341 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 | PlanMyBlue Health Bronze℠ 806 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Monthly Cost$349 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanUHC Kelsey-Seybold Bronze Copay Focus |
| Moda | Monthly Cost$360 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 | PlanModa Select Texas Standard Bronze |
The cheapest Catastrophic plan in Texas for qualifying individuals is the CHRISTUS Catastrophic offered by Christus Health at $249 per month. The two most affordable Catastrophic health insurance plans in Texas are:
Catastrophic plans are designed for adults under 30 or those with a hardship exemption. These plans have low premiums but high out-of-pocket costs, making them suitable for those who want to minimize monthly expenses while still having a safety net for major medical events. They are not recommended for those who expect regular medical visits or need frequent prescriptions.
| Christus Health | Monthly Cost$249 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanCHRISTUS Catastrophic |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$289 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Advantage Security HMO℠ 200 |
Texans earning up to 250% below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) have access to cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) on Silver plans, significantly reducing deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
The most affordable Silver plan for individuals earning between $14,580 and $21,870 per year is the Community Select Silver 019 from Community Health Choice, with a maximum out-of-pocket cost (MOOP) of $1,600.
CSRs in Texas are available exclusively with Silver plans. The qualifying income range mentioned above is for single individuals and may vary based on household size.
| Community Health Choice | Monthly Cost$470 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,600 | PlanCommunity Select Silver 019 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$475 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,000 | PlanMyBlue Health Silver℠ 405 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Monthly Cost$480 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,500 | PlanUHC Kelsey-Seybold Silver Copay Focus |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$493 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,800 | PlanMyBlue Health Silver℠ 807 |
| Aetna | Monthly Cost$510 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,275 | PlanSilver 5: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 walk-in clinic + $0 Virtual Care options 24/7 |
Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) lower the amount you pay for deductibles, copays and co-insurance on Silver health insurance plans. Individuals earning up to 250% below the Federal Poverty Level qualify.
For example, the Community Select Silver 019 plan for a 40-year-old has a maximum out-of-pocket limit of $1,600 with a 94% actuarial value (AV) level Silver plan, compared with $7,250 for the same plan at a 73% AV level — demonstrating significant savings with CSRs.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are Texas's most popular health insurance plan type. Those seeking alternatives can access various plans, including Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) and Point of Service (POS) options.
The most affordable options by plan type in Texas are:
| Community Health Choice | Monthly Cost$470 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanCommunity Select Silver 019 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$475 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanMyBlue Health Silver℠ 405 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Monthly Cost$480 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanUHC Kelsey-Seybold Silver Copay Focus |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$493 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanMyBlue Health Silver℠ 807 |
| Aetna | Monthly Cost$510 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,885 | PlanSilver 5: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 walk-in clinic + $0 Virtual Care options 24/7 |
Although HMO is the most common health insurance plan type in Texas, it's not the only one. Here's a breakdown of the differences between each plan type:
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): HMO plans require patients to select a primary care physician and get referrals to see specialists. The main advantage is lower out-of-pocket costs and comprehensive coverage within its network. However, there's limited flexibility in choosing providers, and going outside the network usually results in spending more for care.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): EPO plans allow patients to see any doctor within the network without a referral. Although EPOs have more choices than HMOs and often have lower premiums than POS plans, out-of-network care is typically only covered in emergencies.
Point of Service (POS): POS plans combine elements of HMO and PPO plans. They offer more flexibility than HMOs — because patients can see both in-network and out-of-network providers — but out-of-network care comes with higher out-of-pocket costs. Specialist visits usually require referrals, which can be a drawback for those seeking direct access to care.
Health insurance plan options and costs can differ significantly depending on your county. Compare the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest Texas counties, for example:
The following table provides a comprehensive overview of plans available across all Texas counties, ensuring you can find the right coverage where you live.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$429 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanMyBlue Health Silver℠ 807 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$431 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanMyBlue Health Silver℠ 405 |
Age significantly influences health insurance rates within metal tiers. For instance, a Silver plan costs $422 monthly for an 18-year-old in Texas, but a 60-year-old pays $1,254 per month — a stark difference of $832.
Metal tiers also affect pricing. A 40-year-old would pay $414 for a Bronze plan, $99 less than the $513 monthly cost of a Gold plan, highlighting the premium for more comprehensive coverage.
Going by rates from 2023, the chart below shows how health insurance premiums within the same metal tier are typically more expensive for older adults.
Texas has numerous health insurance options available in Texas to meet your specific health care needs. This includes private insurance plans in the marketplace categorized by metal tiers — Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Catastrophic — as well as government programs like Medicaid and Medicare.
The open enrollment period in Texas typically occurs from November 1 to December 15 each year. During this time, residents can shop for private health insurance coverage through the marketplace, change existing plans or enroll in a new one. Coverage for plans selected during this period starts on January 1 of the following year. If you miss the open enrollment deadline, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period unless life events like marriage or childbirth qualify you for special enrollment.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program designed to provide health care coverage to individuals and families with low income. In Texas, Medicaid eligibility is determined based on income, family size and other factors. The program primarily serves children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Income limits vary by group — for example, pregnant women can qualify with an income up to 198% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). By offering essential health care services at reduced or no cost, Medicaid aims to improve access to quality health care for vulnerable populations.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed for individuals 65 and older, although certain younger people with disabilities may also qualify. In Texas, as in other states, Medicare is divided into parts to cover various health care needs. Part A covers hospital stays and inpatient care, Part B covers outpatient and preventive care, Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage) offers an alternative to traditional Medicare with additional benefits, and Part D covers prescription drugs.
For those seeking more comprehensive coverage, MoneyGeek found the best Medicare Advantage plans in Texas and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Texas.
When looking for health insurance, you may have questions about cost and availability. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about cheap private health insurance in Texas to help you learn more.
The cheapest Silver plan in Texas for individuals aged 40 is the Community Select Silver 019 provided by Community Health Choice, with a monthly cost of $470. The cheapest Gold plan in Texas is the MyBlue Health Gold℠ 403 from Blue Cross Blue Shield, costing $394 per month. Both plans offer competitive rates and are tailored to meet diverse health care needs.
Although you'll pay a lower monthly premium for a cheap health insurance plan, you may pay higher out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services. More expensive plans cover more comprehensive services and considerably lower your out-of-pocket maximums.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
