CareFirst provides the cheapest overall health insurance in the district, with an average monthly premium of $582. Availability can vary, so check out Kaiser Permanente, Health First, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare for affordable health plans.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Washington, D.C. (2025)
Updated: November 13, 2025
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Key Takeaways
CareFirst provides the district's most affordable health insurance, saving policyholders an average of $110 per month compared to the district average.
Kaiser Permanente offers highly rated full-coverage Platinum plans, with prices starting at $772 per month.
Choose a coverage level that fits your budget and check if you qualify for subsidies. After that, compare plans from different insurers to find the cheapest health insurance for your needs.
Most Affordable Health Insurance Companies in Washington, D.C.
| CareFirst | $582 | $110 |
*These plans reflect rates for 40-year-olds who aren't considered low-income.
Cheapest Washington, D.C., Health Insurance Plans by Profile
While we've summarized the cheapest companies for most in the district, the most affordable plan for you will differ widely depending on your desired coverage tier and age. Below are the cheapest companies by category for most in the area:
- Cheapest for Young Adults: Kaiser Permanente ($392 monthly)
- Cheapest for Seniors: Health First ($1,132 monthly)
- Cheapest Catastrophic Plan: CareFirst ($215 monthly)
- Cheapest Extended Bronze Plan: CareFirst ($483 monthly)
- Cheapest Bronze Plan: CareFirst ($483 monthly)
- Cheapest Silver Plan: Kaiser Permanente ($526 monthly)
- Cheapest Gold Plan: Kaiser Permanente ($608 monthly)
- Cheapest Full Coverage (Platinum Plan): Kaiser Permanente ($772 monthly)
While these are a good measure of the most affordable plans, they represent only 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. Below, is a filterable table you can modify by plan tier and age to find your lowest rate match.
Data filtered by:
Silver
40
| Kaiser Permanente | KP DC Silver Virtual Forward 3500 Ded | $526 | $47 | $8,000 |
How to Find the Cheapest Health Insurance in Washington, D.C.
Follow these steps to find affordable health insurance in Washington, D.C.:
- 1Plan Your Coverage and Monthly Costs
Your plan type and tier depend on your health needs and income. Estimate how much you can put toward monthly premiums and think about your health risks based on where you live, your age and your lifestyle.
- 2Check Your Subsidy Eligibility
People earning between $14,580 and $54,000 may qualify for premium tax credits that lower monthly costs by 40% to 100%. Those earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level ($36,450) may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions that cut out-of-pocket expenses by up to 73%.
- 3Look Into Federal Programs If You Qualify
If you're of suitable age, explore Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. These plans may offer more affordable and flexible alternatives to traditional plans.
- 4Review Prescription Coverage
Check each insurer’s prescription list for the medications you take regularly. Plans that place your medications on lower tiers with smaller copays help you save more and keep your prescriptions affordable throughout the year.
- 5Compare Plans During Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15, with Special Enrollment available if you experience certain life changes like job loss or shifts in family size. Compare plan types, pricing, reviews and provider networks to find coverage that fits your needs and budget.
MONEYGEEK TIP: MAKE SURE TO APPLY EARLY
Submit your application at least five days before the enrollment deadline to avoid technical problems. Have your income documents, Social Security numbers and any required immigration papers ready so the process goes smoothly.
Most Affordable Health Insurance in Washington, D.C.: Bottom Line
CareFirst, Kaiser Permanente and Health First offer the most affordable health insurance plans in the district. These are strong options, but it still helps to compare different plan types and tiers from several companies to find the best deal.
Cheap Washington, D.C., Health Insurance: FAQ
Many people have questions when trying to find affordable health insurance in the district. These are some of the most common ones to guide you as you compare plans:
What is the cheapest health insurance in Washington, D.C.?
CareFirst offers the cheapest health insurance in Washington, D.C., with Silver plans that start at $582 per month for 40-year-olds. Still, the right plan depends on your income and the coverage you want, so comparing a few providers helps you find the best fit.
What are the downsides of a cheap health insurance plan?
Compared to higher-priced plans, cheap health insurance has higher out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles and copays. More expensive plans reduce out-of-pocket expenses and offer more extensive health care coverage.
How We Decided the Cheapest Health Insurance Companies in Washington, D.C.
MoneyGeek obtained data directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on available health insurance plans in Washington, D.C., based on consumers aged 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60.
We considered the cheapest overall to be those with the lowest monthly premium costs for 40-year-olds, as most in the district are near this age demographic, 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.
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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.