Updated: December 12, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Anthem offers competitive premiums at $311 monthly, while Ambetter provides better out-of-pocket protection at $5,467 maximum.
Child-only health plans average $409 to $475 monthly depending on plan type and coverage level.
Apply through HealthCare.gov, Medicaid, or employer plans to find the best health insurance for children.
The best health insurance for children has to balance your budget with everyday care like checkups, vaccines and sick visits. Anthem offers some of the lowest premiums at $311 a month, with Kaiser Permanente close behind at $319, while Ambetter costs more at $381 but focuses more on keeping big medical bills manageable.
Look beyond price to see which plan includes strong pediatric networks and affordable prescriptions.
Low Premiums | Anthem | $311 | $7,248 | $4,241 |
Low MOOP | Ambetter | $381 | $5,467 | $3,302 |
Low Deductible | Kaiser Permanente | $319 | $5,657 | $3,100 |
These figures reflect Marketplace coverage for children ages 0 to 14. However, health plans for children cover those aged 0–18 or 19. So your child’s actual premium, deductible and out-of-pocket costs can be higher or lower depending on their exact age, where you live, the plan you choose and any subsidies or tax credits you qualify for.
Monthly Cost
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
Deductible
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
Monthly Cost
Deductible
Monthly Cost
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
Deductible
Plan type and metal tier determine what you'll pay monthly and when your child sees the doctor. HMOs and EPOs offer lower premiums with coordinated in-network care. PPO and POS plans cost more but let you see specialists without referrals. Lower metal tiers mean paying more at each visit to keep your monthly premium down. Higher tiers cover more of your costs upfront. The table below compares pricing across these plan types and metal tiers.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $377 | $7,847 | $7,097 |
| Cigna Healthcare | $349 | $7,613 | $5,625 |
Health insurance premiums vary by state and are influenced by age, family size and health history. When choosing a plan for your child, consider the trade-off between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Available plans will also vary by state.
The table below shows the states with the best health providers for children. Note that this is just a snapshot of the marketplace coverage. These plans may be subsidized or replaced by government programs.
| UnitedHealthcare | $222 | $7,950 | $7,950 |
A child-only health plan is often more affordable than adult coverage, but prices still vary by plan type. On average, an HMO for a child runs about $409 a month, while an EPO is closer to $430. POS plans average around $467, and PPO options land near $475. These numbers give you a realistic starting point when comparing plans on your state or federal Marketplace, especially if you're trying to match coverage to a child’s regular care needs or family budget.
| HMO | $409 | $4,910 |
| EPO | $430 | $5,162 |
| POS | $467 | $5,606 |
| PPO | $475 | $5,696 |
Figuring out how to get health insurance for your child can feel like a big job, but you really have a handful of clear paths. Most families piece things together from work coverage, public programs like Medicaid or CHIP, or plans they buy themselves through the Marketplace. The goal is simple: find a place where you can apply, see if your child qualifies and get a card in hand before they need care.
Medicaid for children | Medicaid is often the first stop for children in families with limited income. Kids qualify at higher income levels than adults in many states, and coverage is free or very low cost. You apply through your state’s Medicaid agency or, in many states, by starting an application on HealthCare.gov and choosing the Medicaid option when it appears. If your child qualifies, the state sends you information on how to pick a plan and use benefits. |
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) | If your income is too high for Medicaid but still feels tight, CHIP can fill that gap. It is designed specifically for kids and teens whose families do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot easily afford private coverage. You apply through your state’s Medicaid or CHIP office or by using the application path shown on InsureKidsNow.gov, which links directly to each state. Once approved, your child is enrolled in a CHIP plan run by the state or a partner insurer. |
Health Insurance Marketplace plans | You can also buy coverage for your child through the Health Insurance Marketplace. At HealthCare.gov or your state Marketplace site, you create an account, list everyone in your household and see plan options that cover children. The same application checks if your child should be moved to Medicaid or CHIP instead, which keeps you from guessing. During Open Enrollment, or after a qualifying life event like a birth or loss of other coverage, you can choose a child-only plan or add them to a family plan. |
Coverage through an employer | If you or your co-parent has job-based insurance, adding a child through that plan is often one of the smoothest routes. You usually complete a benefits form through your employer’s HR or online portal and provide basic details like your child’s name, date of birth and Social Security number if available. Many plans give you a short window after a birth, adoption or loss of other coverage to add a child, so it helps to let HR know as soon as your situation changes. |
Buying a child-only plan directly from an insurer | Some families prefer to go straight to an insurance company or a licensed broker to buy a child-only policy outside the Marketplace. This can make sense if you want plans from a company that is not listed on your state Marketplace or you already work with a trusted agent. The insurer will walk you through an application that looks similar to what you would complete on the Marketplace, but you will not get Marketplace-based premium tax credits on these plans. |
Short-term health plans for children | Short-term health insurance is sometimes offered to cover children for a brief gap, for example between moves or while waiting for other coverage to begin. Federal rules treat these as limited, non–ACA-compliant plans, which means they do not have to follow the same benefit and consumer protection standards as Marketplace, Medicaid or CHIP coverage. Families should look closely at what these plans leave out before using them and view them as a temporary fallback, not a main source of long-term coverage. |
Finding the best health insurance for your child starts with one question: what do they actually need over the next year. Once you’re clear on their doctors, medicines and likely visits, it’s much easier to tell which plans truly support your family and which just look cheap on the surface.
As you compare options on HealthCare.gov, your state Marketplace, Medicaid or CHIP, keep in mind that rules and eligibility vary by state, and speaking with a licensed insurance professional can help you understand what fits your situation best.
Look for strong coverage of well-child visits, vaccines, sick visits, urgent care, mental health services and, if needed, therapies or specialist care. Medicaid and CHIP plans for kids are required to cover a broad set of preventive and treatment services, including dental and vision in most states.
Instead of zeroing in on the premium, take a step back and look at what the plan could cost you over twelve months. A plan that looks cheap each month can add up quickly if every visit or prescription comes with a high bill. It’s smarter to look at your family’s likely medical use for the year and compare plans based on the whole financial picture and not just the price on the front.
Check whether your child’s pediatrician, specialists and nearby children’s hospital take the plan. Using in-network care usually means much lower bills. Think about office location, hours and how comfortable you and your child feel with the provider.
If your child takes regular medicine, uses an inhaler, insulin, an EpiPen or medical equipment, search the plan’s drug list. Confirm the medication is covered and note the copay tier. If your child has allergies, asthma, diabetes or another ongoing condition, this step can make a big difference in real costs.
Think about how often your child sees doctors and how far you’re willing to travel. A more limited network might work if most of your child’s care happens in one clinic. If you split time between homes or cities, a broader network could be worth paying more for.
If your child spends part of the year in another state for school, with relatives or on long visits, see how the plan handles urgent or emergency care away from home, and whether telehealth visits with their usual doctor are covered.
On federal and state Marketplaces you’ll see star ratings for member experience, clinical quality and customer service. When plans have similar prices and networks, these ratings can help you pick the option that treats families better when something goes wrong.
Think about upcoming milestones: sports seasons, mental health support, planned surgeries, braces or evaluations for learning or developmental needs. A plan with a slightly higher premium but better specialist and mental health coverage may protect your child more effectively over the full year.
Choosing the best health insurance for children means balancing monthly costs with financial protection. Anthem's $311 premiums work well for budget-conscious families, while Ambetter's lower out-of-pocket limits protect against unexpected bills. Child-only plans typically cost $409 to $475 monthly. Start your search through HealthCare.gov, Medicaid, CHIP or employer coverage.
Aside from the cost, there are various factors to consider when looking for the best health insurance for a child. We've answered some frequently asked questions to help you find the right plan for your child:
Health insurance provides financial protection against unexpected medical bills and ensures your child gets necessary care without delay. Coverage helps you access pediatric specialists, emergency services and routine checkups without overwhelming out-of-pocket costs that could strain your family budget.
Anthem offers the best value for budget-conscious families at $311 monthly, while Ambetter provides superior financial protection with a $5,467 out-of-pocket maximum.
Yes, you can purchase child-only health insurance through HealthCare.gov, directly from insurers, or check eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP programs. Child-only plans often cost less than adding children to family coverage and provide comprehensive pediatric benefits.
HMO plans offer the most affordable coverage at $409 monthly average, followed by EPO plans at $430. Medicaid and CHIP provide free or low-cost coverage for qualifying families, making them the most budget-friendly options available.
Private health insurance provides broader provider networks, shorter wait times and additional services beyond basic coverage. However, Medicaid and CHIP often offer comprehensive pediatric benefits at lower costs, making income-based eligibility assessment crucial for decision-making.
HMO and EPO plans work best for families prioritizing lower premiums and coordinated care, while PPO plans suit those wanting specialist access without referrals. Consider your pediatrician's network participation and your child's specific medical needs.
Start by checking Medicaid and CHIP eligibility for free or low-cost coverage based on your income. If you don't qualify, compare Marketplace plans focusing on monthly premiums versus out-of-pocket maximums, ensuring your child's pediatrician and hospital are in-network for affordable care.
Finding health insurance for children means balancing family budgets with comprehensive medical care that supports healthy development. Kids need regular checkups, vaccinations and unexpected injury coverage, but costs can strain household finances when you're covering multiple family members. We designed our analysis to identify which insurers provide the best financial protection for parents seeking quality children's health coverage.
We compared health insurance companies using three factors weighted by importance to families with children:
Affordability score (50%): Healthcare costs impact your family budget significantly when covering children's routine and emergency care. We evaluate three cost factors that roll up into your overall affordability score:
Quality score (40%): We evaluated plan performance using child-specific metrics to ensure kids get appropriate medical care. The Quality Rating System provides a 5-star rating measuring medical care, member experience and plan administration. Child and Adolescent Well-Care Visits Score reflects how consistently plans ensure young members receive preventive checkups and health screenings. Childhood Immunization Status Score indicates how effectively plans promote complete early childhood immunization. Providers with higher scores rank better.
Denial rate score (10%): Fewer denials mean less hassle getting your child's coverage approved when they need care. Insurers with lower denial rates score highest.
How We Score Different Plan Types and Metal Tiers
We normalized scores within each category for fair comparisons. The top insurer in each group receives a 5 out of 5, with others scored proportionally.
We used Silver HMO plans to identify our best for low premiums, best for medical care and best for low MOOP. However, each plan type (HMO, PPO, EPO and POS) and metal tier (Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum) is scored independently.
Sample Consumer
MoneyGeek collected data on all available health plans for consumers ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Monthly premiums are based on 0-14 years for parents looking for children's coverage since this represents the core pediatric age range, though health plans are available for 0-18 or 19 years of age so actual costs may vary. We analyzed costs using data from federal and state marketplaces and downloaded plan data directly from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in November for the 2026 enrollment period.
About Brenna Kelly
Brenna Kelly, the former Health Insurance Content Manager at MoneyGeek, is a licensed health insurance agent and real estate associate. She is qualified to provide expert insight and advice on medical insurance, disability, long-term care, critical illness, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans.
Kelly has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Applied Sociology from the University of Central Florida. She uses her content production experience and health insurance expertise to deliver informative articles.
