We analyzed health insurance options across plan types to find the best coverage for retirees ages 60-65. UnitedHealthcare leads with a MoneyGeek score of 93 and $787 monthly rates for Silver HMO coverage. Your plan type affects doctor access and costs: HMO and EPO plans require in-network care with lower premiums, while POS and PPO plans let you see out-of-network providers but cost more monthly.
Best Health Insurance for Seniors & Retirees (2025)
Updated: October 29, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
UnitedHealthcare offers the best health insurance for seniors under 65 with Silver HMO plans at $787 monthly, saving 28% versus national averages.
PPO plans from Oscar cost $1,144 monthly but let you see any doctor without referrals and still cover out-of-network care.
COBRA continuation, marketplace plans with subsidies and Medicaid bridge the coverage gap until you qualify for Medicare at 65.
Best Health Insurance for Seniors
Best HMO | UnitedHealthcare | $787 | $8,988 | 93 |
Best EPO | Aetna Life Insurance Company | $842 | $9,100 | 94 |
Best POS | Ambetter | $1,023 | $8,917 | 95 |
Best PPO | Oscar | $1,144 | $8,840 | 99 |
These rates are for a 60 year old buying a Marketplace Silver-tier plan. Your actual rates depend on multiple factors.
Best HMO Health Insurance for Seniors: UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare
MoneyGeek Score:
93/ 100
Overview
UnitedHealthcare delivers the best HMO health insurance for seniors under 65 through Silver tier plans that balance affordability with solid coverage. At $787 monthly for 60-year-olds, you'll save 28% compared to the national average while keeping your maximum out-of-pocket costs at $8,988.
UnitedHealthcare earned a 93 overall score in our analysis, ranking among the top marketplace insurers for early retirees. The company's nationwide network includes 1.7 million physicians, giving you extensive choice within your HMO plan. After meeting your deductible, you'll pay predictable copays for primary care and specialists, with prescription costs starting at $8 for generic drugs at over 40,000 network pharmacies.
The Silver-tier coverage provides comprehensive benefits, including preventive care, emergency services and hospitalization.
Best EPO Health Insurance for Seniors: Aetna Life Insurance
Aetna Medicare
MoneyGeek Score:
94/ 100
Overview
Aetna Life Insurance offers affordable EPO coverage for people nearing Medicare eligibility. Silver plans average $842 monthly for 60-year-olds, 21% less than the national average, which matters when managing pre-retirement health care costs.
EPO plans work differently from what most people know. You stay in-network for coverage, but don't need referrals to see specialists. Want to see a cardiologist? Book directly. No primary care doctor approval required. Aetna scored 5 out of 5 in our affordability analysis and ranked 2nd nationally.
However, the company announced it's leaving the ACA marketplace in 2026. You'll need to switch insurers during 2026 open enrollment, but for 2025 coverage, Aetna delivers solid value for pre-Medicare seniors who want direct specialist access without referral paperwork.
Best POS Health Insurance for Seniors: Ambetter
Ambetter
MoneyGeek Score:
95/ 100
Overview
Need health insurance that won't drain your retirement savings? Ambetter's Silver POS plans cost $1,023 monthly for 60-year-olds, which beats the national average by $187. That's real money you can keep in your pocket each month while you wait for Medicare eligibility at 65.
POS plans let you see out-of-network doctors without losing coverage completely. You'll pay less when you stay in Ambetter's network, but you can still get care from your preferred specialist even if they're not in-network. The $8,917 out-of-pocket maximum caps your annual medical costs, and the 15% denial rate means your claims get approved more often than with most competitors.
The plan includes heart disease management at no extra cost, which matters for seniors managing conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol. You can earn rewards through the My Health Pays program for wellness activities like getting your annual checkup or flu shot, then use those rewards toward copays or premiums.
Best PPO Health Insurance for Retirees: Oscar
Oscar
MoneyGeek Score:
99/ 100
Overview
Oscar's Silver PPO plans give 60-year-olds the network freedom they want at $1,144 monthly. PPO plans let you see any doctor without referrals and still get coverage for out-of-network care. You'll pay less when you stay in Oscar's network, but you won't lose coverage if your longtime specialist works outside it.
The $8,840 out-of-pocket maximum caps your annual medical costs. The diabetes management program is included, helping you control blood sugar and avoid complications without extra fees.
On most plans, Oscar's tech-first approach gives you $0 virtual urgent care visits through Oscar Medical Group. The health care app connects you to your care team, tracks your medical history, and helps you find in-network doctors near you. You'll pay $3 for commonly prescribed medications. Oscar doesn't offer HSA-eligible plans at this tier, and monthly premiums run higher than network-restricted options.
Best Health Insurance for Seniors by Metal Level
Your monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs move in opposite directions across metal tiers.
Bronze plans cost $650 monthly and work if you rarely see a doctor. You'll pay more when you actually need care. Silver plans run $787 monthly and qualify you for cost-sharing subsidies if eligible. Gold plans at $825 monthly cover more of your bills upfront, so they're worth it if you have regular prescriptions or ongoing treatments.
| Catastrophic | Sanford Health Plan | $512 | $6,141 | $9,450 |
| Bronze | CareFirst BlueChoice | $650 | $7,803 | $8,683 |
| Expanded Bronze | Physicians Health Plan | $700 | $8,399 | $8,950 |
| Silver | UnitedHealthcare | $787 | $9,447 | $8,988 |
| Gold | Innovation Health Plan, Inc. | $825 | $9,902 | $8,948 |
| Platinum | Molina Health Care | $997 | $11,961 | $4,500 |
Note that Catastrophic plans are only available in some areas and are limited to a specific population. Generally, Catastrophic plans are only available to people under 30. However, older adults can purchase them if they do not have any other choices that cost less than 8.09% of their monthly income.
SENIOR HEALTH CARE COSTS: DO THE MATH
Low premiums often result in high deductibles, which may not be ideal for seniors who need to visit the doctor regularly. Instead, seniors may want to opt for a policy with a higher premium, lower deductible and better coverage. This way, cost-sharing can begin sooner, benefiting people frequently seeking care.
Best Health Insurance by State for Retirees
Finding quality health insurance at 60 means balancing monthly costs with comprehensive coverage. The three best health insurance plans nationwide for 60-year-olds are:
- Aetna Health of California: $723 per month
- Aetna Health (Virginia): $850 per month
- Kaiser Permanente (Maryland): $878 per month
Your actual premium depends on your state, tobacco use, income level and household size. The best plan matches your expected health care needs with your budget. The table below shows each state's top-ranked health insurance plan for a typical 60-year-old, including monthly premiums and maximum out-of-pocket costs:
Data filtered by:
Arizona
| Aetna | $1,187 | $14,249 | $8,775 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $1,265 | $15,184 | $8,243 |
| Oscar | $899 | $10,784 | $8,820 |
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost for Retirees?
Monthly premiums for 60-year-olds range from $1,208 to $1,517, depending on your plan type and network size. Your actual premium varies based on your state, age, tobacco use and income. Below we've added the average cost for seniors by each plan type:
| EPO | $1,278 | $15,335 |
| POS | $1,473 | $17,676 |
| PPO | $1,517 | $18,209 |
| HMO | $1,208 | $14,501 |
How to Bridge Health Insurance Until Medicare
Retiring before 65 creates a health insurance gap since Medicare doesn't start until then. Getting health insurance for medical expenses during this period could cost thousands out of pocket without insurance. Several options can bridge this gap, including COBRA continuation, marketplace plans with potential subsidies, Medicaid for qualifying income levels and short-term policies for temporary needs.
- 1Employer-Sponsored Coverage Through Your Spouse
You can join your working spouse's employer health plan if they have coverage. Premiums will increase when you add yourself, but this option provides comprehensive benefits. Contact their HR department to understand costs and enrollment deadlines. Coverage remains active as long as your spouse stays employed with benefits.
- 2COBRA Continuation Coverage
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) lets you keep your employer's health plan after retirement for 18 to 36 months. You'll pay the full premium plus a 2% administrative fee. Apply within 60 days of losing your job-based insurance.
- 3Marketplace Health Plans
The Health Insurance Marketplace offers comprehensive coverage that meets Affordable Care Act standards. Losing employer insurance qualifies you for a special enrollment period outside the usual November-January window. You may be eligible for premium tax credits if your household income falls between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, which can reduce monthly costs by hundreds of dollars.
- 4Short-Term Health Plans
Short-term plans offer temporary insurance for up to 12 months in most states. Monthly premiums run lower than comprehensive plans, but these policies exclude pre-existing conditions and preventive care. Your insurance company can deny coverage based on your medical history. Consider this option only if you're healthy and need brief coverage between other insurance types.
- 5Medicaid Coverage
Medicaid is an affordable health insurance option for low-income individuals and early retirees, if your income qualifies. Income limits vary by state from 138% to 215% of the federal poverty level. Assets aren't counted in most states that expanded Medicaid. Apply through your state's Medicaid office or the Healthcare.gov marketplace, which will route your application to the appropriate program
How to Find the Best Health Insurance for Seniors
Finding the right health insurance before 65 takes work, but it's worth it. You'll want coverage that fits your medical needs without draining your savings. Compare plans from multiple insurers and check what your doctors accept. Your health conditions, prescriptions and budget all shape your best choice.
Compare Multiple Marketplace Plans
Visit HealthCare.gov during open enrollment (November 1 through January 15) to see your options. Plans come in four metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Silver plans work well for early retirees because they qualify for cost-sharing reductions if you meet income requirements. You can decrease your premiums by choosing a higher deductible, but only if you can afford that expense when you need care.
What Your Plan Actually Covers Matters More Than Price
Monthly premiums don't tell the whole story. You'll also pay deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, copays and coinsurance rates. A cheaper premium means higher costs when you use your coverage. All plans must cover essential benefits like preventive care and prescriptions, but specifics vary widely between insurers.
Check With Your Doctor if They Accept the Plan
Call your doctors' offices and ask which plans they accept before you enroll. Out-of-network care can cost more, and some plans won't cover it. HMO plans require you to stay in-network and get referrals for specialists, while PPO plans charge higher rates for out-of-network visits. Make sure your prescriptions are covered at copays you can afford.
Income-Based Subsidies Can Cut Your Costs
Your household income affects how much you'll pay for marketplace coverage. Premium tax credits lower your monthly costs. Cost-sharing reductions cut your deductibles and copays if you buy a Silver-tier plan. Check the most affordable health insurance options based on your income at HealthCare.gov.
Bottom Line
UnitedHealthcare's Silver HMO plans offer the best health insurance for seniors under 65 at $787 monthly. Need more flexibility? PPO plans cost $1,144 but cover out-of-network doctors. Bridge your coverage gap with COBRA, marketplace plans or Medicaid until Medicare starts at 65.
Best Health Insurance Seniors: FAQ
Finding health insurance for retirees under 65 will help you stay protected. Review our answers to commonly asked questions on bridging the gap between retirement and Medicare eligibility:
What is the best health insurance for retirees under 65?
The best health insurance for early retirees depends on a number of factors. These include when they retire and how long they expect to be without coverage, as well as their medical needs, financial status and available options.
What's the cheapest health insurance for seniors?
In most states, a Bronze plan is the cheapest option available to seniors, costing an average of $867 per month for 60-year-olds. However, this plan offers limited coverage and may not be enough for your medical needs, depending on how frequently you require access to health care.
Can you get Medicare before age 65?
Generally, you cannot get Medicare if you are younger than 65, with exceptions for certain unique circumstances (like a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease). In the meantime, you can supplement your health insurance with other options, such as an employer-based health benefit, a private marketplace plan, Medicaid, COBRA or short-term insurance.
How much does health insurance cost for early retirees?
Health insurance costs an average of $1,219 per month for a 60-year-old on a Silver plan, but other options, like if you qualify for subsidies or cost-sharing reductions, may make it more affordable.
How We Ranked the Best Health Insurance Companies for Seniors
Finding affordable health insurance as a senior under 65 is challenging. You're paying peak premiums before Medicare kicks in. We designed our research to identify which insurers offer the best value for 60-year-olds bridging the coverage gap until Medicare eligibility.
We compared health insurance companies by analyzing four key factors that matter most to early retirees:
Rate score (50%): Monthly premium costs carry the heaviest weight because they directly impact your retirement budget. The insurer with the lowest average premiums scores highest.
Maximum out-of-pocket score (20%): The MOOP caps what you'll pay annually for covered services beyond your premiums. Lower MOOPs score better since unexpected medical costs can derail retirement plans.
Plan type score (20%): We evaluated whether insurers offer HMO, PPO, EPO and POS plans. Providers with broader coverage options, like PPO plans, scored higher, giving patients more flexibility in choosing doctors and accessing care.
Claims denial score (10%): Lower denial rates mean fewer fights to get covered services paid. Insurers denying fewer claims score higher.
Our Sample Profile
All quoted premiums reflect rates for a 60-year-old buyer. We analyzed Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans to cover the full range of coverage options early retirees consider. Bronze plans offer the lowest monthly costs but the highest deductibles, while Platinum plans cost more monthly but cover more expenses.
Why This Approach Works for Seniors
Your priorities differ from those of younger buyers. You need predictable costs as you transition from employment income to retirement savings. You want insurers that pay claims reliably when you need care. And you need coverage that bridges just a few years until Medicare starts at 65, making short-term affordability important alongside comprehensive benefits.
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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.
sources
- HealthCare.gov. "Affordable Care Act (ACA)." Accessed October 28, 2024.
- American Council on Aging. "State Specific Medicaid Eligibility Requirements." Accessed October 28, 2025.
- U.S. Department of Labor. "Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA)." Accessed October 28, 2025.