Best Health Insurance Companies 2026

Choosing the best health insurance company is one of the most consequential financial decisions you will make each year. Health insurance premiums now represent the second-largest household expense after housing for millions of American families, with the average employer-sponsored family plan costing over $24,000 per year in total premiums (employer and employee contributions combined). On the ACA marketplace, individual premiums before subsidies range from roughly $310 for a bare-bones Bronze plan to over $900 per month for comprehensive Platinum coverage.

The problem is that "best" means different things to different people. A 25-year-old freelancer in Austin needs a completely different plan than a 55-year-old family of four in rural Ohio or a retiree managing chronic conditions in Miami. Network size, plan type (HMO vs PPO), premium cost, out-of-pocket maximums, prescription formularies, and customer service quality all matter — and no single company excels across every dimension.

This guide compares the nine largest health insurance companies in the United States across every factor that matters. We use data from J.D. Power's 2025 Member Health Plan Study, NCQA health plan accreditation ratings, AM Best financial strength grades, CMS marketplace enrollment data, and Kaiser Family Foundation premium surveys. Every data point is sourced and verifiable — we do not rely on subjective opinions or sponsored rankings.

How We Evaluated Health Insurance Companies

Our evaluation framework considers six weighted categories that reflect what matters most to consumers choosing health insurance:

• Network size and access (25%): Total number of in-network physicians, hospitals, and specialists. We examined both national network breadth and local network adequacy, because a company with 1.5 million providers nationwide is only useful if enough of those providers are in your area
• Plan type diversity (15%): Availability of HMO, PPO, EPO, and POS plan structures. Companies offering all four types give consumers the most flexibility to match their preferences and budget
• Premium affordability (20%): Average monthly premiums across metal tiers for both marketplace and employer-sponsored plans. We compared premiums at the benchmark Silver level and examined premium competitiveness across geographic regions
• Customer satisfaction (20%): J.D. Power Member Health Plan Study scores, NCQA accreditation ratings, CMS Star Ratings (for Medicare Advantage), and consumer complaint ratios from state insurance departments
• Financial strength (10%): AM Best financial strength ratings, which indicate a company's ability to pay claims. All companies in our analysis carry A- or better ratings, but the distinction between A- and A++ matters for long-term stability
• State availability (10%): Number of states where the company offers individual and/or employer plans. Broader availability means less disruption if you move or travel frequently

We intentionally excluded subjective criteria like "brand reputation" and did not accept advertising or sponsorship from any company in this comparison. Our goal is to present the data clearly so you can make your own informed decision based on your specific circumstances.

Health Insurance Companies Comparison Table

The following table summarizes the nine largest health insurance companies across the metrics that matter most. Premium figures represent average monthly costs for a 40-year-old individual on the ACA marketplace before subsidies. Network sizes represent approximate in-network provider counts for the company's broadest plan option.

*Blue Cross Blue Shield operates as a federation of 34 independent companies. Network size, premiums, and ratings vary by local affiliate. The BlueCard program provides inter-plan access across all BCBS territories.

Company-by-Company Reviews

UnitedHealthcare — Best for Network Size

UnitedHealthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, is the largest health insurance company in the United States by enrollment with approximately 53 million members across all plan types. Its greatest strength is network breadth: UnitedHealthcare contracts with over 1.5 million physicians and 7,000+ hospitals in all 50 states, giving members the widest selection of in-network providers of any single carrier.

UnitedHealthcare offers the full range of plan structures — HMO, PPO, EPO, and POS — through both employer-sponsored and individual marketplace channels. The company's PPO plans are particularly strong for consumers who want the flexibility to see out-of-network specialists without referrals, which is valuable for patients with complex conditions who may need to see providers at academic medical centers outside their local area. UnitedHealthcare also operates one of the largest Medicare Advantage programs in the country, with plans available in all 50 states.

The primary drawback is cost: UnitedHealthcare's marketplace premiums tend to be 5-15% higher than budget carriers like Centene/Ambetter and Molina. Average Silver plan premiums for a 40-year-old run approximately $520/month before subsidies. Customer satisfaction scores are average — J.D. Power rated UnitedHealthcare's commercial plans at 695/1000, below the industry average of 712. The company has also faced criticism for prior authorization delays and claim denials, particularly for mental health services.

Anthem/Elevance Health — Best Regional BCBS Coverage

Anthem, operating under the parent company Elevance Health, is the largest single Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee, serving approximately 46 million members across 14 states including California, New York, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, and Colorado. As a BCBS affiliate, Anthem members benefit from the BlueCard program, which provides access to BCBS networks nationwide when traveling or seeking care outside their home state.

Anthem offers competitive marketplace plans in its operating states, with Silver premiums averaging around $490/month for a 40-year-old. The company's PPO and EPO plans feature solid networks that include most major hospital systems and specialist groups. Anthem has invested heavily in telehealth through its Sydney Health app, which provides 24/7 virtual care access, digital ID cards, and cost estimation tools.

The limitation is geographic — if you live outside Anthem's 14-state footprint, you cannot purchase their plans directly. J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores vary significantly by state, ranging from 680 to 730 depending on the local affiliate's performance. Anthem's prior authorization processes have drawn regulatory scrutiny in several states, and some members report challenges navigating the company's customer service system for complex claims.

Aetna (CVS Health) — Best for Pharmacy Integration

Aetna, now a subsidiary of CVS Health since the 2018 acquisition, insures approximately 35 million members and operates in all 50 states for employer-sponsored plans and in a growing number of states for marketplace plans. The defining advantage of Aetna is its integration with CVS's 9,900+ retail pharmacies and 1,100+ MinuteClinic locations, which creates a uniquely convenient healthcare ecosystem for members who rely on regular prescriptions and routine care.

Aetna members can fill prescriptions, receive vaccinations, access basic health screenings, and use walk-in clinics at CVS locations with preferred pricing and no appointment requirements. The company's prescription formularies are tightly integrated with CVS Caremark's pharmacy benefit management division, which often results in lower generic drug costs compared to competitors. Aetna offers HMO, PPO, EPO, and POS plans with Silver premiums averaging approximately $510/month before subsidies.

Customer satisfaction is above average, with J.D. Power scores around 710/1000 for commercial plans. The main criticism of Aetna centers on network size in certain markets — while the company contracts with 1.2 million+ providers nationally, local network adequacy can be thinner than UnitedHealthcare or BCBS in some rural and suburban areas. Aetna's marketplace presence has also fluctuated, with the company withdrawing from and re-entering certain state exchanges over the past several years.

Cigna Healthcare — Best for Wellness and Mental Health

Cigna Healthcare, part of The Cigna Group (which merged with Express Scripts in 2018), covers approximately 18 million members in its medical plans and provides pharmacy benefits to over 100 million people through Express Scripts. Cigna differentiates itself through industry-leading wellness and behavioral health programs, including its Evernorth health services division that provides virtual mental health counseling, chronic condition coaching, and preventive care incentives.

Cigna's provider network includes approximately 1 million physicians and specialists, with particularly strong behavioral health access — the company contracts with more licensed therapists and psychiatrists per member than any other major carrier. Silver plan premiums on the marketplace average approximately $530/month for a 40-year-old before subsidies, placing Cigna at the higher end of the cost spectrum. The company offers HMO, PPO, and EPO structures, with PPO plans being the most widely available.

Cigna's J.D. Power satisfaction score of 705/1000 is near the industry average. The company excels in employer-sponsored plans, where its wellness incentive programs (gym discounts, health assessments, biometric screenings) are among the most robust in the industry. However, Cigna's individual marketplace presence is limited to roughly 15 states, which restricts options for self-employed consumers and those not covered by employer plans.

Humana — Best for Medicare Advantage

Humana is the second-largest Medicare Advantage insurer in the United States, covering approximately 9 million Medicare members and 17 million total members across all plan types. While Humana offers employer-sponsored and individual plans, the company's core competency is senior health coverage — its Medicare Advantage plans consistently rank among the highest-rated by CMS, with over 85% of Humana MA members enrolled in plans rated 4 stars or higher (out of 5).

For individual marketplace plans, Humana is available in approximately 10-12 states, with Silver premiums averaging around $480/month for a 40-year-old. The company offers HMO and PPO structures, with a provider network of approximately 800,000+ physicians. Humana's strength in chronic condition management makes it a particularly good choice for members managing diabetes, heart disease, or other ongoing conditions, as the company provides dedicated care coordinators and home health services.

The primary limitation is availability — Humana's individual marketplace plans are only offered in about a quarter of U.S. states, and even within those states, coverage may not be available in all counties. The AM Best rating of A- is the lowest among the largest carriers (though still considered "Excellent"), and J.D. Power commercial plan satisfaction scores of 690/1000 are below average. For under-65 consumers, Humana is generally not as competitive as larger carriers on price or network breadth.

Kaiser Permanente — Best for Integrated Care and Customer Satisfaction

Kaiser Permanente is unique among major health insurance companies because it operates as an integrated health system — the company is both insurer and care provider, owning and operating 39 hospitals, 730+ medical offices, and employing approximately 80,000 physicians and nurses. This integrated model means Kaiser controls the entire care experience, from scheduling appointments to conducting lab tests to filling prescriptions at Kaiser pharmacies.

The results speak for themselves: Kaiser Permanente achieves the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry, with J.D. Power ratings of 747/1000 — 35 points above the industry average. NCQA ranks multiple Kaiser regions (Northern California, Southern California, Mid-Atlantic) among the top health plans in the country year after year. Kaiser's preventive care metrics and chronic disease management outcomes consistently outperform fee-for-service competitors.

Kaiser's marketplace Silver premiums average approximately $470/month for a 40-year-old, which is competitive given the quality of care. However, the fundamental limitation is geographic availability: Kaiser operates in only 8 states plus the District of Columbia (California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington). Within those states, you must use Kaiser's own facilities and physicians — there is essentially no out-of-network coverage except in true emergencies. This model works brilliantly for people who live near Kaiser facilities and appreciate coordinated care, but it is a non-starter for anyone who wants the flexibility to choose their own doctors or who lives outside Kaiser's service areas. The AM Best rating of A+ is the highest among all companies in our comparison.

Blue Cross Blue Shield (Federation) — Best for Nationwide Coverage

Blue Cross Blue Shield is not a single company but a federation of 34 independent, locally operated companies that collectively provide health insurance to over 115 million Americans — roughly one in three people in the country. Each BCBS affiliate operates independently in its assigned territory, setting its own premiums, designing its own plan offerings, and maintaining its own provider networks. The BlueCard program connects all affiliates, giving members access to in-network care when traveling outside their home plan's territory.

The combined BCBS provider network is the largest in the United States at over 1.7 million healthcare professionals and 6,000+ hospitals. This makes BCBS the safest default choice for consumers who are unsure which company to pick — odds are high that your preferred doctors and hospitals accept BCBS. Average Silver plan premiums vary significantly by affiliate but generally fall around $500/month for a 40-year-old.

The complexity of the BCBS federation is both a strength and a weakness. Quality varies dramatically — some affiliates (like BCBS of Massachusetts and BCBS of Michigan) rank among the highest-rated plans in the country, while others receive below-average satisfaction scores. AM Best ratings also vary by affiliate, ranging from A- to A+. When evaluating BCBS, you must research your specific local affiliate rather than relying on the national brand reputation.

Centene/Ambetter — Best for Affordable Marketplace Plans

Centene Corporation is the largest Medicaid managed care organization in the United States and has become one of the dominant players in the ACA marketplace through its Ambetter brand. Centene/Ambetter offers marketplace plans in approximately 28 states and is the sole marketplace option in many rural counties across the country. With Silver premiums averaging approximately $410/month for a 40-year-old before subsidies, Ambetter consistently offers some of the lowest-priced marketplace plans available.

Centene's strategy focuses on providing affordable coverage to low-and moderate-income consumers. Ambetter plans are primarily HMO and EPO structures with narrower provider networks than UnitedHealthcare or BCBS, which is how the company keeps premiums lower. The trade-off is clear: you pay less per month but have fewer in-network providers to choose from, and out-of-network care is generally not covered except in emergencies.

Customer satisfaction is mixed. Ambetter plans have faced significant criticism for narrow networks, prior authorization requirements, and customer service challenges. Complaint ratios filed with state insurance departments tend to be higher than average for established carriers. The AM Best rating of A- for Centene's insurance subsidiaries is adequate but not industry-leading. For budget-conscious consumers who are comfortable with managed care and can confirm their preferred providers are in-network, Ambetter is often the most affordable option. For consumers who prioritize provider choice or have complex health needs, the narrow networks may be a meaningful drawback.

Molina Healthcare — Best Budget Option

Molina Healthcare is a specialty managed care company focused primarily on Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA marketplace populations. The company operates in approximately 20 states and covers over 5 million members. On the ACA marketplace, Molina consistently offers among the lowest premiums available, with Silver plan rates averaging approximately $390/month for a 40-year-old — roughly 20-25% below the national average.

Molina's ultra-competitive pricing makes it particularly attractive for subsidy-eligible consumers in the income range where every dollar of premium reduction matters. The company offers HMO plans almost exclusively, with relatively narrow provider networks that are concentrated in urban and suburban areas. Molina's formularies cover all essential health benefit categories but may have more restrictive formulary tiers and step therapy requirements for specialty medications.

The company's AM Best rating of A- reflects solid financial footing, and Molina has a strong reputation for serving low-income communities. Customer satisfaction scores are average, and the company's digital tools and mobile app have improved substantially in recent years. The primary limitation, beyond network narrowness, is geographic — Molina's marketplace plans are unavailable in roughly 30 states, and even within participating states, coverage may be limited to certain counties.

HMO vs PPO vs EPO vs POS Plans Explained

Understanding plan types is just as important as choosing the right company. The four main health insurance plan structures differ in how they manage provider access, referral requirements, and out-of-network coverage:

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): HMO plans require you to select a primary care physician (PCP) who acts as your care coordinator. You need a referral from your PCP to see any specialist, and care is only covered at in-network facilities (except emergencies). In exchange for these restrictions, HMO plans offer the lowest premiums — typically 15-25% less than equivalent PPO plans. HMOs work well for healthy individuals and families who prefer a single point of contact for care management and do not need frequent specialist access.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): PPO plans provide the most flexibility. You can see any provider without a referral, and the plan covers both in-network and out-of-network care (though out-of-network costs are significantly higher — typically 30-50% more in coinsurance). PPO premiums are the highest of all plan types, but the trade-off is freedom of choice and the ability to see specialists at academic medical centers or in other states without jumping through administrative hoops. PPOs are ideal for people with complex health conditions, those who travel frequently, or anyone who values provider autonomy.

EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): EPO plans function as a hybrid — like an HMO, you must stay in-network (no out-of-network coverage except emergencies), but like a PPO, you do not need a primary care physician or referrals to see specialists. Premiums are typically lower than PPOs but slightly higher than HMOs. EPOs are increasingly popular on the ACA marketplace and are a strong choice for people who want the cost savings of a restricted network without the administrative burden of referral management.

POS (Point of Service): POS plans combine features of HMOs and PPOs. You choose a primary care physician and need referrals for specialists (like an HMO), but the plan provides some out-of-network coverage at higher cost-sharing (like a PPO). POS plans are less common on the marketplace but are available through many employer-sponsored plans from UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. They work well for people who want a PCP to coordinate their care but want the safety net of out-of-network coverage if needed.

How to Choose Health Insurance by Your Needs

The best health insurance company for you depends entirely on your personal situation. Here are specific recommendations based on common consumer profiles:

Young, healthy adults (under 30): If you rarely visit the doctor and primarily need coverage for emergencies and preventive care, consider a Bronze or Silver HMO plan from a budget carrier like Centene/Ambetter or Molina. Monthly premiums of $250-$400 keep costs low, and all ACA plans cover preventive services (annual checkups, vaccinations, screenings) at $0 cost-sharing regardless of your deductible. If you are under 30, you may also qualify for a Catastrophic plan with premiums as low as $150-$250/month, though these plans have very high deductibles ($9,200 in 2026).

Families with children: Network breadth and pediatric coverage matter most. UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer the largest networks, reducing the risk that your children's pediatrician or a nearby children's hospital is out-of-network. Look for plans that include robust pediatric dental and vision coverage (required for children's plans on the marketplace) and reasonable copays for well-child visits. Silver and Gold plans typically offer the best value for families, especially if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions on a Silver plan.

Chronic condition management: If you manage diabetes, heart disease, asthma, sickle cell disease, or other ongoing conditions, prioritize plans with low out-of-pocket maximums, favorable prescription formularies, and strong specialist networks. Kaiser Permanente's integrated model excels at chronic disease management, with dedicated care coordination teams. Gold and Platinum plans cost more monthly but cap your annual out-of-pocket spending at lower levels ($4,000-$6,500 for Gold, $2,000-$4,000 for Platinum), which saves money for high-utilization patients.

Self-employed and freelancers: Without an employer contribution, premiums come entirely out of your pocket, making cost a primary consideration. Check your eligibility for premium tax credits on the ACA marketplace — a self-employed individual earning $40,000/year may receive $200-$400/month in subsidies, making a Silver plan very affordable. Ambetter and Molina tend to offer the lowest unsubsidized premiums, while Aetna's CVS integration provides convenience for prescription-dependent freelancers.

Frequent travelers: If you split time between states or travel extensively for work, a PPO plan from UnitedHealthcare or a BCBS plan with BlueCard access ensures you have in-network coverage wherever you go. HMO and EPO plans from regional carriers may leave you without coverage outside your home area, which can result in massive out-of-network bills for non-emergency care.

Seniors approaching Medicare: If you are 60-64 and waiting for Medicare eligibility at 65, premiums are at their highest because age-based rating allows insurers to charge older adults up to 3x more than younger enrollees. Premium tax credits are essential — check marketplace eligibility carefully. Humana's pre-Medicare plans can provide continuity if you plan to enroll in Humana Medicare Advantage at 65.

Employer Insurance vs ACA Marketplace Plans

Approximately 155 million Americans receive health insurance through an employer, while roughly 21 million purchase coverage through the ACA marketplace. Understanding the differences between these two channels is critical for making the best decision:

For most employees, employer-sponsored insurance is the better financial deal because employers subsidize 73-83% of the total premium cost. An employee might pay $150/month for a plan that actually costs the employer $600/month in total premiums. However, employer plans limit your carrier and plan choices to whatever the company has negotiated, and you lose coverage if you leave the job (though COBRA allows you to continue coverage for 18-36 months at full cost plus a 2% administrative fee).

ACA marketplace plans offer much more choice — in most states, you can compare 30-60+ plans from multiple carriers. Premium tax credits can make marketplace plans very affordable for moderate-income individuals: a single person earning $35,000/year can expect subsidies of roughly $250-$400/month, bringing a Silver plan premium down to $100-$200/month. For self-employed individuals, those between jobs, early retirees, and anyone without access to affordable employer coverage, the marketplace is the primary avenue for obtaining health insurance. For a detailed walkthrough of the marketplace enrollment process, see our Health Insurance Marketplace Guide.

Cost Breakdown by Plan Type and Metal Tier

Understanding the true cost of health insurance requires looking beyond monthly premiums. The total annual cost includes premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and the out-of-pocket maximum. Here is how costs break down by ACA metal tier for a 40-year-old individual in 2026:

Actuarial value represents the percentage of total average healthcare costs the plan pays. A Bronze plan with 60% actuarial value means the insurer pays approximately 60% of the total cost of covered services across the entire membership pool, while you pay approximately 40% through deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. This does not mean you personally pay 40% of every bill — cost-sharing structures vary by service type.

The critical insight for high-utilization consumers is that total annual cost matters more than monthly premium. Consider a patient who expects $30,000 in medical expenses: a Platinum plan at $850/month ($10,200/year in premiums) with a $3,000 OOP max totals $13,200 in annual costs. A Bronze plan at $330/month ($3,960/year) with a $9,200 OOP max totals $13,160 — nearly identical. But the Platinum plan provides far more predictable cash flow and lower per-visit costs throughout the year, while the Bronze plan concentrates spending in unpredictable bursts when you actually need care.

For low-utilization consumers who mainly need preventive care, Bronze plans are the clear winner. If your total medical expenses are $1,500/year (a routine checkup, a few prescriptions, one sick visit), a Bronze plan at $330/month costs $5,460 total ($3,960 in premiums + $1,500 in out-of-pocket), while a Platinum plan at $850/month costs $11,700 ($10,200 in premiums + $1,500 in care costs, most of which is covered by the plan). You pay more than double for coverage you barely use.

State Availability and Regional Considerations

Where you live fundamentally shapes which health insurance companies are available to you and how much you will pay. Health insurance is regulated at the state level, and each state's marketplace features a different mix of carriers. Some key regional considerations:

States with the most carrier competition (5+ marketplace carriers): Florida, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania typically have the most marketplace carriers, which drives down premiums through competition. Consumers in these states benefit from comparing multiple companies and negotiating the best value.

States with limited marketplace options (1-2 carriers): Several rural states and counties have only one or two marketplace carriers, often Centene/Ambetter or a local BCBS affiliate. In these areas, consumers have minimal leverage and may face higher premiums due to lack of competition. Wyoming, Nebraska, and parts of rural Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina frequently face this challenge.

States with state-based marketplaces: Fifteen states (plus D.C.) operate their own marketplace exchanges rather than using Healthcare.gov. These include California (Covered California), New York (NY State of Health), Massachusetts (Health Connector), Colorado (Connect for Health), and Washington (Washington Healthplanfinder). State-based exchanges sometimes negotiate more aggressively with carriers, and consumers in these states often have unique plan options not available elsewhere.

Kaiser Permanente states: Kaiser's integrated model is available only in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and D.C. If you live in one of these states and are near a Kaiser facility, it is worth serious consideration given the company's top-ranked customer satisfaction and quality scores.

Premium variation by state: Average premiums for identical metal tier plans can vary by 50% or more between states. A benchmark Silver plan for a 40-year-old might cost $350/month in Minnesota but $650/month in Wyoming. Factors driving this variation include local provider costs, carrier competition, population health demographics, and state regulatory environments.

Customer Satisfaction and Quality Ratings

Customer satisfaction data comes from three authoritative sources: J.D. Power's Member Health Plan Study (surveys hundreds of thousands of members annually), NCQA Health Plan Accreditation (evaluates clinical quality and patient experience), and CMS Star Ratings (applicable to Medicare Advantage plans). Here is how the major carriers compare:

The satisfaction data reveals a clear pattern: integrated and well-established carriers (Kaiser Permanente, top BCBS affiliates) significantly outperform budget carriers (Centene/Ambetter, Molina) on member experience. This makes intuitive sense — narrower networks and more aggressive cost management reduce premiums but also create more friction points (prior authorization delays, fewer provider choices, limited customer service resources).

However, satisfaction scores should be weighed against your personal priorities. If saving $150/month on premiums allows you to build an emergency fund or pay down debt, a lower-rated but more affordable plan may be the rational choice. Conversely, if you have complex health needs and value seamless care coordination, paying more for a Kaiser Permanente or top-rated BCBS plan can prevent the stress and financial risk of claim denials and network gaps.

For an in-depth look at how healthcare costs compare across different settings and coverage scenarios, see our healthcare costs guide.

Tips for Saving on Health Insurance Premiums

Regardless of which company you choose, these strategies can reduce your health insurance costs meaningfully:

1. Always check your subsidy eligibility. Premium tax credits are available to individuals and families earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (up to approximately $58,300 for an individual in 2026). The enhanced subsidies originally enacted through the American Rescue Plan have been extended, meaning that no one pays more than 8.5% of household income toward a benchmark Silver plan premium. A 45-year-old earning $45,000/year may receive $300-$450/month in subsidies — reducing a $550 Silver plan premium to $100-$250/month.

2. Compare across carriers every year during Open Enrollment. Plan designs, premiums, networks, and formularies change annually. A plan that was the best value last year may not be competitive this year. Use Healthcare.gov or your state's exchange to compare all available options — the process takes 30-60 minutes and can save you thousands of dollars annually.

3. Consider an HSA-eligible Bronze or Silver plan. If you are relatively healthy, a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA) allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars ($4,300 for individuals, $8,550 for families in 2026) to cover medical expenses. HSA funds roll over indefinitely and can be invested for growth, making them a powerful long-term savings vehicle that also reduces your current tax burden.

4. Use in-network providers exclusively. Out-of-network care can cost 2-5 times more than in-network care on PPO plans, and it is not covered at all on HMO and EPO plans. Before any appointment, procedure, or hospital visit, verify that every provider involved — including anesthesiologists, pathologists, and radiologists — is in your network. The No Surprises Act protects you from unexpected out-of-network bills in emergency situations and at in-network facilities, but proactively verifying network status prevents complications.

5. Take advantage of $0 preventive care. All ACA plans cover preventive services — annual physicals, vaccinations, cancer screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies), blood pressure and cholesterol checks, depression screenings — at no cost-sharing. Using these services catches health problems early, when they are less expensive and easier to treat, reducing your long-term healthcare spending.

6. Review prescription formularies before enrolling. If you take regular medications, look up each drug on the plan's formulary before you sign up. A plan that saves $50/month in premiums but places your medication on a higher tier could cost you $100-$300/month more in copays. Many carrier websites provide formulary search tools, and you can also call the pharmacy benefits number on the plan summary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance Companies

What is the best health insurance company in 2026?

The best health insurance company depends on your specific needs. Kaiser Permanente ranks highest for customer satisfaction (J.D. Power score of 747/1000) and integrated care. UnitedHealthcare has the largest provider network with over 1.5 million physicians nationwide. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the broadest state-by-state availability. For marketplace plans, Centene/Ambetter and Molina provide the most affordable premiums. No single company is best for everyone — the right choice depends on your location, budget, health needs, and whether you value network size, low premiums, or care coordination.

How much does health insurance cost per month in 2026?

Average monthly health insurance premiums in 2026 vary by plan type: Bronze plans average $310-$350/month, Silver plans $450-$550/month, Gold plans $550-$700/month, and Platinum plans $700-$900/month for a 40-year-old individual before subsidies. Employer-sponsored plans average $135-$175/month for individual coverage (employee share) and $500-$650/month for family coverage. Premium tax credits through the ACA marketplace can reduce costs significantly — a 40-year-old earning $35,000/year may pay as little as $100-$200/month for a Silver plan after subsidies.

Is an HMO or PPO health insurance plan better?

HMO plans are better if you want lower premiums (15-25% cheaper than PPOs), are comfortable with a primary care physician managing referrals, and most of your doctors are in-network. PPO plans are better if you want flexibility to see specialists without referrals, need out-of-network coverage, or travel frequently and need care in multiple states. EPO plans offer a middle ground — lower premiums like HMOs but no referral requirements, though they still do not cover out-of-network care except in emergencies.

Which health insurance company has the largest network of doctors?

UnitedHealthcare has the largest single-company provider network with over 1.5 million physicians and 7,000+ hospitals across all 50 states. Blue Cross Blue Shield, operating as a federation of 34 independent companies, collectively covers over 1.7 million providers through the BlueCard program, which gives members access to BCBS networks nationwide. Aetna (CVS Health) has the third-largest network with approximately 1.2 million healthcare professionals. Network size varies by state and plan type, so always verify that your specific doctors and hospitals are in-network before enrolling.

Can I switch health insurance companies outside of open enrollment?

You can only switch marketplace health insurance companies during Open Enrollment (November 1 - January 15) or during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) triggered by a qualifying life event. Qualifying events include losing existing coverage, moving to a new state, getting married or divorced, having a baby, turning 26 and aging off a parent's plan, or a significant income change that affects subsidy eligibility. An SEP gives you 60 days from the qualifying event to enroll in a new plan. Employer plan changes typically happen during your company's annual enrollment period or within 30 days of a qualifying event.