Choose the best affordable health insurance plan for your health care needs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
When looking for affordable health insurance, you’ll find many options. These include your employer, the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, and Medicare. Several states have a state marketplace. Choosing the right health insurance plan is a key decision that affects your finances and health. Take time to research and compare benefits to find which plan is right for you.
What to consider when choosing health insurance:
Read on to discover the pros and cons of the top 10 best affordable health insurance companies.
Compare online health insurance quotes near you: Get an Instant Quote
If you’re on a group employer plan, your premium can’t cost more than 9.5% of your household income.
Health insurance company | Financial strength rating | Customer satisfaction rating | Value rating | Coverage rating | Overall rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aetna: Best for customer service | 5 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
Anthem: Best value | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS): Best for nationwide coverage | 5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
Cigna: Best for coverage options | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Highmark: Best for coverage options | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Humana: Best for over fifties | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
Kaiser Permanente: Best for high NCQA ratings | 5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4 | 4.6 |
Molina Healthcare: Best for underserved populations | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3.8 |
UnitedHealthcare (UHC): Best for plan options | 4 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.6 |
WellCare: Best for Medicare | 3.5 | 4 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4 |
Make sure network providers are convenient and cover special needs you or your family have.
When comparing information on the best affordable health insurance companies, it’s essential to look beyond premiums and learn about benefits, deductibles, and additional coverage. A place to start is preparing a list of questions to be answered, including household size and specific health issues:
Choosing the best affordable health insurance starts with determining your eligibility. Eligibility for health insurance is based upon several factors, including household income and household size. In addition, you must live in the United States and be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawfully residing in the country. You can’t be denied insurance for preexisting conditions.
Company founded | 1853 |
Coverage area | All 50 states |
A.M. Best rating | A+ |
BBB rating | A+ |
NCQA accreditation | Yes |
NCQA rating | 2.5 to 4.5 |
Plans available |
|
Provider network |
|
Aetna is one of the oldest and largest health insurance companies on the market. Founded in 1853, it started offering medical insurance in 1951. Aetna offers insurance policies in 50 states. These include individual, group, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage plans. Aetna is one of the most successful and affordable health insurance companies in the country, offering good customer service.
What we like about Aetna health insurance plans: | The drawbacks of Aetna health insurance plans: |
---|---|
|
|
Aetna Health offers several health insurance options:
Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Aetna.
Financial strength rating: 5 |
Customer satisfaction rating: 4.8 |
Value rating: 4.8 |
Coverage rating: 4.8 |
Company founded | 2004 |
Coverage area | 25 states |
A.M. Best rating | A+ |
BBB rating | F |
NCQA accreditation | Yes |
NCQA rating | 2.5 to 4.5 |
Plans available |
|
Provider network | Large |
Anthem health insurance company is ranked number three in market share with policies in 25 states. Apart from standard health insurance plans, Anthem offers a selection of special insurance policies for hospital indemnity, critical illness, and limited-term enhanced choice. The company has an extensive network of primary care providers. You can expect good customer service, but note that some policies, including Medicaid and Medicare, aren’t available in all states.
What we like about Anthem health insurance plans: | The drawbacks of Anthem health insurance plans: |
---|---|
|
|
Anthem Health offers several health insurance options:
Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Anthem.
Financial strength rating: 5 |
Customer satisfaction rating: 3 |
Value rating: 4 |
Coverage rating: 4 |
Company founded | 1929 |
Coverage area | All 50 states |
A.M. Best rating | A+ |
BBB rating | A+ |
NCQA accreditation | Yes |
NCQA rating | 3 to 4 |
Plans available |
|
Provider network | More than 1.7 million doctors and hospitals |
Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the largest health insurance companies covering all 50 states. A unique aspect is that Blue Cross Blue Shield consists of an association of 35 independent companies. While this means service standards may differ from one region to another, overall, BSBC’s pricing plans, services, and discounts are among the best.
What we like about Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plans: | The drawbacks of Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plans: |
---|---|
|
|
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers several health insurance options:
Financial strength rating: 5 |
Customer satisfaction rating: 4.5 |
Value rating: 4.5 |
Coverage rating: 4.5 |
Company founded | 1981 |
Coverage area |
|
A.M. Best rating | A |
BBB rating | A- |
NCQA accreditation | Yes |
NCQA rating | 2.5 to 4 |
Plans available |
|
Provider network |
|
Cigna is a large health insurance company operating in the U.S. and Europe. The company began in 1981 through the merger between INA Corporation and Connecticut General Corporation. It offers a range of affordable health insurance policies in a limited number of states, and its Medicare prescription drug and Medigap insurance network covers most of the country. Cigna policies offer excellent coverage in a strong health care provider network, including pharmacies and behavioral health providers.
What we like about Cigna health insurance plans: | The drawbacks of Cigna health insurance plans: |
---|---|
|
|
Cigna offers a wide range of individual and group health insurance plans:
Financial strength rating: 4.5 |
Customer satisfaction rating: 4.1 |
Value rating: 4 |
Coverage rating: 4 |
Company founded | 1996 |
Coverage area |
|
A.M. Best rating | A |
BBB rating | A- |
NCQA accreditation | Yes |
NCQA rating | 3.5 to 4 |
Plans available |
|
Provider network | Large |
Highmark Health is a large independent health insurance company and licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company sells policies in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia, with limited availability in New York. The company maintains the high standards set by their parent company. As a result, the company has a good reputation and a high renewal rate.
What we like about Highmark Health insurance plans: | The drawbacks of Highmark Health insurance plans: |
---|---|
|
|
Health insurance plans offered by Highmark include:
Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Highmark.
Financial strength rating: 4.5 |
Customer satisfaction rating: 4 |
Value rating: 4 |
Coverage rating: 4 |
Company founded | 1961 |
Coverage area | All 50 states |
A.M. Best rating | A- |
BBB rating | A+ |
NCQA accreditation | Yes |
NCQA rating | 2.5 to 4 |
Plans available |
|
Provider network | Large |
Established in 1961, Humana health insurance company offers an array of HMO, PPO, and Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. It’s one of the most popular employer medical plans, but it no longer offers individual or family medical insurance plans. Humana has a reputation for high-quality plans. Customer satisfaction levels are high.
What we like about Humana Health insurance plans: | The drawbacks of Humana Health insurance plans: |
---|---|
|
|
Humana insurance options include:
Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Humana.
Financial strength rating: 4 |
Customer satisfaction rating: 4.5 |
Value rating: 4.5 |
Coverage rating: 4.5 |
Company founded | 1945 |
Coverage area |
|
A.M. Best rating | A+ |
BBB rating | A |
NCQA accreditation | Yes |
NCQA rating | 4 to 5 |
Plans available |
|
Provider network | More than 22,000 Permanente Medical Group physicians and clinicians |
Kaiser Permanente is one of the largest nonprofit health insurance companies. It was founded in 1945 in the shipyards during World War II. The secret of success was its prepaid approach that funded medical care facilities and staff. This approach still holds today with its extensive physician and hospital network. As a result, service quality is high, while the prices are low.
What we like about Kaiser Permanente health insurance plans: | The drawbacks of Kaiser Permanente health insurance plans: |
---|---|
|
|
Kaiser Permanente offers several health insurance options:
Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Kaiser Permanente.
Financial strength rating: 5 |
Customer satisfaction rating: 4.5 |
Value rating: 4.8 |
Coverage rating: 4 |
Company founded | 1980 |
Coverage area |
|
A.M. Best rating | A+ |
BBB rating | F |
NCQA accreditation | Yes |
NCQA rating | N/A |
Plans available |
|
Provider network | Large |
Molina Healthcare began in 1980. The company specializes in the government-subsidized market, providing a range of Medicare and Medicaid policies for low-income households. Molina has an extensive network of preferred providers and clinics. Its website is easy to use, and you can compare plans in your ZIP code.
What we like about Molina Healthcare health insurance plans: | The drawbacks of Molina Healthcare health insurance plans: |
---|---|
|
|
Molina Healthcare offers several health insurance options:
Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated Molina Healthcare.
Financial strength rating: 5 |
Customer satisfaction rating: 3 |
Value rating: 3 |
Coverage rating: 4 |
Company founded | 1977 |
Coverage area | All except New York |
A.M. Best rating | A- |
BBB rating | A+ |
NCQA accreditation | Yes |
NCQA rating | 2.5 to 4.5 |
Plans available |
|
Provider network |
|
UnitedHealthcare, founded in 1977, is the largest U.S. health insurance company, with an estimated 14% market share. It offers a broad range of affordable health insurance policies and has an extensive network of physicians, hospitals, and medical care providers. While premiums may be a bit high, UnitedHealthcare offers extras such as virtual consultations, travel insurance, and online tools for individuals and group policies.
What we like about UnitedHealthcare health insurance plans: | The drawbacks of UnitedHealthcare health insurance plans: |
---|---|
|
|
UnitedHealthcare offers numerous health insurance options:
Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated UnitedHealthcare.
Financial strength rating: 4 |
Customer satisfaction rating: 4.8 |
Value rating: 4.8 |
Coverage rating: 4.8 |
Company founded | 1985 |
Coverage area | All 50 states |
A.M. Best rating | B |
BBB rating | A+ |
NCQA accreditation | Yes |
NCQA rating | 3 |
Plans available |
|
Provider network | Large |
WellCare was founded in 1985 to provide Medicaid coverage in Florida. Over time, the business has expanded to cover a full range of Medicare plans. The company offers insurance across the country through several subsidiaries. In 2020, Centene bought out WellCare to create one of the largest providers of government-sponsored insurance.
What we like about WellCare health insurance plans: | The drawbacks of WellCare health insurance plans: |
---|---|
|
|
WellCare offers several health insurance options:
Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how we rated WellCare.
Financial strength rating: 3.5 |
Customer satisfaction rating: 4 |
Value rating: 4.2 |
Coverage rating: 4.5 |
Tammy Burns is an experienced health insurance advisor. She earned her nursing degree in 1990 from Jacksonville State University, obtained her insurance billing and coding certification in 1995, and holds a health and life insurance license in Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Burns is Affordable Care Act (ACA)-certified for health insurance and other ancillary, life, and annuity products. She maintains an active nursing license and practices private-duty nursing.
Burns’ background as a nurse, insurance biller and coder, and insurance consultant includes infectious disease, oncology, gynecology, phlebotomy, post operative, family medicine, geriatrics, home health, hospice, human resources, management, billing, coding, claims, fixed annuities, group and individual health and life products, and Medicare. She’s always been driven by a desire to help people, spending more than 25 years as a practicing nurse in hospitals, private doctors’ offices, home health, and hospice. As a nurse, Burns supported patients filing insurance claims with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies as well as responding to billing questions from confused patients.
Seeing firsthand how unsuspecting patients are frequently confused by an overly complex system they don’t understand led Burns to become an insurance agent and health care consultant, now helping people understand the medical system. Since becoming an insurance agent in 2013, she has worked with some of the largest and most reputable insurance carriers and agencies in the nation, and she has built a large and loyal clientele by way of her commitment to transparency and personalized service.
Tammy Burns is an experienced health insurance advisor. She earned her nursing degree in 1990 from Jacksonville State University, obtained her insurance billing and coding certification in 1995, and holds a health and life insurance license in Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Burns is Affordable Care Act (ACA)-certified for health insurance and other ancillary, life, and annuity products. She maintains an active nursing license and practices private-duty nursing.
Burns’ background as a nurse, insurance biller and coder, and insurance consultant includes infectious disease, oncology, gynecology, phlebotomy, post operative, family medicine, geriatrics, home health, hospice, human resources, management, billing, coding, claims, fixed annuities, group and individual health and life products, and Medicare. She’s always been driven by a desire to help people, spending more than 25 years as a practicing nurse in hospitals, private doctors’ offices, home health, and hospice. As a nurse, Burns supported patients filing insurance claims with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies as well as responding to billing questions from confused patients.
Seeing firsthand how unsuspecting patients are frequently confused by an overly complex system they don’t understand led Burns to become an insurance agent and health care consultant, now helping people understand the medical system. Since becoming an insurance agent in 2013, she has worked with some of the largest and most reputable insurance carriers and agencies in the nation, and she has built a large and loyal clientele by way of her commitment to transparency and personalized service.