How to Pick the Best Health Insurance [2023]
To pick the best health insurance, assess your health care needs, compare costs and benefits, and consider network coverage to ensure it includes your preferred providers.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: May 3, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: May 3, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Consider your medical history, current health status, and any ongoing medical needs when selecting a health insurance plan
- Compare out-of-pocket costs, like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, alongside the coverage limits and benefits offered by each plan
- Since out-of-network care is expensive, check whether your preferred doctors, hospitals, and healthcare insurance companies are included in the plan’s network
The best health insurance covers a policyholder’s medical costs in exchange for a premium. It helps cover medical expenses, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, medication, and preventative care. Most people have health insurance coverage through their employers or the government.
A reliable health insurance provider will cover various medical procedures and treatments, including routine care, emergency medical care, and treatment for chronic diseases.
A decent health insurance plan should also provide coverage at a price that the individual or family can afford. To help people make educated decisions about their health care, a good health insurance plan should be straightforward and have clear pricing.
A good health insurance provider and the plan pays for all your medical bills, won’t break the bank, and has several doctors and hospitals within its provider network. Keep reading to find the best health insurance for your needs and budget.
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- Best Health Insurance
Best Health Insurance Companies
There are various health insurance providers to choose from, and each has advantages and disadvantages. However, some of the best affordable health insurance providers are listed below — we chose them based on customer satisfaction, financial stability, network size, and coverage alternatives.
UnitedHealth Group
The UnitedHealth Group is the nation’s largest health insurer and has relationships with virtually every medical facility and practitioner in the country. Individual and family plans, Medicare plans, and business plans are all available through this provider.
Pros:
- Wide range of plan options
- Large network of health care providers
- Excellent customer service
- Offers telemedicine services
Cons:
- Policies can be expensive compared to other providers
- Limited coverage in some areas
While its coverage options and good customer service might be an attractive feature of UnitedHealth, you should always compare quotes to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield is a consortium of 36 separate organizations operating in all 50 states. The organization provides numerous options for coverage, like PPO, HMO, and POS options.
Pros:
- Large network of health care providers
- Offers a variety of plan options
- Offers wellness programs and discounts
Cons:
- Policies can be expensive, depending on the plan
- Coverage options may vary by state
Blue Cross Blue Shield is a reliable health insurance company offering policyholders the ability to select the policy fitting their needs. Still, you should compare quotes to find the cheapest health insurance. Learn more in our Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Review.
Aetna
The types of health insurance plans from Aetna provide various coverage scenarios, from individuals and families to those eligible for Medicare and those provided by employers. The organization also provides access to various medical professionals through its extensive provider network and several wellness initiatives.
Pros:
- Wide range of plan options
- Offers telemedicine services
- Good customer service
- Large network of health care providers
Cons:
- Policies can be expensive compared to other providers
- Coverage options may vary by state
Consider Aetna’s health insurance if you’re looking for a company with various coverages and telemedicine, though you should always get quotes from other companies before deciding on a company.
Cigna
Individual and family plans, Medicare policies, and business plans are just some of Cigna’s options for health coverage.
Pros:
- Large network of health care providers
- Offers a variety of plan options
- Good customer service
- Offers wellness programs and tools
Cons:
- Policies can be expensive, depending on the plan
- Coverage options may vary by state
Health and wellness services and resources are provided through the company’s extensive network of medical professionals.
Humana
Plan options from Humana include those for individuals and families, as well as those for those eligible for Medicare. The organization provides access to various medical professionals and wellness services.
Pros:
- Wide range of plan options
- Offers telemedicine services
- Offers wellness programs and resources
- Large network of healthcare providers
Cons:
- Policies can be expensive, depending on the plan
- Limited coverage in some areas
In the end, your needs, price, and location will determine which health insurance provider is the greatest fit for you. Considering multiple options before settling on a provider or plan is wise.
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How much does health insurance cost?
In general, health insurance costs depend heavily on the policyholder’s age, geographic area, and the specific plan they select.
State | Monthly Rate |
---|---|
Alabama | $484 |
Alaska | $552 |
Arizona | $577 |
Arkansas | $419 |
California | $537 |
Colorado | $409 |
Connecticut | $564 |
Delaware | $555 |
Florida | $585 |
Georgia | $309 |
Hawaii | $490 |
Idaho | $516 |
Illinois | $556 |
Indiana | $433 |
Iowa | $533 |
Kansas | $534 |
Kentucky | $478 |
Louisiana | $728 |
Maine | $465 |
Maryland | $365 |
Massachusetts | $535 |
Michigan | $410 |
Minnesota | $389 |
Mississippi | $511 |
Missouri | $620 |
Montana | $479 |
Nebraska | $685 |
Nevada | $578 |
New Hampshire | $360 |
New Jersey | $537 |
New Mexico | $480 |
New York | $713 |
North Carolina | $634 |
North Dakota | $524 |
Ohio | $490 |
Oklahoma | $635 |
Oregon | $475 |
Pennsylvania | $498 |
Rhode Island | $413 |
South Carolina | $436 |
South Dakota | $811 |
Tennessee | $508 |
Texas | $575 |
Utah | $563 |
Vermont | $760 |
Virginia | $512 |
Washington | $443 |
West Virginia | $831 |
Wisconsin | $514 |
Wyoming | $764 |
Several factors can affect health insurance rates, including:
- Age: Elderly drivers typically pay higher premiums for medical coverage because of their increased risk of experiencing health problems.
- Location: Costs associated with medical coverage can range widely from one state to another, and even within a single state, from one ZIP code to the next. Rates may change based on the cost and accessibility of medical services in a certain area.
- Type of plan: The premiums and copays associated with health insurance policies vary widely depending on the coverage type.
- Deductible and copay amounts: Although monthly premiums are cheaper when deductibles and copayments are higher, these expenditures can quickly add up if medical attention is required.
To find savings on health insurance, here are some tips:
- Shop around. Look into multiple insurance providers for the best plan and price.
- Consider a high-deductible plan. Those who are healthy and don’t anticipate frequent doctor visits can save money with high-deductible health plans.
- Take advantage of employer contributions. If your workplace offers health insurance, they may contribute to your payments or give a group discount.
- Look for subsidies. Health insurance premium subsidies may be available if your income qualifies.
- Consider opening an HSA. You can open an HSA to save tax-free money for medical costs if you have a high-deductible health plan.
By following the tips above, you can find the best health insurance plan to fit your budget and unique needs.
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Plan
It can be challenging to select the most appropriate health coverage. However, finding a healthcare plan that works within your financial constraints is crucial. Here are some guidelines to follow while shopping for and selecting an individual health insurance policy:
Step 1: Determine Your Healthcare Needs
It’s important to evaluate your healthcare requirements before shopping for health insurance. Think about these things:
- How often do you visit the doctor?
- Do you need any regular prescription medication?
- Do you have any pre-existing conditions that require frequent medical attention?
- Do you have any dependents who need health care coverage?
Identifying your specific healthcare requirements is the first step in selecting a suitable health insurance plan.
Step 2: Compare Health Insurance Plans
You may begin shopping for health insurance when you have a clear picture of your medical requirements. You can use websites like Healthcare.gov or consult a registered insurance broker to compare policies. While comparing different types of health insurance plans, it’s important to think about the following factors:
- Premiums: This is the regular monthly payment for your insurance coverage.
- Deductibles: This is your share of the costs before your insurance kicks in.
- Copays: You must pay this sum every time you visit the doctor or get other medical care.
- Coverage: Verify that the plan covers preventative care, medical emergencies, and prescriptions.
- Provider network: Be sure your chosen healthcare providers are included in the plan’s network.
The above factors heavily influence what you pay for health insurance and out-of-pocket expenses, making it vital to compare health insurance providers.
Step 3: Evaluate Your Budget
When deciding on a health insurance policy, your finances will play a large role. Try to get a plan that suits your needs in terms of coverage without breaking the bank. Spending too much on insurance can leave you unprotected financially.
Step 4: Purchase a Health Insurance Plan
The time has come to buy health insurance after you have done some research and comparisons. There are several ways to accomplish this:
- Through the marketplace: Healthcare.gov serves as a marketplace where those who need financial assistance to afford health insurance can compare and shop for policies.
- Through an insurance broker: Finding the best affordable insurance companies and plans might be difficult, but a broker can assist.
- Directly from an insurance company: An insurance policy can be purchased straight from the provider.
As always, compare quotes and coverage options when deciding where to buy your health insurance.
The Bottom Line on the Best Health Insurance
There are many health insurance plans to choose from, and doing so can feel like an uphill battle. So, you can select an appropriate health plan by considering your specific medical requirements, examining available providers and facilities, comparing pricing, and checking prescription drug coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the number one provider of health insurance in the U.S.?
Now, UnitedHealth Group sells more health insurance policies than any other company in the United States. According to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, UnitedHealth Group was the largest private health insurance provider in 2021, with a 14.4% market share. Almost 45 million Americans have health insurance through UnitedHealth Group.
What are the top five health insurance companies?
Other health insurance firms operate in the United States, but the five largest by market share include:
- UnitedHealth Group: Almost 45 million Americans are covered by UnitedHealthcare, Optum, and Golden Rule Insurance Company, which are all companies of UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the United States.
- Anthem: Anthem has over 41 million members in 14 states. Both Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield are wholly owned subsidiaries.
- Aetna: To more than 22 million people in the United States, Aetna, a CVS Health company, offers health insurance coverage. Aetna provides various health insurance options, such as HMOs, PPOs, and HDHPs.
- Cigna: More than 16 million Americans get their health care coverage with Cigna. The company offers various health care options, such as HMOs, PPOs, and HDHPs. Cigna also provides disability, dental, and vision coverage.
- Humana: More than 14 million Americans get coverage via Humana, though most of them are through Medicare Advantage. HMOs, PPOs, and HDHPs are just some of Humana’s business health insurance options.
While these are some of the major health insurance providers in the country, they may not offer you the best plan for your specific situation.
What are the two most common health insurance plans?
The two main types of health insurance in the U.S. are Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans.
Under an HMO plan, your primary care physician oversees all your health care services. Before seeing a specialist or seeking other medical care, you must get a recommendation from your primary care physician. HMOs typically offer cheaper out-of-pocket expenditures but restrict patients’ ability to choose doctors.
Under a PPO plan, patients have greater freedom in selecting their health care providers, including specialists, without requiring a primary care physician referral. The downside is that the out-of-pocket expenditures may be higher than with an HMO plan, especially if you see a specialist outside your insurance network.
How do I choose health insurance?
Picking a health insurance policy may seem overwhelming, but these suggestions may help:
- Assess your healthcare needs.
- Understand the different plan types.
- Compare costs.
- Check the provider network.
- Review prescription drug coverage.
- Check for additional benefits.
- Consider the plan’s limitations.
By performing these steps, you can compare several health insurance plans and choose the one that best suits your health care needs and budget. It’s vital to thoroughly check your plan every year and make changes as needed to guarantee you continue to have the coverage you need.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.