Exploring Cheap Medical Insurance Options

If you're looking for affordable medical insurance, you're not alone. Many people struggle to find affordable options that meet their needs.

One way to save money on medical insurance is to consider a high-deductible plan, which can be as low as $1,000 per year. This type of plan is often paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA) that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses.

Catastrophic plans are another option for those who are under 30 or qualify for a hardship exemption. These plans have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, with a maximum out-of-pocket limit of $7,050 in 2022.

Some employers offer group health insurance plans that can be more affordable than individual plans. These plans often come with more comprehensive coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs.

If you're on a tight budget, there are some affordable medical insurance options to consider. HSA-eligible plans are usually the least expensive option for major medical insurance, but they come with a higher deductible.

These plans include a health savings account, which lets you save money tax-free to pay for future medical bills. You can also deduct 100% of your health savings account plan contributions from your taxable income, making them a great option for those who want to save for medical expenses.

However, some HSA plans charge a monthly maintenance fee, so be sure to factor that into your costs. Catastrophic health plans are another option for those who want low premiums, but they provide bare minimum health coverage, meant for those under the age of 30 or who qualify for a hardship exemption.

If you're looking for a plan that offers more coverage than your current insurance, you might want to consider a PPO or HMO plan. These plans offer more coverage for a higher premium, but they can be a good option if you need more comprehensive coverage.

Here are some key features of each plan type:

Keep in mind that these plans have varying levels of choice and out-of-pocket cost, so be sure to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your budget and healthcare needs.

To understand cheap medical insurance, you need to know the basics of how it works. Your premium is the monthly amount you pay to keep your coverage, and it's essential to consider this when comparing plans.

A deductible is the annual amount you pay out of pocket for medical care before your insurance pays out. This can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the plan.

Your premium is the amount you pay on a monthly or other regularly scheduled basis to keep your coverage. This is the amount you'll pay every month, regardless of whether you use the insurance or not.

Here's a quick rundown of common terms you'll see when comparing plans:

To navigate the world of cheap medical insurance, you need to know the basics. Knowing the terms can help you make informed decisions about your coverage.

Your premium is the amount you pay on a monthly or other regularly scheduled basis to keep your coverage. This is the cost of having health insurance.

A deductible is the annual amount you pay out of pocket for medical care before your insurance pays out. This is the amount you need to pay before your insurance kicks in.

Co-pays are fixed amounts you pay for certain services, such as X-rays or specialist visits. Co-pays can also count towards your deductible.

Co-insurance is the percentage of your medical bills you pay once you reach your annual deductible. Some plans pay for all your covered services after you meet your deductible.

Here are the key terms to know in quoting:

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers a unique set of benefits that differentiate it from employer-based health plans. One of the main differences is that individual and family health insurance plans offered through the ACA receive subsidized premiums, reducing the monthly cost of coverage.

You can only sign up for ACA health insurance during the open enrollment period, which usually takes place in late fall, or due to a qualifying life event. This means you can't just switch to an ACA plan at any time, unlike employer-based plans.

Here are some examples of qualifying life events that may make you eligible for special enrollment:

Other life events that may qualify you for coverage under the ACA include changes in income or becoming a U.S. citizen.

If you're looking for cheap medical insurance plans, you should consider PPO plans, which offer a wide network of doctors and specialists for a reduced rate. HSA-eligible and catastrophic health plans are also options, but they cover less for a lower premium.

PPO plans typically include a deductible, as well as co-pay or co-insurance for certain services, but they offer more coverage than HSA-eligible and catastrophic health plans. You can also look into HMO plans, which require you to see physicians within your network and get a referral from your primary care physician before seeing a specialist.

Some plans, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, offer affordable prices, especially for people over 60. They also offer low-priced Catastrophic plans and have a broad availability in 36 states.

If you're looking for a plan with no PCP visits, you're in luck. Not all plans have this feature, but some do.

For example, UPMC Health Plan offers $0 preventive care that covers many health services for adults and children at 100 percent. This includes access to top-ranked doctors and hospitals and an extended network.

However, not everyone can take advantage of this feature. If you live in California, you're out of luck. Select plans with $0 visits every time you see your primary care provider are not available in California.

To be eligible for these plans, you must meet certain criteria. Members enrolled in qualified high-deductible health plans must meet their deductible before receiving covered primary care or non-preventive services at no cost-share.

If you're considering a plan with no PCP visits, be sure to check the fine print. Some plans may have restrictions or limitations that apply.

Here are some popular types of health insurance plans that often offer no PCP visits:

Remember to always check the plan details and eligibility requirements before signing up.

Oscar Health offers $0 physician copays with some of its plans, making it a great option if you don't want to worry about paying for doctor's visits.

Oscar's Silver plans offer $0 physician copays, which is a significant perk for those who prioritize affordable healthcare.

Some of Oscar's plans also feature $0 virtual urgent care available 24/7, allowing you to get medical attention without breaking the bank.

However, it's worth noting that Oscar's high-deductible, health savings account-compatible plans don't allow for $0 virtual consultations.

Oscar's Secure plan is a low-premium, high-deductible coverage option that may be eligible for those under 30 or with lower incomes.

Here are some key features of Oscar's plans:

Keep in mind that Oscar's plans are only available in 20 states, so be sure to check their availability in your area.

If you're looking for cheap medical insurance providers, Blue Cross Blue Shield is a great option. It offers the best cost overall, with especially good pricing for Silver plans and people over 60.

Blue Cross Blue Shield has the lowest average cost when considering premiums, copays, and deductibles. It also has the second-highest quality rating among insurers we reviewed. You can get affordable prices, especially for people over 60, and Silver plans are the most popular of the Obamacare coverage levels.

Oscar is another affordable option, with the lowest copays for most of the Silver and Bronze plans we gathered quotes for. Some of its plans feature $0 physician copays, and it also offers free virtual care and $3 generic prescriptions.

Here are some of the key features of these cheap medical insurance providers:

These providers offer a range of benefits, including access to a discount program, low-priced Catastrophic plans, and $0 virtual urgent care available 24/7.

When deciding on a health insurance plan, you need to consider the level of flexibility you need, as well as how much you're willing to pay. Consider whether you plan to stay in-network and don't need specialist care, as PPOs are more expensive than HMO and EPO plans.

PPOs offer the largest network of hospitals and doctors to choose from, as well as the ability to see a specialist without a referral. However, if you plan to stay in-network and don't need specialist care, HMO and EPO plans could suit your needs just fine.

Finding the right health insurance plan can be overwhelming, but it's essential to balance premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and your health needs. To do this, you need to consider key factors such as plan type, network, premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and metal tiers.

Plan type affects which doctors and hospitals you can use, with HMOs usually requiring you to stick to a network of doctors, while PPOs let you see doctors outside the network at a higher cost. You should also consider the network, which includes the doctors and hospitals you can visit under your plan.

The monthly cost of just having health insurance is known as premiums, and you may have other expenses such as deductibles and copays if you need care. Plans with lower premiums sometimes have higher out-of-pocket costs, so it's essential to weigh the pros and cons.

A plan's metal tier is one factor in your price, with Bronze plans having the lowest premiums and the highest out-of-pocket costs, and Platinum plans costing the most per month but covering more health care costs.

Here's a summary of the metal tiers:

Your out-of-pocket maximum is the most you'll have to pay in a year for covered health care, and after you hit this amount, your insurance should cover 100% of the cost of covered benefits, excluding premiums and out-of-network care.

You can get affordable health insurance from several places, including your employer, the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies.

If you're under 26, you can usually stay on your parent's health insurance plan. This can be a great way to save money on health insurance.

The Health Insurance Marketplace lets you compare and buy health insurance plans, and your income may let you qualify for a premium tax credit that reduces the amount you pay for your monthly premium.

In some states, Medicaid provides free or low-cost health insurance, but eligibility depends on your income and the specific rules in your state.

The average monthly premium for an Affordable Care Act plan in 2025 is $497, but your health insurance costs could be higher or lower depending on several factors, such as location and age.

Here's a breakdown of the average benchmark premium for a 40-year-old in each state in 2025:

Age is also a significant factor in determining health insurance costs, with insurers allowed to charge more to older people. In some states, they can charge people 64 and older three times more than 21-year-olds.