Coverage for dental care including preventive, basic, and major services. Learn about coverage options, costs, and how to choose the right policy.
Health Insurance
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Health Insurance Guide
Health insurance helps cover medical expenses and protects you from high healthcare costs. Understanding your options is essential to finding the right coverage.
Not sure what coverage you need? Take our free 2-minute quiz to get personalized insurance recommendations based on your situation.
Types of Health Insurance
Individual & Family Plans
Coverage you purchase on your own through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly from insurers.
Employer-Sponsored Insurance
Group coverage offered through your workplace, often with shared premium costs.
Medicare
Federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and some younger people with disabilities.
Medicaid
State and federal program providing health coverage for eligible low-income individuals.
Short-Term Health Insurance
Temporary coverage for gaps between other health insurance plans.
Health Insurance Costs by State
ACA marketplace premiums vary widely—from $332/month in New Hampshire to $867/month in Wyoming (before subsidies). Most enrollees pay significantly less after premium tax credits.
→ View all 50 states ranked | Detailed cost guide
Related Checklists
- Having a Baby Checklist - Adding a child to your health coverage
- Getting Married Checklist - Combining or changing health plans
- Retiring Checklist - Transitioning to Medicare
- Going Freelance Checklist - Health coverage without an employer
Related Articles
- How to File a Health Insurance Claim - Understanding EOBs, appeals, and pre-authorization
- HMO vs. PPO Health Plans - Compare plan types
- Health Insurance Costs by State - What plans cost in your state
- Medicare Guide for 65+ - What you need to know
- Open Enrollment Guide - Annual enrollment tips
Related Insurance Types
- Dental Insurance - Coverage for dental care and procedures
- Vision Insurance - Coverage for eye exams and eyewear
- Disability Insurance - Replaces income if you can’t work due to illness
- Life Insurance - Financial protection for your family
Official Resources
- HealthCare.gov (opens in new tab) - Official ACA marketplace for health insurance enrollment
- Medicare.gov (opens in new tab) - Official Medicare information and enrollment
- Medicaid.gov (opens in new tab) - Federal Medicaid program information
- CMS.gov (opens in new tab) - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Find Local Help (opens in new tab) - Free in-person enrollment assistance
Data Sources
Health insurance data in this guide come from CMS (opens in new tab) , Kaiser Family Foundation (opens in new tab) , Healthcare.gov (opens in new tab) , and state marketplace filings. Learn more about our data collection methods on our Methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between HMO, PPO, and EPO plans?
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans require you to use in-network providers and get referrals for specialists. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans offer more flexibility with out-of-network coverage at higher costs. EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plans are like HMOs but typically don’t require referrals.
What are the ACA metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)?
Metal tiers indicate how costs are shared between you and the insurer. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but highest out-of-pocket costs (60/40 split). Silver (70/30) and Gold (80/20) offer middle ground. Platinum plans have highest premiums but lowest out-of-pocket costs (90/10).
When is open enrollment for health insurance?
Open enrollment for ACA Marketplace plans typically runs from November 1 to January 15. Some states with their own marketplaces have different deadlines. Outside open enrollment, you can enroll if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to life events like job loss, marriage, or having a baby.
What's the difference between a copay and coinsurance?
A copay is a fixed dollar amount you pay for a service (like $30 for a doctor visit). Coinsurance is a percentage of the cost you pay after meeting your deductible (like 20% of a hospital bill). Both are forms of cost-sharing between you and your insurer.
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Health by State
Health requirements and costs vary significantly by state. Select your state for specific regulations, average premiums, and local resources.
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Health coverage designed to protect your entire family under one policy. Learn about coverage options, costs, and how to choose the right policy.
Coverage purchased on your own through the marketplace or directly from insurers. Learn about coverage options, costs, and how to choose the right policy.
Joint federal and state program providing health coverage for eligible low-income individuals. Learn about coverage options, costs, and how to choose the right policy.
Federal health insurance for people 65+ and those with disabilities. Learn about coverage options, costs, and how to choose the right policy.
Temporary coverage for gaps between other health insurance plans. Learn about coverage options, costs, and how to choose the right policy.
Coverage for eye exams, glasses, contacts, and vision care. Learn about coverage options, costs, and how to choose the right policy.