The Best Options in 2026 - Tested by Experts
Our team spent thousands of hours researching and testing to bring you this definitive ranking. Updated monthly.
Quick Comparison
| Rank | Provider | Rating | Pricing | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kaiser Permanente Editor's Choice | 4.8 | From ~$350/mo | Excellent | Visit Site → |
| #2 | Blue Cross Blue Shield Largest Network | 4.6 | From ~$380/mo | Excellent | Visit Site → |
| #3 | UnitedHealthcare Best Employer Plans | 4.4 | From ~$370/mo | Very Good | Visit Site → |
| #4 | Oscar Health Best Digital Experience | 4.3 | From ~$340/mo | Very Good | Visit Site → |
| #5 | Ambetter Best Value | 4.1 | From ~$280/mo | Good | Visit Site → |
| #6 | Cigna | 4.2 | From ~$390/mo | Good | Visit Site → |
Detailed Reviews
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente's integrated care model - where your insurer, hospital, and doctors are all one organization - delivers the highest member satisfaction, lowest out-of-pocket costs, and best preventive care outcomes of any major health plan in the U.S.
Pros
- +Best-in-class preventive care and wellness programs
- +Seamless coordination between doctors, specialists, labs, and pharmacy
- +Excellent mobile app with telehealth, prescription refills, and messaging
- +Lower out-of-pocket costs than most comparable plans
Cons
- −Only available in 8 states plus DC - limited geographic reach
- −Must use Kaiser facilities and doctors - no out-of-network coverage except emergencies
- −Less flexibility in choosing specialists than PPO plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield operates through 34 independent companies covering all 50 states, offering the largest provider network in American health insurance. With over 1.7 million in-network providers, you'll almost never have trouble finding a covered doctor.
Pros
- +Largest provider network in the country - almost every doctor accepts Blue plans
- +Available everywhere - no matter where you live or move, Blue has plans
- +BlueCard program means your coverage works nationwide for travel
- +Strong PPO options for people who want maximum provider flexibility
Cons
- −Quality and pricing vary significantly between the 34 independent Blue companies
- −Premium pricing is often higher than competitors like Ambetter or Oscar
- −Customer service experience varies by local Blue company
UnitedHealthcare
The largest health insurer in America by enrollment, UnitedHealthcare covers over 50 million people. Their marketplace plans are solid, but they truly shine in employer-sponsored coverage with extensive wellness programs and the powerful Rally health platform.
Pros
- +Broad national network - second only to BCBS in provider coverage
- +Rally health platform gamifies wellness with real financial incentives
- +Virtual-first plan options are among the cheapest marketplace plans available
- +OptumRx pharmacy benefits offer competitive prescription drug pricing
Cons
- −Customer satisfaction scores are average - not as high as Kaiser or BCBS
- −Not available on ACA marketplaces in every state
- −Complex plan structures can be confusing to navigate
Oscar Health
Oscar Health was built as a tech-first insurer, and it shows. The app experience is best-in-class, with free 24/7 telehealth, a dedicated Care Team for every member, and the simplest plan structures in the marketplace. Ideal for younger, tech-savvy enrollees.
Pros
- +Best mobile app and digital experience of any health insurer
- +Free unlimited telehealth visits - no copay, no referral needed
- +Dedicated Care Team helps navigate coverage, find doctors, and resolve issues
- +Simple, transparent plan structures with clear pricing
Cons
- −Smaller provider networks than BCBS or UHC in most markets
- −Only available in select states and counties - limited geographic reach
- −Less established track record than legacy insurers
Ambetter
Ambetter consistently offers the lowest premiums on ACA marketplaces in most states where they operate. For healthy individuals and families who prioritize affordable premiums and primarily need catastrophic coverage with preventive care, Ambetter delivers strong value.
Pros
- +Consistently the cheapest or second-cheapest marketplace option in most areas
- +My Health Pays program rewards healthy behaviors with gift cards
- +Good Silver plan designs that work well with cost-sharing reduction subsidies
- +Growing network with improving provider coverage each year
Cons
- −Smaller provider networks than BCBS, UHC, or Kaiser
- −Customer service reviews are mixed - wait times can be long
- −Out-of-network coverage is very limited on most plans
Cigna
Cigna (now The Cigna Group) combines strong domestic health plans with the broadest international coverage of any major insurer. Their behavioral health and mental health benefits are among the most comprehensive available, and employer plans include impressive wellness perks.
Pros
- +Strongest mental health and behavioral health benefits of any major insurer
- +Best option for expats and frequent international travelers
- +MDLIVE integration provides seamless telehealth experience
- +Well-regarded wellness and chronic disease management programs
Cons
- −Limited availability on ACA marketplaces - primarily an employer-based insurer
- −Premium pricing is higher than Ambetter and Oscar in most markets
- −Network size is smaller than BCBS in many regions
How We Rank & Review
Our rankings are the result of a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process. We start with extensive market research to identify every viable option, then narrow the field based on reputation, customer feedback, and feature sets.
Each product on our list undergoes hands-on testing by our expert reviewers. We evaluate ease of setup, day-to-day usability, feature quality, customer support responsiveness, and overall value for money.
We also survey real customers to understand long-term satisfaction and reliability. Our ratings combine expert scores with customer sentiment to give you a complete, balanced picture.
We update these rankings monthly as new products launch, prices change, and we gather more data. Our goal is to always give you the most current, accurate recommendations possible.