Compare individual and family health plans from top insurance companies at the lowest available cost.
California health insurance plans
Compare individual and family health plans from top insurance companies at the lowest available cost.
Need health insurance in California? eHealth makes shopping easy.
Navigating California health insurance plans
Finding the right health insurance plan in California can be overwhelming. Whether you’re an individual looking for comprehensive coverage or a family seeking a plan to fit everyone’s needs, it’s important to consider factors such as:
Coverage needs
Evaluate what types of medical services you or your family use most frequently. Do you need regular doctor visits, specialist care, or prescription medications?
Budget
Look at both premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Sometimes a plan with a higher premium may save you money overall if you frequently use healthcare services.
Provider network
Ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals are included in the plan’s network to avoid higher out-of-network costs.
Additional benefits
Some plans offer extra perks, like wellness programs, telemedicine, or mental health services, which could be valuable to you or your family’s overall health.
Find health insurance plans for every stage of life
Health insurance
Health insurance exists to protect you from substantial medical costs. Each plan is an agreement between you and the health insurance company about the services they will cover, how much you will pay, and how much they will pay.
Can cover everything from routine cleanings and fillings to more comprehensive procedures, usually at a low premium. May cover annual eye exams and/or reduce the cost of contact lenses or glasses.
When you buy an insurance policy, you will pay a premium payment monthly or annually. In exchange for that premium, your insurance provider agrees to cover a portion of your healthcare bills as outlined in your plan policy. You are still responsible for some costs, like deductibles and copays. Here are descriptions of those costs and what you should expect.
Stay up to date on enrollment deadlines
Plus, get expert tips for choosing the right health plan.
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Frequently asked questions
California residents can expect to pay an average of $601.74 per person for an individual health insurance plan. This is the average monthly premium price of a plan available from eHealth in California, but actual prices available depend on zip code, age, gender, plan metal level, and other factors. Get a personalized quote to see what may be available for you.
California residents can sign up for ACA health insurance plans via the state marketplace (Covered California) or a licensed health insurance broker like eHealth. You can only sign up for an ACA plan during the annual open enrollment period, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.
The “best” health insurance plan for you depends on your unique needs and budget. Covered California offers a wide range of health insurance plans from top insurance companies, including Kaiser Permanente, Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, and Health Net. It’s important to carefully review the plan benefits, costs, and provider network before making a decision.
California requires all residents to have health coverage to avoid the individual mandate penalty. In 2020 California implemented state-mandated coverage and a state-based premium subsidy. California has allocated state funds to provide premium subsidies to low-income Californians to promote health insurance coverage for all Californians.
In order to make California private health insurance and government healthcare plans more accessible, the Golden State operates its own health insurance marketplace by the name of Covered California. Through this platform, you can access individual and family health insurance plans through private providers and government-funded policies.
Typically, enrolling in an ACA-compliant plan through the Covered California health insurance exchange provides you with one of the longest healthcare enrollment periods in the United States. California’s open enrollment period starts on November 1 and ends on January 31. In order to enroll in an ACA health plan outside of the open enrollment period, you will need to qualify for a special enrollment period.
There are several types of health insurance plans available in California, each with its own set of benefits, costs, and provider networks. Here are some of the most common types of health insurance plans:
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans: HMO plans require you to choose a primary care physician (PCP) who will be your first point of contact for all of your healthcare needs. Your PCP will refer you to specialists within the HMO’s network, and you will generally need a referral from your PCP to see a specialist. HMO plans tend to have lower out-of-pocket costs, but less flexibility in choosing providers. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans: PPO plans give you more flexibility in choosing your providers, but may have higher out-of-pocket costs. With a PPO plan, you can see providers both inside and outside of the plan’s network, but you will generally pay more if you go out-of-network. Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans: EPO plans are similar to PPO plans in that they give you more flexibility in choosing providers, but generally have lower out-of-pocket costs. However, with an EPO plan, you cannot see providers outside of the plan’s network. Point of Service (POS) plans: POS plans are a hybrid of HMO and PPO plans. Like an HMO plan, you will need to choose a PCP who will refer you to specialists within the plan’s network. However, you may also have the option to see providers outside of the network for a higher cost.
Yes! Whether you are self-employed, retired, or simply do not have access to employer-sponsored health insurance, you can purchase your own health insurance in California. You can do this through Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange, or directly from insurance companies.
California offers a range of low-cost health insurance options for individuals and families. Medi-Cal is a state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible individuals with limited income. Covered California also offers subsidies to help reduce the cost of health insurance for those who qualify based on income.
Medi-Cal is a state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible individuals and families with limited income. To qualify, you must meet certain income and residency requirements. You can apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California or directly through your county’s social services department.
Medi-Cal is a state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible individuals and families with limited income. To qualify for Medi-Cal, you must meet certain income and residency requirements.
In California, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal if:
You have an income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for your household size You are pregnant and have an income at or below 213% of the FPL You are under 19 years old and have an income at or below 266% of the FPL You are 65 years or older, blind, or have a disability and have an income at or below 138% of the FPL To apply for Medi-Cal, you can either apply online through Covered California or directly through your county’s social services department.
California has a robust health insurance market, with many top insurance providers offering plans. Some of the main insurance providers in California include Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield of California, Chinese Community Health Plan, Kaiser, Molina, Sharp, Sutter Health, and Western Health Advantage.
When choosing a health insurance plan in California, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:
What are your healthcare needs? Consider what types of services you may need in the coming year, such as doctor visits, specialist care, prescription medications, or hospitalizations. What is your budget? Health insurance plans can vary widely in cost, so it’s important to consider what you can afford. Be sure to look not only at the monthly premium, but also at the deductible, copays, and coinsurance. Which providers are in the plan’s network? If you have a preferred doctor or hospital, make sure that they are covered under your plan. In conclusion, buying health insurance in California can seem daunting, but there are many options available to fit your needs and budget. Whether you qualify for Medi-Cal or choose to purchase a plan through Covered California or directly from an insurance provider, it’s important to carefully review your options before making a decision. As a healthcare company dedicated to serving Californians, we’re here to help guide you through the process and find the right plan for you.
