How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?
HSChange Editorial Team
Health Policy Research Team, Consumer Health Guidance
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, MD, MPH, Board-Certified Internal Medicine
Last updated: April 4, 2026
The cost of health insurance depends on where you get it, where you live, how old you are, and what level of coverage you pick. There's no single answer. But here are the real averages from the most reliable sources.
Employer-Sponsored Coverage
For 2025, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored health insurance is $8,951 for single coverage and $25,572 for family coverage, according to the KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey. Workers pay about $1,368 of the single premium and $6,575 of the family premium. Employers cover the rest. These numbers have risen about 47% over the past decade for family plans.
ACA Marketplace Plans
The average Silver plan on the marketplace costs about $456 per month before subsidies. After subsidies, the average enrollee pays around $92 per month. About 4 out of 5 marketplace enrollees can find a plan for $10 a month or less thanks to enhanced premium tax credits.
Age is the biggest factor in marketplace pricing. The ACA allows insurers to charge older adults up to 3 times more than younger ones. A 21-year-old might see a benchmark Silver plan at $350 per month before subsidies, while a 64-year-old would see roughly $1,050 for the same plan. Subsidies close much of that gap for people who qualify.
What Drives the Cost
Your monthly premium is just part of the picture. Add in the deductible, copays, and coinsurance you'll actually pay when you use care. A $200/month plan with a $5,000 deductible costs more over the year than a $350/month plan with a $1,000 deductible if you need anything beyond preventive care. Total cost matters more than premium alone.
Ways to Lower Your Cost
Check if you qualify for marketplace subsidies at Healthcare.gov. Consider a high-deductible plan with an HSA if you're healthy and want to save on premiums while building tax-free savings. Use a licensed broker to compare plans at no cost. And don't skip open enrollment, because auto-renewing without checking other options leaves money on the table every year.