Best Cheap Health Insurance in California for 2027
Kaiser Permanente has the best health insurance in California because of its excellent plan quality and good rates. Silver plans from Kaiser start at $499 per month before discounts.
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Best and cheapest health insurance in California
- Want the best company? Kaiser Permanente, $499/mo
- Need the cheapest rates? L.A. Care, $423/mo
- Want to choose your doctors? Blue Shield of California, $522/mo
Cheapest health insurance companies in California
L.A. Care has the cheapest health insurance in California, with Silver plans that cost as little as $423 per month before discounts.
- L.A. Care has the cheapest health insurance rates in California for about a quarter of people in the state. But you can only get L.A. Care if you live in Los Angeles County. The cheapest health insurance in your city may be from another company such as Kaiser Permanente, IEHP or Western Health Advantage.
- Most people who buy a plan on Covered California, the state's health insurance marketplace, don't have to pay full price for health insurance because they get income-based discounts that lower the cost of a plan.
- Health insurance rates are going up, and it can be helpful to keep that in mind as you shop. Even a plan that's considered cheap is several hundred dollars a month, so it's a good idea to budget and plan ahead.
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Affordable health insurance companies in California
Company |
Cost
| |
|---|---|---|
| L.A. Care | $423-$448 | |
| IEHP | $490-$490 | |
| Kaiser Permanente | $499-$782 | |
| Health Net | $508-$945 | |
| Blue Shield of California | $522-$1,247 | |
| Molina | $525-$622 | |
| Anthem | $531-$1,224 | |
| CalOptima | $540 | |
| Sharp Health | $544-$650 | |
| Western Health Advantage | $670-$679 | |
| Valley Health | $784 | |
| CCHP | $817-$882 | |
Monthly rates are a range of the cheapest to most expensive Silver plans available from each company. Plan options depend on where you live. Rates are for a 40-year-old and represent the price for a plan before discounts.
Data-powered research on California health insurance
Best health insurance companies in California
Kaiser Permanente sells the best health insurance in California because of its high plan quality, great customer service and good rates. Silver plans start at $499 per month before discounts.
Kaiser Permanente is the best health insurance company in California for 2027 because of its highly rated plans, strong customer satisfaction and affordable rates. Kaiser earned a 5-out-of-5 star rating on Covered California, the highest score possible.
Kaiser also combines health insurance and medical care through its own network of doctors, hospitals and medical centers. That makes it easier to manage your medical care and insurance all in one place.
The downside of Kaiser is that you'll have to get your medical care at one of the company's medical centers, unless it's an emergency or you're traveling. If you'd rather have more flexibility about the doctors you see, Blue Shield of California may be a better option for you.
Best-rated health insurance companies in California
Company |
ACA rating
|
VP rating
|
|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Permanente | 5.0/5
Star Fill
| 4.0/5
Star Fill
|
| Western Health Advantage | 4.0/5
Star Fill
| 4.0/5
Star Fill
|
| Sharp Health | 4.0/5
Star Fill
| 4.0/5
Star Fill
|
| L.A. Care | 4.0/5
Star Fill
| 4.0/5
Star Fill
|
| Molina | 3.0/5
Star Fill
| 4.0/5
Star Fill
|
| Health Net | 3.0/5
Star Fill
| 4.0/5
Star Fill
|
| Valley Health | 3.0/5
Star Fill
| 4.0/5
Star Fill
|
| Blue Shield of California | 3.5/5
Star Fill
| 3.5/5
Star Fill
|
| Anthem | 3.0/5
Star Fill
| 3.5/5
Star Fill
|
| IEHP | 3.0/5
Star Fill
| 3.5/5
Star Fill
|
| CalOptima | N/A | 3.5/5
Star Fill
|
| CCHP | 3.0/5
Star Fill
| 3.0/5
Star Fill
|
ValuePenguin chose the best companies after reviewing Affordable Care Act (ACA) ratings from HealthCare.gov and state marketplaces. However, the best company for your specific situation depends on where you live, your budget and your medical needs. Comparing plans helps you find the best company for you.
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Blue Shield of California: Best for flexibility about your doctors
Blue Shield of California is the best health insurance in California if you want the most choices for where to get medical care.
Blue Shield of California is a great option if you want a PPO plan, which lets you go outside your health insurance network and still have coverage. And because Blue Cross already has a large network, it's easier to find doctors who charge in-network rates. But you also have the ability to go outside your network if needed.
In California, there are two different Blue Cross companies offering plans. Anthem and Blue Shield of California both have affordable rates, and you'll get access to a large network of doctors and hospitals with either company. But Anthem doesn't sell PPO plans.
Average cost of health insurance in California
In 2027, California health insurance costs an average of $827 per month at full price or roughly $165 per month if you can get discounts.
- Health insurance costs more as you get older. A 60-year-old in California pays more than twice as much for health insurance as a 40-year-old, on average. Rates can increase quickly as you age because insurance companies expect you'll need more medical care as you get older.
- It's cheaper to get a plan with less coverage. In California, a Bronze plan costs a 40-year-old about $136 less per month than a Silver plan. But you'll pay more when you get medical care. The best level of coverage for you usually depends on how much medical care you think you'll need. For example, a cheaper Bronze plan may be a good choice if you're healthy and you only go to the doctor a few times per year.
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Health insurance discounts in California for 2027
If you get federal discounts because of your income, your health insurance plan in California could cost about $165 per month.
- Who can get discounts: Typically, you can get discounted health insurance if you make between $15,960 and $63,840 as a single person, or between $33,000 and $132,000 as a family of four. But if you can get Medicaid, you can't get discounts for marketplace plans.
- How it works: You'll see what premium tax credits, often called subsidies, you're eligible for when shopping for marketplace coverage on Covered California. When you buy your plan, you can choose to have your subsidies applied directly to your monthly rate, so you pay less each month, or you can pay the full monthly cost for your plan and get your subsidies all at once when you file your taxes.
- How much you'll pay: Use the health insurance subsidy calculator for an estimate of how much you'll pay based on your income.
California also offers additional state-funded health insurance discounts for people who have low incomes.
You may qualify if you make up to $31,920 per year as a single person ($66,000 per year as a family of four). The state predicts that about half a million Californians, or about 30% of the people who sign up for coverage on Covered California, will get a state subsidy in 2027. The extra discounts aren't enough to make up for the loss of the extra federal discounts that expired at the end of 2025, but it's still a meaningful way to lower your rate.
Cheap California health insurance plans by city
L.A. Care has the cheapest Silver health insurance in California, starting at $423 per month in Los Angeles County. However, Kaiser Permanente has the cheapest Silver plan rates for a lot of people outside of Los Angeles.
Because L.A. Care is only available in Los Angeles County, it's the cheapest option for about a quarter of California residents. But Kaiser Permanente is available across the state and has the cheapest rates for about a third of residents.
However, the cheapest plan depends on where you live.
- L.A. Care is the cheapest health insurance company in Los Angeles, with rates as low as $423 per month for a Silver plan.
- Sharp Health Plan has the lowest prices for health insurance in San Diego, starting at $544 per month for a Silver plan.
- Kaiser Permanente has the cheapest health insurance in San Jose, San Francisco and Fresno, with Silver plan rates starting between $603 and $765 per month, depending on what city you're in.
Cheapest health insurance company by CA county for 2027
County | Avg. rate | Cheapest co. | Cheapest rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda | $851 | Kaiser Permanente | $700 |
| Alpine | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Amador | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Butte | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Calaveras | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Colusa | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Contra Costa | $886 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Del Norte | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| El Dorado | $852 | Western Health Advantage | $679 |
| Fresno | $687 | Kaiser Permanente | $603 |
| Glenn | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Humboldt | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Imperial | $808 | Molina | $622 |
| Inyo | $808 | Molina | $622 |
| Kern | $679 | Health Net | $600 |
| Kings | $687 | Kaiser Permanente | $603 |
| Lake | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Lassen | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Los Angeles | $595 | L.A. Care | $423 |
| Madera | $687 | Kaiser Permanente | $603 |
| Marin | $872 | Western Health Advantage | $670 |
| Mariposa | $793 | Kaiser Permanente | $633 |
| Mendocino | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Merced | $793 | Kaiser Permanente | $633 |
| Modoc | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Mono | $808 | Molina | $622 |
| Monterey | $1,022 | Kaiser Permanente | $686 |
| Napa | $872 | Western Health Advantage | $670 |
| Nevada | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Orange | $656 | CalOptima | $540 |
| Placer | $852 | Western Health Advantage | $679 |
| Plumas | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Riverside | $595 | IEHP | $490 |
| Sacramento | $852 | Western Health Advantage | $679 |
| San Benito | $1,022 | Kaiser Permanente | $686 |
| San Bernardino | $595 | IEHP | $490 |
| San Diego | $683 | Sharp Health | $544 |
| San Francisco | $884 | Kaiser Permanente | $765 |
| San Joaquin | $793 | Kaiser Permanente | $633 |
| San Luis Obispo | $810 | Kaiser Permanente | $667 |
| San Mateo | $975 | Kaiser Permanente | $782 |
| Santa Barbara | $810 | Kaiser Permanente | $667 |
| Santa Clara | $930 | Kaiser Permanente | $668 |
| Santa Cruz | $1,022 | Kaiser Permanente | $686 |
| Shasta | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Sierra | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Siskiyou | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Solano | $872 | Western Health Advantage | $670 |
| Sonoma | $872 | Western Health Advantage | $670 |
| Stanislaus | $793 | Kaiser Permanente | $633 |
| Sutter | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
| Tehama | $913 | Kaiser Permanente | $707 |
Cheapest Silver plan with rates for a 40-year-old
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Best health insurance by level of coverage
The best health insurance coverage for you depends on how much medical care you expect to need.
Silver plans are popular and tend to be good for most people because they balance average monthly costs with good coverage. However, as health insurance rates continue to rise, more people may consider Bronze plans to keep monthly costs down.
Platinum plans: Best if you need expensive medical care
| Platinum plans pay for about 90% of your medical care. |
Platinum health plans cost an average of $1,209 per month in California.
Platinum plans have the best coverage and will pay the most toward your medical bills of any plan tier. In California, Platinum plans don't have a deductible.
If you have a chronic illness or need expensive treatments, it may be worth it to pay the high rate for a Platinum plan. That's because you could save more on doctor bills than the extra cost you'd spend on insurance.
Gold plans: Best if you need medical care often
| Gold plans pay for about 80% of your medical care. |
Gold plans cost an average of $927 per month in California.
Gold plans are a step down from Platinum plans. If you want a high level of coverage for a lower cost, a Gold plan is a good option.
Typically, it's worth it to pay for a Gold plan if you need ongoing medical care or are managing a chronic health condition, such as heart disease.
Like Platinum plans, Gold plans cover you without needing to meet a deductible. That will help you avoid high medical costs when getting treatment or seeing specialists.
Silver plans: Best for most people
| Silver plans pay for about 70% of your medical care. |
A Silver plan costs an average of $827 per month in California.
Silver plans are the most popular option in California, and they're good for most people who expect to need an average amount of medical care.
A Silver plan's coverage is in the middle between Bronze and Gold. The plans balance how much you pay each month with how much you have to pay for medical care.
Bronze plans: Best if you're generally healthy and have savings
| Bronze plans pay for about 60% of your medical care. |
Bronze plans cost an average of $691 per month before discounts in CA.
If you are mostly healthy and don't need to see a doctor often, a Bronze plan can help you save money on monthly rates but still give you coverage for serious injuries or illnesses.
However, when choosing a Bronze plan, it's good to have enough savings to cover your deductible so you'll be prepared for an emergency. That's because you could still have high medical bills before you reach the plan's out-of-pocket maximum.
Minimum coverage plans: Best as a last resort
Minimum coverage plans, also called Catastrophic plans, cost an average of $540 per month in California.
Catastrophic plans have the cheapest rates of any plan tier, but they also have high deductibles. These plans aren't designed to cover typical medical care and are instead used as a safety net if you have a major illness or injury. If you have a minimum coverage plan in California, you have to pay up to $12,000 for your medical care before most of the plan's benefits kick in.
You can only get a minimum coverage plan if you're under age 30 or meet the criteria of having financial hardship. However, it may be a better idea to get a Bronze plan and use subsidies to get cheaper rates, if you qualify.
Cheap or free health insurance plans in California if you have a low income
If you have a low income, you may be able to get free or very cheap health care through California's Medicaid program, called Medi-Cal. If you can't get Medi-Cal, you might be able to save on your health care costs by choosing a Silver plan and qualifying for what's called cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
Complete an application on Covered California to see what programs you're eligible for based on your income.
Medi-Cal: Medicaid in California
California's Medicaid program, called Medi-Cal, is the best way to get free or very cheap health insurance and medical care if you have a low income.
- To qualify for Medi-Cal, you usually have to make less than about $22,000 per year as a single person or less than about $45,000 as a family of four.
- Depending on your income, your children may qualify for free health insurance through Medi-Cal even if you don't.
Use cost-sharing reductions for cheaper medical care
If you earn too much to qualify for Medi-Cal, you may still be able to get cheap medical care by choosing a Silver health insurance plan.
- A Silver health insurance plan will pay for most of your medical costs if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions. You can qualify if you make between $15,960 and $39,900 per year as a single person or between $33,000 and $82,500 per year as a family of four.
- If you can get cost-sharing reductions, you'll also likely be able to get subsidies that make your monthly rate cheaper. That means you'll pay less for a plan each month and also pay less when you go to the doctor.
Are health insurance rates going up in CA in 2027?
Health insurance costs in California rose by an average of 12% across all plan tiers between 2026 and 2027, largely because of rising medical costs.
Silver plans, the most popular plan tier in California, got 14% more expensive, on average. Catastrophic plans had the largest average increase, at 19%. Since 2022, rates are up by about 54% across all plan tiers.
Plan tier |
1-year change
|
5-year change
|
|---|---|---|
| Catastrophic | 19% | N/A |
| Bronze | 10% | 57% |
| Silver | 14% | 54% |
| Gold | 10% | 50% |
| Platinum | 7% | 52% |
Monthly rates are the average of each plan tier for a 40-year-old. Your rates will depend on where you live in the state and what company you choose.
Why is health insurance expensive in CA in 2027?
Marketplace health insurance plans in California have gotten more expensive because of increasing medical costs.
As the cost for medical care increases, health insurance companies charge more to make up for it, resulting in higher rates for everyone.
Additionally, about 50,000 fewer people signed up for health insurance on Covered California in 2026 compared to 2025. That means health insurance companies have fewer customers to help spread out the cost of medical care. Because of that, companies charge higher rates, which can mean even fewer people sign up for coverage.
How to prepare for higher rates in 2027
- Compare quotes from multiple companies to get the best rates. Even within the same plan tier, costs can vary by hundreds of dollars per month.
- Choose a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) if you want a lower monthly rate. But it's important to remember you should only get an HDHP if you can comfortably afford to pay for your deductible from your savings.
- Consider Medi-Cal if you have a low income. If you shop on Covered California, the site will automatically check if you're eligible for Medi-Cal, which is California's Medicaid program.
Covered California is the marketplace where you can shop for health insurance. It's California's version of HealthCare.gov.
All marketplace plans, also called "ACA" plans or "Obamacare" plans, give you at least 10 essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including covering prescriptions, pregnancy and mental health.
- You won't pay more for a plan because of your health history.
- You can't be turned down for coverage because you have a health condition.
- As soon as the plan begins, you'll get free preventive care, checkups and birth control.
- All plans cap your medical costs to help you avoid medical debt if you get very sick or badly injured.
Average cost of CA health insurance plans by family size
You'll pay more for a health insurance plan that covers more people than you would for individual coverage. In California, the average cost of health insurance for a family of four is $2,644 per month, before discounts.
Family size | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Individual | $827 |
| Individual and child | $1,322 |
| Couple | $1,654 |
| Family of three | $2,149 |
| Family of four | $2,644 |
| Family of five | $3,139 |
Averages based on a Silver plan for 40-year-old adults and children who are under age 15.
COBRA health insurance plans in California
The average cost of a COBRA health insurance plan in California is $753 per month.
- What is COBRA? COBRA insurance lets you keep the health insurance plan you had through your job after you stop working for the company or are no longer eligible for insurance.
- Is COBRA the best deal? COBRA is usually expensive. That's because you're paying the full cost of your health insurance plan rather than splitting the cost with your employer. In most cases, it's cheaper to get health insurance through Covered California than to sign up for COBRA health insurance. When you shop on Covered California, you'll be able to get discounted rates based on your income.
Short-term health insurance plans in California
You can't buy a short-term health plan in California. The state banned these plans in 2018.
The best way to get short-term health insurance coverage in California is to shop for a regular health insurance plan on Covered California.
You can use Covered California for temporary coverage by canceling the plan whenever you want, such as if you get insurance through a job or become eligible for Medi-Cal.
Your Covered California plan will usually start the first of the month after you sign up or at the beginning of the new year. The policy will usually end on the last day of the month you cancel.
- During open enrollment (Nov. 1, 2026, to Jan. 31, 2027)
- Any time of the year if your circumstances have changed, such as if you lose other health insurance, move or get married
Student health insurance in California
If you are a college student, you can get individual health insurance through Covered California. But you may have other options for getting health insurance.
- Stay on your parents' plan. You have the option to stay covered on your parents' health insurance policy until you turn 26. This is typically the cheapest way for you to get health insurance.
- Buy a student health plan. Some colleges offer their own health insurance plans, although they may not cover medical care you receive off campus. And you could lose your coverage if you become a part-time student or transfer schools. Each student plan is different, so make sure you understand what is covered.
Health insurance enrollment by income level in California
More than half of people who bought plans on Covered California made less than $39,125 in 2026.
Only about 11% of people who signed up for a plan made $62,601 per year or more. That means the bulk of Californians who sign up for an ACA plan have a low income.
Income | % of total enrollment |
|---|---|
| Less than $15,650 | 0% |
| $15,650 to $21,597 | 2% |
| $21,598 to $23,475 | 14% |
| $23,476 to $31,300 | 28% |
| $31,301 to $39,125 | 14% |
| $39,126 to $46,950 | 13% |
| $46,951 to $62,600 | 14% |
| $62,601 to $78,250 | 4% |
| $78,251 or more | 7% |
| Other/unknown | 4% |
Enrollment in 2026 marketplace plans made during the 2025-2026 open enrollment period. Total may not be 100% because of rounding.
Frequently asked questions
How much does health insurance cost in California in 2027?
Health insurance in California costs $827 per month for a Silver plan, on average, in 2027. Silver plans are the most popular plan tier in the state and offer a balance of moderate rates and good coverage. If you can get discounts based on your income, the average rate is around $165 per month, across all plan tiers.
What's the cheapest health insurance company in California in 2027?
L.A. Care sells the cheapest health insurance plan in California for 2027, at a rate of $423 per month for a Silver plan. But L.A. Care is only available in Los Angeles County. For most people, Kaiser Permanente is a cheaper option. Silver plans from Kaiser start at $499 per month.
Is a Bronze or Silver plan cheaper overall in California in 2027?
In California, Bronze plans are cheaper each month compared to Silver plans, but you'll pay a higher share of your medical care when you go to the doctor. However, if you need a lot of medical care and you expect to reach your out-of-pocket maximum, a Bronze plan may cost you less overall compared to a Silver plan. On average, Bronze plans cost $691 per month, or $8,292 per year. And they have an average out-of-pocket maximum of $10,108, which means you have to pay a little more than $10,000 in medical expenses before the plan will start paying fully for covered medical care. That's a total of $18,400 in health care expenses. That's about $3,100 less than a Silver plan would cost you overall.
The major caveat is if you get subsidies that lower the cost of a plan or if you get Silver plan cost-sharing reductions. If either or both of those things are true, you'll need to compare the total costs of a plan against how much you're saving on your monthly rate and/or medical costs.
Methodology
California health insurance rate data for 2027 is from the state's marketplace website, Covered California. ValuePenguin used the data to find average rates for different plan tiers, geographic locations and family sizes.
Rates
Rates are based on a 40-year-old with a Silver plan, unless otherwise noted. Rates for Bronze plans include regular and Expanded Bronze plans when the plans are available. The 5-year rate change for Bronze plans isn't available in all states because of a change in how rates are calculated. Your costs and plan options will vary; plans aren't always available in all parts of a state or county.
Subsidies
The cost of health insurance after subsidies is based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data for enrollees who qualified for advance premium tax credits (APTCs) on HealthCare.gov or a state marketplace during the 2026 open enrollment period. Rates include all metal tiers. Information about state subsidies, when available, was sourced from state marketplaces.
Ratings
ValuePenguin's experts rank companies based on cost, coverage options, customer satisfaction and unique value. Ratings are out of 5 stars.
ACA ratings show how the company performs for medical care, member experience and plan administration. This 2027 plan quality data from CMS is based on member experience from 2026. Ratings are not available for new plans or plans with low enrollment.
More sources
Enrollment trends, including plan selections by tier and enrollment by income, are from CMS data for the 2026 open enrollment period.
Other sources include S&P Global Capital IQ, KFF and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
About the Author
Senior Writer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Cate Deventer is a Senior Writer who specializes in health insurance, Medicare, auto and home insurance. She's been a licensed insurance agent since 2011.
She started her insurance career working as a customer service agent for State Farm. She later moved to an independent agency, where she worked with several insurance companies and hundreds of clients. She quoted policies, filed claims and answered insurance questions. In 2021, she pivoted her career and began writing about insurance for Bankrate. She moved to ValuePenguin in 2023 and began writing about health insurance and Medicare.
Cate has a passion for helping readers choose insurance to fit their needs. She enjoys knowing that her research and knowledge help people choose insurance products that make a positive difference in their lives.
How insurance helped Cate
Cate used her health insurance knowledge to navigate a surgery in 2023. Understanding how her policy worked let her focus on recovery instead of worrying about bills.
Expertise
- Health insurance
- Medicare & Medicaid
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Life insurance
Credentials
- Licensed Life, Accident & Health Insurance Agent
- Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Referenced by
- CBS
- NBC
- Wall Street Journal
Education
- BA, Theatre, Purdue University
- BA, English, Indiana University
Editorial note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
