Best Cheap Health Insurance in Florida for 2026
Florida Blue (BCBS) has the best health insurance in Florida for most people. The company's cheapest Silver plan costs $641 per month before discounts.
Best cheap health insurance in Florida
Who has the cheapest health insurance in Florida?
The cheapest health insurance plans in Florida are from Ambetter, Health First and Capital Health Plan, with Silver plans starting at $554 per month before discounts.
Affordable health insurance in Florida
Company |
Cost
| |
|---|---|---|
| Ambetter | $554-$1,335 |
| Health First | $572-$773 |
| Capital Health Plan | $599-$916 |
| Florida Health Care Plans | $619-$941 |
- Ambetter has the cheapest medical insurance for about half of the people in Florida, with rates starting at $554 per month if you pay full price. Ambetter also has the most affordable health coverage in several of the state's large cities, including Jacksonville and Orlando.
- The best affordable health insurance in Florida comes from Capital Health Plan and Florida Health Care Plans. These companies give you a balance of cheap rates for high-quality coverage.
- The cheapest health insurance plan for you will depend on the plans offered in your county. For example, Florida Blue has the most affordable health insurance in Miami-Dade County, but Cigna has the cheapest rates in Port St. Lucie.
Aetna isn't selling health insurance plans in Florida for 2026. Existing Aetna customers will have to get new coverage during the open enrollment period (Nov. 1 to Jan. 15).
If you currently have an Aetna policy, consider switching to Florida Blue for quality coverage. Ambetter is the best option if you want the cheapest rates in Florida.
Best health insurance companies in Florida
Florida Blue is the best overall health insurance company in Florida, with Silver plans for individuals starting at $641 per month.
Florida Blue has a 3-out-of-5-star rating from HealthCare.gov. Although it isn't the highest-rated company in Florida, Florida Blue is a good company that is available throughout the state. The top-rated company in Florida, Capital Health Plan, is only available in a few counties in the Panhandle.
The three Blue Cross companies — Capital Health Plan, Florida Health Care Plans and Florida Blue — give you high-quality coverage and a wide variety of plans. Where you live will determine which Blue Cross brands are available. For example, you can only get Capital Health Plan in nine counties in the Florida Panhandle.
All together, Blue Cross Blue Shield is the most popular medical insurance in the state and provides about a third of all of Florida's individual health insurance plans. This means you'll usually have a wide selection of doctors and hospitals you can use.
Best-rated health insurance companies in Florida
Company |
ACA rating
|
VP rating
|
|---|---|---|
| Florida Blue | ||
| Capital Health Plan | ||
| Florida Health Care Plans | ||
| Molina | ||
| Health First |
The ACA rating for Cigna is only for the company's EPO plans. Cigna HMO plans do not yet have an ACA rating in Florida.
Capital Health Plan and Florida Health Care Plans have the best quality plans in Florida. The downside is they're not widely available.
- Capital Health Plan is only offered in nine counties in Florida's panhandle.
- Florida Health Care Plans are only available in five counties in the coastal region between Jacksonville and Orlando.
Why is Florida Blue the best health insurance for most people?
Florida Blue has high-quality health insurance plans, good customer satisfaction, a variety of plan types and availability across all of Florida's counties. Silver plans from Florida Blue start at $641 per month.
-
High customer satisfaction: Florida Blue gets two-thirds fewer complaints than average, so you're not likely to have problems when filing claims.
- Options for flexible coverage: Florida Blue is the only company selling PPO plans in Florida. These plans give you some coverage for any doctor in the country, and you can see a specialist without a referral. But PPOs cost more than HMOs, which offer less freedom.
- Rates vary: Where you live will determine if Florida Blue is a good deal. Florida Blue has the cheapest rates for about one-third of people in Florida. The company charges $641 per month for its most affordable Silver health plan. That's $218 per month cheaper than the Florida state average. But Florida Blue's rates are high in some parts of the state, including Jacksonville, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
Capital Health Plan: Best plans in the Florida Panhandle
Capital Health Plan has the best-rated health insurance plans in Florida, but they're only available in the Panhandle.
You can only get coverage from Capital Health Plan if you live in Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor or Wakulla counties. Only about 2% of Florida's population lives in these areas, which is why Capital Health Plan isn't the best option overall.
But if you live in a county where Capital Health Plan is available, it's a great option. Capital Health Plan is the only company in Florida to get a perfect 5-star rating from HealthCare.gov. That means the company's plans are high-quality and have great customer service.
How much does health insurance cost in Florida?
Florida health insurance costs an average of $859 per month if you pay full price or $118 per month if you qualify for subsidies.
- Platinum and Gold plans are expensive, but they cover a large portion of the bill when you visit the doctor or get a prescription filled.
- Silver health plans have affordable rates and middle-of-the-road costs when you get medical care. Bronze and Catastrophic plans have cheap monthly rates and high costs when you go to the doctor.
- Your age has a big impact on your medical insurance costs. A 60-year-old in Florida pays more than twice as much as a 40-year-old for the same level of health coverage, on average.
Health insurance discount changes in Florida for 2026
Health insurance in Florida costs $118 per month on average if you qualify for discounts because of your income; otherwise, you'll pay an average of $859 per month.
However, subsidies aren't going to save you as much in 2026 as they have in past years. In 2025, the average cost for a plan after discounts was $42 per month. In 2026, the expected cost after discounts is $118 per month. That's nearly three times higher.
For the last five years, people with low incomes have gotten bigger discounts, called "enhanced subsidies." But unless those extra discounts are extended, they'll expire for 2026 and you'll have to pay more, even if you get discounts.
Health insurance rates in Florida after subsidies (2025 vs. 2026)
Income | 2025 rate | 2026 rate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $49 | $155 | 216% |
| $40,000 | $154 | $287 | 86% |
| $50,000 | $283 | $415 | 47% |
| $60,000 | $423 | $498 | 18% |
| $70,000 | $496 | $683 | 38% |
Average cost after subsidies for a single 40-year-old with a Benchmark Silver plan.
- What are subsidies? Subsidies are monthly discounts on your health insurance rate. The discount comes from the federal government, and you can only get subsidies if you shop on HealthCare.gov.
- Who gets subsidies? People with low or moderate incomes can get subsidies. To qualify as a single person, you need to earn between $15,650 and $62,600 per year. A family of four needs a household income ranging from $32,150 and $128,600 per year. The less you make, the more you'll save. Using ValuePenguin's subsidy calculator can help you see how much your rate will be after subsidies.
- How do you use subsidies? You can use subsidies to get a cheaper rate on your health insurance plan. Subsidies can be applied to any Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum plan that you buy from HealthCare.gov. If you shop directly with an insurance company, you can't get subsidies. And you can't use subsidies on Catastrophic plans.
Average cost of health insurance by FL county
Depending on the county where you live in Florida, average health insurance rates can range between $750 and $1,607 per month.
Holmes County, in the northwest part of the state, has the lowest average rates for a Silver plan at $750 per month. Monroe County, which encompasses much of the Everglades and the Florida Keys, has the highest average health insurance rates, with Silver plans costing $1,607 per month, on average.
Average Silver health insurance rates by Florida county
FL county | Monthly Silver plan rate |
|---|---|
| Alachua | $853 |
| Baker | $874 |
| Bay | $780 |
| Bradford | $869 |
| Brevard | $779 |
Monthly rates for a 40-year-old who's not eligible for subsidies.
Cheap Florida health insurance by city
Ambetter has the cheapest health insurance in Jacksonville, with Silver plans starting at $639 per month.
Ambetter also has the cheapest rates in Orlando. But if you live in Miami, Tampa or St. Petersburg, Florida Blue is the cheapest option.
Cheapest health insurance plans by FL county
County | Cheapest plan | Monthly rates |
|---|---|---|
| Alachua | Ambetter Health Clarity Silver | $694 |
| Baker | Ambetter Health Clarity Silver | $660 |
| Bay | Ambetter Health Clarity Silver | $640 |
| Bradford | Ambetter Health Clarity Silver | $654 |
| Brevard | Ambetter Health Clarity Silver | $560 |
Cheapest Silver plan with rates for a 40-year-old
Ambetter has the most affordable Silver health plans for about half the people in Florida. Ambetter is the best choice for cheap health insurance in roughly 3 out of 4 Florida counties including Duval and Orange.
Best health insurance by level of coverage
You can choose from five different plan tiers when shopping for health insurance in Florida: Catastrophic, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
The best plan tier for you will depend on the number of medical services you need, your savings and whether you qualify for income-based discounts.
Platinum plans: Best for expensive medical issues
| Platinum plans pay for about 90% of your medical care. |
Platinum health plans in Florida cost $1,613 per month on average with a $230 deductible.
Consider a platinum health insurance plan if you need expensive medical care. These plans have the highest monthly rates. However, you'll pay very little when you go to the doctor or get a prescription filled.
Gold plans: Best for people who have ongoing medical problems
| Gold plans pay for about 80% of your medical care. |
Gold plans in Florida cost $962 per month with a $1,335 annual deductible, on average.
Gold plans are a good choice for people who need frequent medical care. That's because you pay less when you visit the doctor. For example, Gold plans typically have lower deductibles, copays and coinsurance than Silver and Bronze plans.
Silver plans: Best for most people
| Silver plans pay for about 70% of your medical care. |
In Florida, the average Silver health plan costs $859 per month and has a $5,711 deductible.
Silver plans offer a good balance between affordable monthly rates and moderate costs you pay when you get medical care.
Silver health plans are a good choice if you're in good health and want to avoid large, unexpected medical costs. That's because plans typically have affordable monthly rates and average costs that you're responsible for paying when you visit the doctor.
Bronze plans: Best if you're young and typically healthy
| Bronze plans pay for about 60% of your medical care. |
In Florida, Bronze plans cost $691 per month and have a $5,866 deductible on average.
Bronze plans are a good choice for Florida residents in good health who need cheap health insurance. Bronze plans typically have cheaper monthly rates than more expensive plan tiers. However, you're responsible for a much higher portion of your medical bill when you go to the doctor for services other than preventive care, like an annual check-up or vaccines.
Catastrophic plans: Best for preventing financial disasters
Catastrophic plans cost $500 per month in Florida but have a very high $10,600 deductible.
Catastrophic plans are only available if you're younger than 30 or you get a special hardship exemption. A Catastrophic plan might make sense if you're in good health and can afford a large, unexpected medical bill.
Catastrophic plans are generally a bad deal. That's because most coverage won't kick in until you pay the very high deductible.
Catastrophic plans also aren't eligible for discounts. That means Catastrophic plans often cost more than Bronze and Silver plans if you earn a low income.
Cheap and free health insurance options for Florida residents who earn low incomes
You may qualify for free health insurance through the government, called Medicaid, if you earn a low income and meet other program requirements.
If you earn a low income but aren't eligible for Medicaid, you may be able to get extra discounts when you get medical care with a Silver health plan.
Medicaid in Florida
You may be able to get free government medical insurance, called Medicaid, if you earn a low income and you are:
- Pregnant
- 65 or older
- Blind or disabled
- A parent or caretaker to a child 18 or younger
- In a household with a disabled family member
Florida is one of the 10 states that does not have expanded Medicaid. That means you can't enroll in Medicaid in Florida unless you meet a second requirement in addition to making a low income.
Use cost-sharing reductions to save on medical care
| Silver plans will pay 73% to 94% of your medical costs if you have a low income. |
You may qualify for financial help, called cost-sharing reductions, with your medical bills if you have a Silver health plan and earn between $15,650 and $39,125 as a single person or $32,150 and $80,375 as a family of four.
Only Silver health plans are eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
Cost-sharing reductions pay for some of the costs you're responsible for when you visit the doctor or fill a prescription, such as your deductible, copay and coinsurance.
Are health insurance rates going up in FL in 2026?
Health insurance rates increased by 33% on average from 2025 to 2026 in Florida.
Rate changes differ by plan tier. For example, Catastrophic plans rose by 34% year over year, while Platinum plans went up by 45%. Silver plans, the most popular plan level in Florida, went up by 33% between 2025 and 2026. Silver plan rates are up 47% over the last five years.
Catastrophic
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $312 | – |
| 2023 | $330 | 6% |
| 2024 | $313 | -5% |
| 2025 | $373 | 19% |
| 2026 | $500 | 34% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Catastrophic
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $312 | – |
| 2023 | $330 | 6% |
| 2024 | $313 | -5% |
| 2025 | $373 | 19% |
| 2026 | $500 | 34% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Bronze
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $436 | – |
| 2023 | $480 | 10% |
| 2024 | $510 | 6% |
| 2025 | $550 | 8% |
| 2026 | $691 | 26% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old. Expanded Bronze plans are included in 2024, 2025 and 2026 averages, when they're offered.
Silver
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $585 | – |
| 2023 | $599 | 2% |
| 2024 | $613 | 2% |
| 2025 | $647 | 6% |
| 2026 | $859 | 33% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Gold
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $655 | – |
| 2023 | $652 | 0% |
| 2024 | $667 | 2% |
| 2025 | $743 | 11% |
| 2026 | $962 | 30% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Platinum
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $901 | – |
| 2023 | $964 | 7% |
| 2024 | $1,047 | 9% |
| 2025 | $1,114 | 6% |
| 2026 | $1,613 | 45% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Keep in mind that your rates will depend on factors like where you live and the company you choose. You can find cheaper plans by comparing health insurance quotes.
Why is health insurance expensive in FL in 2026?
Health insurance rates are going up in 2026 because of higher health care and medication costs and possible changes to discounts.
The rising cost of health care is the biggest reason for higher rates. That includes the cost of prescription medications, including expensive GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
Another big reason the cost of medical insurance is going up in 2026 is changes to rate discounts, called subsidies. Since 2021, "enhanced" subsidies have been in place that gave people higher discounts. Those extra discounts are set to expire at the end of the year, unless Congress acts to extend them, which means you'll pay more even if you get discounts.
How to prepare for rate increases in 2026
- Shop around. Every company charges different rates. Shopping around and comparing health insurance quotes during open enrollment can help you find the coverage you need at a lower price.
- Consider a lower-tier plan. Going from a higher-tier plan, like Gold or Platinum, down to a Silver or Bronze plan can save you money each month. It's not an ideal option because it means you'll pay more for medical care, but it can lower your monthly rate if you have no other option. Plus, you can now get an HSA with Bronze plans, and that could help you save for medical costs.
- Check if you get discounts. Even if the enhanced discounts expire, you might still be able to save based on your income. Always check to see if you get subsidies that could make your plan cheaper.
- See if you can get on Medicaid. It's difficult to get Medicaid in Florida because the state hasn't expanded its program. But if you have a low income, it's still a good idea to check because Medicaid is usually free or very cheap each month.
Obamacare in Florida
Florida health insurance plans sold through HealthCare.gov have to offer 10 "essential" types of coverage. These include:
- Hospital care
- Outpatient care
- Emergency care
- Laboratory services
- Coverage for babies
- Prescription drug coverage
- Preventive and wellness care
- Rehab services and devices
- Maternity and newborn care
- Mental health and substance use care
No matter what plan tier you buy, these types of medical care will be covered. The difference between the plan tiers comes in how much you pay when you go to the doctor or get medication. With lower-tier plans like Bronze, you'll pay for more of your medical bills yourself. Higher-tier plans like Gold and Silver let you pay less for medical care.
Average cost of health insurance by family size in Florida
How much you pay for health insurance depends on the size of your family. You'll pay an average of $514 for each child under the age of 18 in your household in Florida. A family of four with two 40-year-olds and two children will pay $2,746 per month for health insurance before discounts, on average. That's $677 more per month than in 2025.
Family size | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Individual | $859 |
| Individual and child | $1,373 |
| Couple | $1,718 |
| Family of three | $2,232 |
| Family of four | $2,746 |
Averages based on a Silver plan for 40-year-old adults and children who are under age 15.
Short-term health insurance in Florida
In January 2025, the Trump administration rolled back a new rule that would limit the length of a short-term health plan to three months. Although there isn't a publicly available timeline for when this change will happen, short-term health insurance could be available in Florida for up to 364 days sometime in the coming year.
A short-term health plan can make sense if you only need coverage for a few weeks or months. However, these policies are generally bad choices because they offer worse coverage than marketplace health insurance.
Pros of short-term health insurance in FL
Cons of short-term health insurance in FL
Health insurance enrollment by income level in Florida
Changes to discounts in 2026 affect people with low incomes more than any other group.
People with low incomes are more likely to need to buy a plan from HealthCare.gov. These plans are already more expensive than the health insurance you get from a job.
More than half of all people in Florida with a plan from HealthCare.gov make less than $20,783 per year. More than 80% make less than $30,120 per year. This population already has an incredibly tight budget, which means health insurance rate increases and changes to federal discounts will affect them even more.
Enrollment by income
Income | % of total enrollment |
|---|---|
| Less than $15,060 | 2% |
| $15,060 to $20,783 | 50% |
| $20,784 to $22,590 | 15% |
| $22,591 to $30,120 | 15% |
| $30,121 to $37,650 | 7% |
Enrollment in 2025 marketplace plans made during the 2024-2025 Open Enrollment period. Total may not be 100% due to rounding
Frequently asked questions
What is the best health insurance company in Florida?
Florida Blue has the best cheap health insurance in Florida, at $641 per month before discounts. Florida Blue has high-quality health plans and good customer service. Keep in mind that the best health plan for you will depend on things like how much health care you need, where you live, how much you earn and what plan tier you buy.
Is Florida Blue HMO or PPO better?
Getting a PPO plan from Florida Blue is the best option for most people, because it lets you see any doctor and still have some coverage. With an HMO, you can only see doctors in the plan's network
How do I get good affordable health insurance in Florida?
The best way to find affordable health insurance in Florida is to compare health insurance quotes. It's also a good idea to pick the right level of coverage for you and to see what discounts you qualify for.
What is the average monthly cost of health insurance in Florida?
In Florida, Silver plan health insurance costs roughly $118 per month on average if you qualify for discounts based on your income, or $859 per month at full price. Your rates depend on the company you pick, where you live, how old you are, the level of coverage you buy and whether or not you smoke. You'll also pay more for a family plan compared to an individual plan that only covers you.
Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance in Florida?
No, $200 per month for health insurance is cheap. Silver plans in Florida usually cost $859 per month for a 40-year-old. Even younger people pay higher rates. For example, a 21-year-old in Florida pays $672 per month, on average, for a Silver plan. You might be able to get a plan for $200 or less if you can get discounts.
Who is eligible for Florida health insurance subsidies?
You can currently get subsidies if you make between $15,650 and $62,600 per year as an individual or between $32,150 and $128,600 as a family of four. However, laws around subsidies may change before the end of the year. The current rules around discounts are set to expire at the end of 2025. Congress is currently debating how to handle subsidies for 2026.
Is Florida Blue the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida?
Yes, Florida Blue is the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (BCBS of FL). BCBS is made up of smaller insurance companies, some of which — like Florida Blue — don't have Blue Cross Blue Shield in their names. If you buy a Florida Blue policy, you have BCBS coverage.
Methodology
Florida health insurance rate data for 2026 is from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website. ValuePenguin used the CMS public use files (PUFs) 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 for 2024, 2025 and 2026, when the plans are available. Your costs and plan options will vary; plans aren't always available in all parts of a state or county.
Subsidies
Rates after subsidies are estimates for a 40-year-old with a Benchmark Silver plan and are based on how subsidies were structured before 2021. Prices are calculated using KFF's rates for full-price Benchmark plans, federal poverty levels (FPLs), IRS rules about premium tax credits and Congressional reports about expanded tax credits. The total cost in the state uses calculated rates by income, which are weighted using CMS data on the incomes of those who purchased plans during last year's open enrollment. The median was used for each income range. Unknown incomes were excluded from the calculations. Incomes of 100% of the federal poverty line and 500% of the federal poverty line were assumed for enrollees who earn less than 100% FPL and more than 500% FPL, respectively. 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 100 possible points. ACA ratings show how the company performs in Florida for medical care, member experience and plan administration. This 2026 plan quality data from CMS is based on data from last year. 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 2025 open enrollment period.
Data about the reasons for health insurance rate increases is from the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. Other sources include S&P Global Capital IQ and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Insurance Writer
Cate Deventer is a ValuePenguin 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
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Life insurance
Credentials
- Licensed Life, Accident and 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.
