Health insurance offers a blanket of financial protection for expensive medical procedures and treatments for unfavorable health conditions. Health insurance requires monthly payments to maintain, and some policies give you more for your money than others. If you are looking for health insurance company recommendations in the Lone Star State, you are in luck. This list contains some of the best health insurance companies in Texas.
Quick Look: Best Cheap Texas Health Insurance
- Best for Overall Health Insurance: Sidecar Health
- Best for Short Term: Pivot Health
- Best for Individuals: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Best for Cheap Health Insurance: CHRISTUS Health Plan
- Best for Southeast Texas: Community Health Choice
The Best Cheap Texas Health Insurance
Medical emergencies involve significant out-of-pocket costs, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from the financial burden of a health condition. These five health insurance companies are great choices to start your search.
1. Best Overall Health Insurance Company in Texas: Sidecar Health
- Best For:No enrollment period health insurancesecurely through Sidecar Health Access Plan's website
Plans referred to above are excepted benefit fixed indemnity insurance products marketed and administered by Sidecar Health Insurance Solutions, LLC and underwritten by Sirius America Insurance Company or United States Fire Insurance Company, depending on the state. As an excepted benefit plan, it does not provide comprehensive/major medical expenses coverage, minimum essential coverage, or essential health benefits. You cannot receive a subsidy (premium tax credit and/or cost-sharing reduction) under the ACA in connection with your purchase of such an excepted benefit fixed indemnity insurance plan. Also, the termination or loss of this policy does not entitle you to a special enrollment period to purchase a health benefit plan that qualifies as minimum essential coverage outside of an open enrollment period. Coverage and plan options may vary or may not be available in all states.
Sidecar Health is a health insurance company that pays doctors directly and lets policyholders see any licensed healthcare provider they want. You won’t have to guess the final bill because Sidecar Health lets you know how much you will have to pay before visiting the doctor.
| Pros | Cons |
| The Member Care team is available seven days per week User-friendly app that simplifies filing claims You can work with any licensed healthcare provider instead of limiting yourself to a network | Not available in all 50 states (Sidecar Health is available in Texas) Not the best for older people or those with existing medical conditions No mobile app for iOS users |
2. Best for Short Term: Pivot Health
Pivot Health Insurance provides health insurance plans to tens of thousands of people. The health insurance company is powered by healthcare.com and makes it easy for people to get customized quotes. The insurance provider has a range of economical options and policies to bridge temporary gaps in coverage. You can also find plans with preferred provider organization (PPO) networks to receive discounts for qualifying medical visits.
| Pros | Cons |
| Gap coverage for people who recently lost coverage Choose from a PPO plan or All-Access doctor network Flexible policies you can modify based on what you want from your plan | You can’t get a plan if you have a preexisting condition Less coverage than other insurance companies The most affordable plans often do not have prescription copays |
3. Best for Individuals: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Best For:Nationwide coveragesecurely through Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance's website
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is among the best health insurance in Texas for individual plans. BCBSTX offers a wide range of plans that combine affordability with respectable coverage. The company has plans available if you are no longer eligible for Medicaid and can help you enroll in a Medicare plan if you are 64 or older and do not qualify for Medicaid. Plans include prescription drug coverage of copay or coinsurance after you make your deductible.
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexible coverage based on how much protection you want and your budget You may qualify for a premium tax credit Essential services are included in all BCBSTX health plans | Higher premiums than most competitors Plans vary in each state |
4. Best for Cheap Health Insurance: CHRISTUS Health Plan
CHRISTUS offers health plans for individuals, families and retirees. Policyholders can enjoy faster care because of electronic medical records and less paperwork than other insurers. The company has lower premiums than most insurance companies in Texas and is optimal for individuals and families on tight budgets. CHRISTUS Health Plan lets you capitalize on the top providers in your area. The insurer makes it easy to compare plans to see which one fits your budget and needs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Electronic medical records and less paperwork enable quicker careCheaper catastrophic plans than most insurance companies Three free primary care provider (PCP) visits per month | CHRISTUS does not have in-network coverage for certain health conditions like anesthesia services, according to a reviewerRequirement to use the plan’s provider network or incur all costs |
5. Best for Southeast Texas: Community Health Choice
Community Health Choice is a local nonprofit launched by Harris Health System in 1997. The company offers STAR Medicaid coverage for low-income children, along with a mix of affordable and no-cost health insurance plans. The insurer’s community network consists of 536,000 members, over 23,000 primary care providers and other services. Community Health Choice has a strong concentration in Southeast Texas, and its status as a local health insurance provider makes them closer to issues Texans face than other companies that serve multiple states.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable and no-cost health insurance plans are available STAR Medicaid coverage Community Health Choice has a simplified layout of the benefits and coverage | Most of the provider networks are in Southeast Texas Higher out-of-pocket limits than other plans Healthcare services that are not part of the provider network are not included in the out-of-pocket limit |
What is a Health Insurance Broker?
A health insurance broker is a person or company that connects you with health insurance. Brokers can find plans that align with your monthly budget and needs. You can request higher coverage and find plans that meet your expectations.
Why You Can Trust Benzinga
Benzinga compiled this list of health insurance brokers by examining several options within the industry. Benzinga looks at features, prices, ratings and other details when deciding which companies to feature on its lists.
Factors to Consider
A health insurance plan can give you greater peace of mind, but some plans are better than others. You should consider these factors before deciding on the right plan for you.
Your Budget
You must pay a monthly premium even if you never use your policy. While health insurance mitigates risk in case something happens, you should only take on a premium that you can afford. A higher premium gives you more coverage, but if you cannot keep up with the premium, you risk losing the policy.
Out-of-Pocket Limit
The out-of-pocket limit is how much you have to pay before the insurance company takes over. A higher limit means you will incur more expenses if you need healthcare services. A lower out-of-pocket limit may result in higher premiums.
Maximum Coverage
Maximum coverage details how much the insurance company will cover you during an emergency. A higher maximum coverage can create more ease if a health emergency takes place.
Provider Networks
Many health insurance plans include provider networks that help people save money. It will cost extra money to use an out-of-network healthcare provider and may not count toward your out-of-pocket limit. You should review the locations, reviews and services that each insurance company’s provider networks offer for their patients.
HSA Eligibility
Some health insurance plans are eligible for health savings accounts (HSAs). These accounts let you save money through pretax contributions of up to $4,150 per year for individuals and $8,300 per year for families. There is an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution added to the limit for people who are 55 years or older. You can only become eligible for an HSA if you have a high-deductible health insurance plan.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Texas?
Health insurance costs vary depending on the coverage, company, policyholder’s age and other factors. Most Texans can expect to pay approximately $500 per month for a health insurance plan, but your amount will vary.
Get the Protection That is Right for You
As you look through some of the best health insurance in Texas, it’s important to consider what you want. Many insurers offer flexible policies you can adjust based on your desired coverage and monthly premium. Reaching out to multiple insurance companies and requesting quotes can give you a better idea of what to expect and guide your planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is health insurance in Texas each month?
Most Texans pay close to $500 per month in health insurance, but you can pay more or less depending on the coverage you seek.
Can you get free health insurance in Texas?
Qualifying policyholders can get free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid.
What is the monthly income to qualify for Medicaid in Texas?
The monthly income to qualify for Medicaid in Texas depends on your household size, and the numbers change over time. A household of two qualifies for Medicaid with a $39,046 income, while a household of four qualifies for Medicaid with a $59,400 income.