How much is health insurance per month? For a 40-year-old on a benchmark Marketplace plan, KFF puts the national average at $704 before subsidies. Your price can land far below or above that. Age, ZIP code, tobacco use, plan tier, and income all move the number. This guide walks through real figures so you can budget with confidence.
- KFF reports a $704 average monthly benchmark premium for a 40-year-old on 2027 Marketplace plans.
- State averages range from $486 in New Hampshire to $1,313 in Vermont.
- Employer plans average $9,325 a year for single coverage, though workers pay about $120 a month.
- Premium tax credits can cut the price sharply if your income qualifies.
- A licensed agent compares carriers at no extra cost to you.
Average Health Insurance Cost Per Month
The fastest benchmark is the second-lowest-cost silver plan in each area. KFF tracks that price for a 40-year-old. For 2027 coverage, the national average is $704 a month before any subsidy.
However, location changes everything. In New Hampshire the average benchmark is $486. Meanwhile, Vermont sits at $1,313, the highest in the country.
| Situation | Average full price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Marketplace benchmark, age 40 | $704 per month | Before premium tax credits |
| Lowest state average (NH) | $486 per month | Benchmark silver, age 40 |
| Highest state average (VT) | $1,313 per month | Benchmark silver, age 40 |
| Employer plan, single | About $777 per month | Worker share averages about $120 |
| Employer plan, family | About $2,249 per month | Worker share averages about $571 |
Employer figures come from the KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey. Above all, these are averages, not quotes. To see your real price, compare health insurance quotes or call 888-730-6031.
What Changes Your Monthly Health Insurance Price
ACA plans can only price on a few factors. Here is what moves your premium.
- Age. Older adults can be charged up to three times what younger adults pay.
- ZIP code. Carrier competition and local care costs differ by county.
- Tobacco use. Many states allow a surcharge of up to 50 percent.
- Household size. Each person on the plan adds a premium.
- Plan tier. Bronze costs less each month, while Gold costs more.
- Income. Lower incomes can qualify for tax credits that cut the bill.
By law, ACA plans cannot charge more for pre-existing conditions. Gender and health history do not change the price either. For a deeper look, read what affects health insurance premiums.
Monthly Cost by Metal Tier
Marketplace plans come in metal tiers. Each tier splits costs between you and the plan differently.
| Tier | Plan pays (average) | Monthly premium | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | About 60% | Lowest | Healthy people who want protection from big bills |
| Silver | About 70% | Moderate | People who qualify for extra cost-sharing help |
| Gold | About 80% | Higher | Regular doctor visits or prescriptions |
| Platinum | About 90% | Highest | Frequent care, where offered |
In other words, a cheap premium often means a higher deductible. So compare the total yearly cost, not just the monthly bill. Our guide to bronze, silver and gold plans explains each tier. You can also read bronze vs silver plans for a side-by-side.
How Subsidies Lower Your Monthly Premium
Premium tax credits lower the monthly price of Marketplace plans. Your credit depends on income and household size. Notably, the enhanced credits expired at the end of 2025, according to KFF.
As a result, people above 400 percent of the federal poverty level no longer qualify. For 2027 coverage, that line is $63,840 for one person. A family of four hits it at $132,000.
Below that line, credits can still cut premiums a great deal. Some lower-income shoppers pay very little each month. Learn more about health insurance subsidies or check the ACA subsidy cliff. An agent can estimate your credit at 888-730-6031.
Why Health Insurance Costs More This Year
Prices are rising for a second straight year. KFF reports benchmark premiums rose about 13 percent for 2027 coverage. That puts them roughly 42 percent above 2025 levels.
Insurers point to several causes. First, medical costs keep climbing. Second, healthier people left the market when enhanced subsidies ended. Third, costly drugs like GLP-1s add pressure.
Because of these changes, shopping every year matters more than ever. Read why health insurance premiums are going up for the full picture.
Health Insurance Options at Different Price Points
ACA plans are not your only choice. Here is how other options compare.
- Short-term health insurance. Often cheaper for healthy people in approved states. See short-term health insurance.
- Tri-Term coverage. Up to three years of non-ACA coverage in select states. See Tri-Term health insurance.
- Catastrophic plans. Low premiums for people under 30 or with a hardship exemption.
- Medicaid. Free or low-cost coverage for those who qualify by income.
Keep in mind, short-term and Tri-Term plans are not ACA plans. They can exclude pre-existing conditions. On the other hand, they can cost far less for healthy people. Compare both with an agent at 888-730-6031.
Costs Beyond the Monthly Premium
Your premium is only part of the bill. Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance add up when you use care. Still, every ACA plan caps what you pay in a year.
For 2027 plans, the out-of-pocket maximum is $12,000 for one person. Families face a $24,000 cap. Once you hit that cap, the plan pays 100 percent of covered care.
So a low premium with a high deductible can cost more overall. For details, read what an out-of-pocket maximum is and premiums vs deductibles.
Health Insurance Cost Per Month by Situation
Your life stage changes your options and your price. Here is where to look next.
- Self-employed. You may deduct premiums on your taxes. See health insurance for self employed workers.
- Families. Each child adds a premium, though children cost less than adults. See how much family health insurance costs.
- Young adults. Catastrophic plans and credits can keep costs low. See the cheapest health insurance options.
- Between jobs. COBRA often costs the most. See how much COBRA insurance costs.
In each case, an agent can price your exact household. Call 888-730-6031 for a free comparison.
How to Lower Your Monthly Health Insurance Cost
- Report your income accurately. Credits are based on expected income for the year.
- Compare every carrier. Prices for the same tier can differ by hundreds of dollars.
- Check Silver if your income is modest. Extra savings may lower your deductible.
- Look at network size. HMO and EPO plans often cost less than PPOs.
- Ask about non-ACA options. Healthy shoppers in approved states may save.
Then, let a licensed agent run the numbers for you. Vivna compares UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter, Oscar, Molina, Cigna and more on one call. Call 888-730-6031 or get a health insurance quote.
How Much Is Health Insurance Per Month? FAQs
How much is health insurance a month for one person?
KFF puts the average benchmark at $704 a month for a 40-year-old, before subsidies. Your price depends on age, ZIP code, and income.
How much is health insurance for a family of four?
Full-price employer family coverage averages about $2,249 a month. Marketplace family prices vary by age and ZIP, and credits can lower them.
What is the cheapest health insurance per month?
Bronze and catastrophic plans have the lowest ACA premiums. In approved states, short-term plans can cost less for healthy people.
Why is my health insurance so expensive?
Age, location, and income limits on credits all play a role. Premiums also rose about 13 percent for 2027 coverage, KFF reports.
Can I get health insurance for $100 a month?
Often yes, if your income qualifies for tax credits. Without credits, it is less likely for most adults.
Does age change how much health insurance costs?
Yes. ACA plans can charge older adults up to three times more than younger adults.
Is private health insurance more expensive than Marketplace plans?
Off-exchange ACA plans cost the same as on-exchange plans. However, only Marketplace plans can use premium tax credits.
How much does health insurance cost without a job?
Your income drives the price. Lower income during a job gap can mean larger credits. Read our guide to health insurance between jobs.
Does using an agent raise my monthly premium?
No. Plan prices are the same whether you enroll alone or through a licensed agent.
When can I change plans to lower my cost?
During open enrollment, or within 60 days of a qualifying life event.
A licensed Vivna agent compares top carriers and checks your tax credit on one call. Call Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Next Steps: Find Out What You Will Pay
Gather your ZIP code, ages, and expected income. Then compare plans side by side.
Ready to see real prices? Call a licensed Vivna agent at 888-730-6031, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. You can also compare individual health insurance online.
Sources
- KFF: Marketplace average monthly benchmark premiums
- KFF: Things to watch for the 2027 ACA open enrollment period
- KFF: 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey
- healthinsurance.org: Federal poverty level guidelines
- HUB International: 2027 ACA, HSA and HDHP limits
Vivna Insurance is a licensed, independent health insurance agency (NPN 19168641) appointed with 50+ carriers. Plans, prices, benefits, and availability vary by state and carrier. Short-term and Tri-Term plans are not ACA-compliant. They may exclude pre-existing conditions and sell only in approved states. Vivna is not affiliated with HealthCare.gov or any government agency. Cited figures come from the sources listed above.
Related guides
Find Local Health Insurance Help
Plans, prices and help programs change by state and even by county. These local guides show what is available near you.
More local help: the Florida health insurance guide, plus guides for Georgia, Texas, North Carolina and every state we serve.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 888-730-6031 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, for free help from a licensed agent.
