Health insurance is one of the most important financial decisions you will make as an Arizona resident in 2026. With rising premiums and multiple coverage options from both private insurers and public programs, it can be overwhelming to understand which plan is right for you. In this guide, we break down the top health insurance companies operating in Arizona this year, the expected costs, the differences between private and public health insurance solutions, and tips on choosing the best plan for your budget and health needs.
Arizona’s health insurance market includes a range of private insurance companies that sell plans both on and off the ACA Marketplace. These companies offer a variety of plan tiers, typically Bronze, Silver, and Gold, with prices depending on age, location, and level of coverage. For 2026, health insurance premiums in Arizona have seen significant increases, partly due to rising healthcare costs and changes in federal subsidy rules. Premiums for the most popular Silver plans are up about 29% compared to last year, marking one of the largest yearly jumps in the United States.
Open Enrollment for the 2026 plans through the federal Marketplace in Arizona generally runs from November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. During this period, you can enroll in a new plan, switch carriers, or make changes to your existing coverage. Outside of this period, you generally need a qualifying life event to enroll. (difi.az.gov)
When shopping for insurance in Arizona, there are three core cost components to consider:
Lower premiums often come with higher deductibles and higher MOOP, while plans with higher premiums usually have lower costs when you receive care.
Below is a snapshot of average monthly costs before subsidies for 2026. These numbers are based on multiple data sources and may vary by county, age, and income.
| Insurer | Average Monthly Premium | Metal Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar Health | $559 – $591 | Silver | One of the lowest cost companies in AZ |
| Antidote Health | $551 | Silver | Very competitive price, higher deductibles |
| Imperial Insurance Companies | $438 – $720 | Silver | Cheapest Silver in many counties |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona | $501 – $1,073 | Silver | Best overall member experience |
| Ambetter | ~$657 | Silver | Good mid‑range option |
| Cigna Healthcare of Arizona | ~$711 | Silver | Solid network options |
| UnitedHealthcare | ~$379 – $409 (Silver) | Silver | Some of the lowest listed ranges |
Note: These are approximate averages before subsidies. If you qualify for enhanced premium tax credits, your net cost could be significantly lower.
Oscar consistently ranks as one of the lowest cost health insurance providers in Arizona. Its plans, especially on the Silver tier, offer some of the lowest premiums available in the marketplace. It is a popular choice for young adults, families, and healthy individuals seeking affordable coverage. However, these low‑cost plans often come with narrower provider networks and higher deductibles compared to some competitors.
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Antidote Health is another affordable option for Arizonans in 2026. With monthly rates slightly lower on average than Oscar in some counties, Antidote is gaining traction. But similar to other lower‑cost insurers, the tradeoff can be a higher annual deductible and potentially higher MOOP.
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Imperial often offers the lowest Silver tier pricing in multiple Arizona counties. For many people, this makes Imperial a smart choice if your budget is tight. You should still review the provider network to ensure your doctors and hospitals are included.
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BCBSAZ is widely considered the most established and trusted health insurer in Arizona. It receives high customer satisfaction scores and has extensive provider networks throughout the state. Although its average premiums are not the lowest, many members find the network breadth and service quality worth the additional cost.
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Ambetter and Cigna offer competitive Silver tier plans with decent networks and relatively balanced cost structures. Both companies tend to have average or above average ratings for service, though their pricing is not always the absolute lowest. These can be good middle ground options for those who want stable networks without ultra‑low premiums.
When considering health insurance in Arizona, you can choose private insurance through the open marketplace or employer offered plans, and public programs such as Medicaid or Medicare for those who qualify.
This category includes companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Oscar, Antidote Health, Ambetter, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna. These plans are generally purchased through:
Private insurance is flexible and can be tailored to your personal needs, but it often comes with higher premiums and out‑of‑pocket costs compared to public programs.
Average Costs
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Public programs are primarily for those who meet eligibility criteria such as income limits, age, or disability. These include:
Arizona’s Medicaid program, known as AHCCCS, provides free or low‑cost health coverage for low‑income individuals, families, pregnant people, and people with disabilities. Qualifying for AHCCCS can dramatically reduce your healthcare costs.
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Medicare covers people 65 and older and certain disabled individuals. It is funded by the federal government, and although beneficiaries typically pay premiums (especially for Part B and Part D), Medicare is often more affordable than private market plans for older adults.
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The cost of health insurance in Arizona has increased significantly for 2026. The average premiums for Silver tier plans have risen by nearly 29% compared to the previous year.
For a typical family of four, the monthly premium for a Silver tier plan in 2026 can be as high as $2,189 per month before subsidies. For individual coverage, the average premium for a Silver plan on the exchange is close to $685 per month pre‑subsidy.
After subsidies, many lower‑income residents could see premiums drop to around $190 per month, but that figure depends on changes to federal tax credit structures and your own income.
Do not rely on a single company’s pricing. Get quotes from at least three to five companies based on your age, health needs, and county. You might find large variances in premiums and deductibles.
Look beyond premiums. A plan with a slightly higher monthly premium might have lower deductibles and MOOP, saving you a substantial amount if you visit the doctor often.
Make sure your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in network. Some low‑cost plans, especially HMO plans, have limited networks that exclude major hospital systems.
If your income falls within qualifying thresholds, you might be eligible for premium tax credits that significantly reduce your monthly costs.
HMO plans are the most common in Arizona’s ACA marketplace for 2026, which means you may need referrals to see specialists. PPO plans, while sometimes available through employers or off‑marketplace, are disappearing from the ACA marketplace.
Choosing the right health insurance in Arizona for 2026 requires careful thought, comparison, and planning. With rising premiums, increased deductibles, and evolving plan networks, it is crucial to balance cost with the coverage and protection you need. Whether you choose a private insurance company or qualify for public programs like Medicaid or Medicare, this comprehensive overview arms you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.
Remember to review your options annually during open enrollment and consider speaking with a licensed insurance broker or using the Healthcare.gov enrollment tools to find the best plan for your situation.
