Best Health Insurance in Michigan (2026)

Q: Are you required to have health insurance in Michigan?

Michigan doesn't <a href="https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/health/is-health-insurance-mandatory-legally/">require health insurance</a>, and you won't experience penalties for being uninsured. However, without coverage, you pay the full cost of medical care out of pocket. A single hospital visit or emergency treatment can easily cost thousands of dollars.

Key Takeaways

Ambetter provides the best health insurance in Michigan, offering a well-rounded combination of affordable premiums, manageable deductibles, and reasonable maximum out-of-pocket limits.

Ambetter also has the most affordable health insurance in Michigan, though its deductibles are high compared to other providers in the state.

When shopping for health insurance in Michigan, it’s important to compare quotes from several different providers to find the best value. Be sure to review each plan’s provider network, coverage limits, and out-of-pocket costs, and confirm that your preferred doctors and specialists are included to ensure access to the care you need.

Best Health Insurance Companies in Michigan

Ambetter is the best health insurance company in Michigan, offering a strong balance of premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits. Other leading insurers in the state include UnitedHealthcare, McLaren Health Plan Community, Blue Care Network of Michigan, and Priority Health, each providing competitive coverage with varying network options and cost structures.

Comparing these providers can help you identify plans that best fit your budget while ensuring access to preferred doctors and essential healthcare services. The table below highlights average monthly rates, deductibles, maximum out-of-pocket costs, MoneyGeek scores, and the highest-rated Silver plans from each provider.


Ambetter	$472	$5,188	$3,483	4.5	Clear Silver
UnitedHealthcare	$542	$6,014	$2,246	4.3	Uhc Silver Value (No Referrals)
Mclaren Health Plan Community	$735	$5,686	$2,307	4.1	Mhp Silver Exchange Rewards
Blue Care Network Of Michigan	$668	$5,356	$3,073	4.0	Blue Cross® Local Hmo Silver Saver
Priority Health	$659	$5,608	$2,787	4.0	Mypriority Balanced Silver Southeast Michigan Network

*Our picks are the best health insurance options for 40-year-olds looking for Silver-tier HMO plans.

Ambetter

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

5/5Affordability

2.5/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$472
Average MOOP
$5,188
Average Deductible
$3,483

pros
- Lowest premiums in the state
- Gold plans feature low $700 deductibles
- Lowest maximum out-of-pocket limits in the state
cons
- Offers HMO plans only, limiting provider network flexibility
- Silver plans carry high $3,483 deductibles
Ambetter offers HMO coverage throughout Michigan, featuring competitive pricing in both Silver and Gold tiers. For 40-year-olds, Gold coverage costs $530 per month, $178 below the state average, and features the tier’s lowest deductible at $700 with a $5,488 maximum out-of-pocket limit, earning first place and a perfect score. Silver plans run $472 monthly, $164 below typical rates, with $3,483 deductibles and $5,188 maximums, securing another first-place ranking. Ambetter achieves this pricing advantage through lower premiums across both tiers while maintaining manageable cost-sharing structures. For Michigan residents seeking affordable HMO coverage with minimal deductibles, Ambetter’s Gold and Silver plans represent the strongest value in the state.

Ambetter Michigan health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Elite Gold	$565	HMO	Gold	$4,875	$0	No
Elite Gold + Vision + Adult Dental	$586	HMO	Gold	$4,875	$0	No
Everyday Gold	$501	HMO	Gold	$5,438	$600	No
Everyday Gold + Vision + Adult Dental	$520	HMO	Gold	$5,438	$600	No
Standard Gold	$494	HMO	Gold	$6,150	$1,500	No
Standard Gold + Vision + Adult Dental	$512	HMO	Gold	$6,150	$1,500	No

UnitedHealthcare

MoneyGeek Rating

4.3/ 5

4.7/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

2.5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$542
Average MOOP
$6,014
Average Deductible
$2,246

pros
- Most affordable premiums in Michigan for Bronze plans
- Low $1,250 deductibles on Gold plans
- Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold metal levels
cons
- HMO plans only limit provider network flexibility
- Bronze plans carry high $7,950 deductibles and MOOP limits
UnitedHealthcare offers HMO plans across all metal tiers in Michigan, providing a range of options to suit different budgets and health care needs. Expanded Bronze coverage costs just $424 per month, $44 below the state average, and includes HSA eligibility, $5,625 deductibles, and $7,725 out-of-pocket maximums, earning first place for the metal tier. Standard Bronze plans run $404 monthly, $17 below typical rates, with $7,950 deductibles and matching out-of-pocket limits. Gold coverage averages $579 per month, $129 below the state average, with $1,250 deductibles and $5,963 maximums, securing second place for the metal level. UnitedHealthcare's Silver plans cost $542 monthly, featuring $2,246 deductibles and $6,014 out-of-pocket limits, also ranking second. Across all tiers, UnitedHealthcare combines below-average premiums with reasonable cost-sharing, making it a reliable choice in Michigan’s health insurance marketplace.

UnitedHealthcare Michigan health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Uhc Bronze Essential (No Referrals)	$395	HMO	Bronze	$7,950	$7,950	Yes
Uhc Bronze Essential+ (Dental + Vision, No Referrals)	$414	HMO	Bronze	$7,950	$7,950	Yes

McLaren Health Plan Community

MoneyGeek Rating

4.1/ 5

4.2/5Affordability

4.8/5Deductible

3.1/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$735
Average MOOP
$5,686
Average Deductible
$2,307

pros
- Low deductibles available on Gold plans starting at $1,538
- Coverage spanning five different metal tiers
- HSA-eligible plans available
cons
- Offers HMO plans only with network restrictions
- Catastrophic plans carry high $10,600 deductibles and MOOP limits
McLaren Health Plan Community is a regional insurer in Michigan providing HMO coverage across all metal tiers with competitive pricing for Michigan residents. Bronze plans cost $486 per month with HSA eligibility, $6,188 deductibles, and $7,613 out-of-pocket maximums, winning first place in the tier despite being $65 above the state average. Catastrophic coverage is priced at $439 monthly, featuring standard $10,600 deductibles and maximums, earning second place for the tier. Gold coverage runs $749 monthly with $1,538 deductibles and $6,075 maximums, while Silver plans cost $735 monthly with $2,307 deductibles and $5,686 out-of-pocket limits. McLaren emphasizes balanced cost structures, providing consistent value across Michigan’s HMO options.
McLaren Health Plan Community Michigan health insurance plans for 2026:
Data filtered by:
Metal Level
Bronze
Mhp Bronze $486 HMO Bronze $7,613 $6,188 Yes


Mhp Bronze	$486	HMO	Bronze	$7,613	$6,188	Yes

Best Health Insurance in Michigan by Category

Health insurance in Michigan varies based on age, plan type, and metal tier, with Silver plans ranging from $337 to $1,720 per month across different demographics. To help residents make informed choices, we’ve broken down average premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums by age group and plan type. This comparison highlights which insurers offer the best value for HMO, EPO, and PPO coverage at each life stage, making it easier to find plans that balance affordability, network access, and predictable healthcare costs.

By Age:

Teens (18): Ambetter HMO plans cost $337 monthly, Oscar EPO plans cost $338, and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans cost $579.
Young adults (26): Ambetter offers HMO coverage for $378 per month. Oscar charges $379 for EPO plans, while Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO coverage costs $649.
Adults (40): Ambetter HMO plans cost $472 per month, Oscar EPO plans cost $473, and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans cost $810.
Seniors (60): Ambetter charges $1,003 monthly for HMO plans, Oscar charges $1,004 for EPO coverage, and Blue Cross Blue Shield charges $1,720 for PPO plans.

By Plan Type:

PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield dominates Michigan's PPO market, charging 40-year-olds $810 monthly with a $2,167 deductible and $4,678 MOOP.
HMO: Ambetter provides affordable HMO coverage for 40-year-olds at $472 monthly with a $3,483 deductible and $5,188 MOOP.
EPO: Oscar charges 40-year-olds $473 monthly with a $3,088 deductible and $5,698 MOOP.

All rates are averages based on Silver plans for the given category.

Compare Michigan Health Insurance Providers

Premiums, deductibles and MOOP costs differ among Michigan insurers. Use the filters below for age, metal tier, plan type, and HSA eligibility to compare options and identify plans that fit your budget, preferred doctors, and overall healthcare needs.

Data filtered by:


Ambetter	$472	HMO	Silver	$5,188	$3,483	40	No
UnitedHealthcare	$542	HMO	Silver	$6,014	$2,246	40	No
Mclaren Health Plan Community	$735	HMO	Silver	$5,686	$2,307	40	No
Blue Care Network Of Michigan	$668	HMO	Silver	$5,356	$3,073	40	No
Priority Health	$659	HMO	Silver	$5,608	$2,787	40	No

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Michigan

Choosing health insurance in Michigan means weighing premiums against deductibles, network access and coverage limits.

1
Assess Your Healthcare Needs
Review your current medications, planned procedures and how often you visit doctors to determine which coverage level makes sense. Past medical expenses help predict future costs and guide your deductible choice. Consider chronic conditions or upcoming surgeries that may require specialized care in Detroit, Grand Rapids or other Michigan cities.
2
Compare Multiple Insurance Quotes
Request rates from at least three Michigan health insurance companies to spot price differences and coverage variations. Companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Priority Health and Molina Healthcare offer different rates for identical coverage. Compare monthly premiums, deductibles and copayments across Wayne County, Oakland County and other regions.
3
Verify Provider Networks
Confirm your preferred doctors, specialists and hospitals accept plans you're considering. Out-of-network care costs more and may require full payment upfront. Major health systems like Spectrum Health in Kent County or Henry Ford Health in southeastern Michigan may not accept all insurance plans.
4
Review Cost-Sharing Details
Higher deductibles lower monthly premiums but increase upfront costs when you need care. Your maximum out-of-pocket limit caps annual expenses, protecting you from catastrophic medical bills. Bronze plans typically have $6,000+ deductibles while gold plans offer $1,000-$3,000 deductibles with higher monthly costs.
5
Understand Plan Types
HMOs, PPOs, EPOs and POS plans each offer different trade-offs between cost and flexibility. HMOs require referrals but cost less, while PPOs let you see specialists without approval at higher premiums. EPOs and POS plans fall between these options, balancing network restrictions with affordability.
6
Explore Government Programs
Federal subsidies and Medicare plans make health insurance more affordable for eligible Michigan residents. If you have low income, qualifying disabilities or are 65 or older, explore Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options. Income-based subsidies through Healthcare.gov can reduce premium costs.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Michigan?

In Michigan, HMO plans offer the most affordable Bronze coverage at $421 per month, while EPO plans provide the lowest-cost Silver and Gold options at $473 and $510, respectively. PPO plans are generally more expensive across all tiers, with Gold coverage reaching $944 monthly.

EPO plans strike a balance between cost and flexibility, offering broader provider networks than HMOs while remaining more affordable than PPO options. HMO plans keep premiums low but require referrals and limit coverage to in-network providers. Platinum-tier coverage is not currently available for any plan type in Michigan.


EPO	No Data	$473	$510	No Data
HMO	$421	$636	$708	No Data
PPO	$510	$800	$944	No Data

*Rates are averages for 40-year-olds in Michigan. Your rates will vary based on your age and location.

Best Health Insurance in Michigan: Bottom Line

Ambetter, UnitedHealthcare and McLaren Health Plan Community are the top health insurance companies in Michigan for 2026. Ambetter combines the most affordable monthly premiums with reasonable out-of-pocket costs, making it the best choice for most.

Best Michigan Health Insurance: FAQ

Michigan residents have questions about enrollment periods, state insurance requirements and coordinating multiple plans:

How do I get health insurance in Michigan?

Michigan residents can obtain health insurance through Healthcare.gov, directly from insurance companies, or with help from licensed brokers. Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15 for 2026 coverage.

Special enrollment periods are available after qualifying events like marriage, job loss or relocation. Employer-sponsored group plans provide another coverage option.

Are you required to have health insurance in Michigan?

Michigan doesn't require health insurance, and you won't experience penalties for being uninsured. However, without coverage, you pay the full cost of medical care out of pocket. A single hospital visit or emergency treatment can easily cost thousands of dollars.

Can you have multiple health insurance plans in Michigan?

Yes, you can have multiple health insurance plans in Michigan. Through coordination of benefits, your primary plan pays first, and your secondary plan may cover remaining eligible expenses. This arrangement happens when both spouses have employer-sponsored coverage or when combining Medicare with supplemental insurance.

Our Review Methodology

Our rankings focus heavily on monthly premiums since they create the most significant ongoing cost burden. We also factor in maximum out-of-pocket limits and deductibles, which affect your total yearly spending.

Our Scoring System

We weighted three cost factors:

Monthly premium (60%): Your recurring monthly payment. Lower average premiums earn higher scores.
Maximum out-of-pocket (20%): The yearly spending cap beyond premiums. Lower limits score better.
Deductible (20%): What you pay before coverage kicks in. Lower average deductibles get higher scores.

Sample Consumer Profile

We reviewed every 2026 Michigan plan for people aged 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Pricing shows 40-year-old rates unless stated otherwise. We analyzed all metal tiers: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

Read Full Bio »

Best Health Insurance in Michigan (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in Michigan

Best Health Insurance in Michigan by Category

Compare Michigan Health Insurance Providers

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Michigan

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Michigan?

Best Health Insurance in Michigan: Bottom Line

Best Michigan Health Insurance: FAQ

How do I get health insurance in Michigan?

Are you required to have health insurance in Michigan?

Can you have multiple health insurance plans in Michigan?

Our Review Methodology

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