Best Health Insurance for Pregnant Women in 2025

Enter your ZIP code to get started

Shield

Free. Simple. Secure.

Updated: January 20, 2025

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Ambetter offers the best health insurance for a typical 40-year-old pregnant individual, with a Silver Tier Plan costing $522 monthly. Oscar is the second-best option at $545 per month.

When looking for the best health insurance during pregnancy, choose a plan with a broad network of health care providers and reasonable pricing. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), women cannot be denied health insurance due to pregnancy. However, securing coverage for prenatal and postnatal care is important since pregnancy doesn’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

mglogo icon
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data directly from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

recency icon

Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in November for the 2024 enrollment period.

210 Providers Compared
 
4,639Plans Analyzed

Best Health Insurance Providers for Pregnancy

Ambetter is the best health insurance provider for pregnancy, with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 for a typical 26-year-old pregnant woman buying a silver plan. Some of the best options in the Silver Metal Tier are:

  • Ambetter: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($418 per month)
  • Oscar: MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100 ($437 per month)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield: MoneyGeek score of 72 out of 100 ($495 per month)

Top pregnancy insurance providers offer a range of plans, extensive coverage and reasonable costs. MoneyGeek's top picks are Oscar, Ambetter, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare, known for competitive premiums, broad networks and tailored benefits.

Top Health Insurance Providers During Pregnancy
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age:26
UnitedHealthcare$495$8,887
Aetna$482$8,642
Blue Cross Blue Shield$495$8,238
Oscar$437$8,523
Ambetter$418$8,054

Best Low-Income Health Insurance for Pregnant Individuals

Ambetter offers the best low-income health plan for maternity at all federal poverty limit (FPL) income levels on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Some of the best plans at different actuarial value (AV) levels are: 

  • At 93% AV level (100% to 150% FPL): Ambetter
  • At 87% AV level (150% to 200% FPL): Ambetter
  • At 73% AV level (200% to 250% FPL): Ambetter

Under the ACA, Silver marketplace plans are eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) for those with low income. These CSRs reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals and families by lowering deductibles, copayments and co-insurance. 

Not everyone will qualify for a low-income plan. To be eligible, individuals must have an income between 100% and 250% of the FPL, or 139% to 250% in states with Medicaid expansion. Cost-sharing reductions vary based on income, with greater assistance for those with lower incomes. These reductions help make health care services more affordable for qualified individuals and families.

Best Low-Income Plans for Pregnancy
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age:18
UnitedHealthcare87% AV Level Silver Plan$426
UnitedHealthcare94% AV Level Silver Plan$426
UnitedHealthcare73% AV Level Silver Plan$426
Aetna73% AV Level Silver Plan$428
Aetna94% AV Level Silver Plan$428
Aetna87% AV Level Silver Plan$428
Blue Cross Blue Shield73% AV Level Silver Plan$450
Blue Cross Blue Shield87% AV Level Silver Plan$450
Blue Cross Blue Shield94% AV Level Silver Plan$450
Oscar87% AV Level Silver Plan$390
Oscar94% AV Level Silver Plan$390
Oscar73% AV Level Silver Plan$390
Ambetter94% AV Level Silver Plan$363
Ambetter87% AV Level Silver Plan$363
Ambetter73% AV Level Silver Plan$363
dollarBadge2 icon
HOW ACTUARIAL VALUE LEVELS IMPACT YOUR CSR ON A SILVER TIER PLAN

In the context of CSRs, three AV levels determine the amount of financial assistance. The AV level, or actuarial value level, shows the percentage of total costs a plan is expected to cover for the average enrollee. The higher the AV level, the more the plan covers and the less the individual pays. 

The three AV levels are:

  • 94% AV level: The plan covers about 94% of the enrollee's health care costs, leaving the individual responsible for 6%.
  • 87% AV level: The plan covers around 87% of the enrollee's health care costs, with the individual paying 13%.
  • 73% AV level: The plan covers about 73% of the enrollee's health care costs, leaving the individual responsible for 27%.

These reductions can lower out-of-pocket costs, making health care more affordable for eligible individuals.

Compare Health Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your health insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Why do we need ZIP code?

Cost of Health Insurance During Pregnancy

On average, a 40-year-old pregnant woman might pay $460 monthly for a Bronze health plan.

  • A Bronze plan lowers the monthly premium, but out-of-pocket costs can be higher. You might pay up to $9,197 a year for care.
  • A Platinum plan costs about $920 a month but has lower out-of-pocket costs, with a yearly maximum of $3,624, offering more predictable health care expenses.
  • Catastrophic health insurance may be an option for those under 30 or with a hardship exemption. It costs about $341 a month and has a higher deductible, but it covers essential health benefits once the deductible is met.

Each metal tier offers different coverage: Bronze covers 60% of costs, Silver 70%, Gold 80% and Platinum up to 90%. These percentages, called actuarial values, can vary based on personal circumstances.

When choosing health insurance during pregnancy, consider both cost and coverage. A higher premium plan may be a better choice if a pregnant person doesn't qualify for Silver plan reductions.

Cost of Health Insurance Costs During Pregnancy by Metal Tiers
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age:26
Catastrophic$273$9,200
Bronze$369$9,197
Expanded Bronze$379$9,162
Silver$468$8,460
Gold$502$7,541
Platinum$737$3,624

Does Health Insurance Cover Pregnancy and Childbirth?

Health insurance provides peace of mind and financial support during pregnancy and childbirth. Under the ACA, pregnancy and maternity care are essential health benefits. 

Coverage typically includes prenatal care, hospital delivery and postpartum care. Specific services may include doctor visits, lab tests, ultrasounds and maternity check-ups. Some plans may also cover childbirth classes and educational resources. Medicaid offers coverage for pregnancy and childbirth to eligible low-income individuals.

Although maternity care is an essential health benefit, reviewing your policy is necessary. Be sure to understand coverage details, deductibles and copays, as some plans may have waiting periods or require pre-authorization for certain procedures.

mglogo icon
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN MATERNITY INSURANCE

Consider the following when selecting health insurance for pregnancy:

  • Maternity coverage: Ensure comprehensive coverage for prenatal care, delivery and postpartum care.
  • Network of providers: Confirm a robust network of obstetricians and hospitals in your area.
  • Cost-sharing: Evaluate deductibles, copays and co-insurance to understand expenses.
  • Additional benefits: Assess support programs like childbirth education or postpartum mental health services.
  • Prescription drug coverage: Confirm coverage for essential medications during pregnancy.
  • Continuity of care: Ensure that preferred health care providers are included in the plan's network.

These factors will help ensure adequate coverage and support during your pregnancy journey.

How to Get Insurance When Pregnant

Pregnancy alone isn’t a qualifying event for health care coverage. If you're pregnant and don't have insurance, you can't buy coverage through the marketplace unless you have another qualifying life event. However, there are other ways to get insurance during pregnancy. Here are some common options:

  1. 1

    Employer-sponsored insurance

    If you or your partner have access to employer-sponsored health insurance, check if the plan covers pregnancy and maternity care. You may need to enroll or make changes during the annual open enrollment period or within a specific window after experiencing a qualifying life event, such as getting married or becoming pregnant.

  2. 2

    Medicaid

    Medicaid offers coverage for low-income individuals and families, including pregnant women. Thanks to Medicaid expansion under the ACA, adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($21,597 in 2025) may qualify for coverage during pregnancy. 

    Eligibility requirements vary by state, so check your state's Medicaid office or visit Healthcare.gov to see if you qualify. Medicaid has no open enrollment period, so you can enroll anytime.

  3. 3

    Spouse's or partner's insurance

    If you're married or in a domestic partnership, check if your spouse, partner or eligible boyfriend/girlfriend has health insurance that covers pregnancy. You may be eligible to be added as a dependent on their plan.

  4. 4

    COBRA

    You may be eligible for COBRA coverage if you recently lost your job or experienced reduced work hours and had employer-sponsored health insurance. COBRA allows you to continue the same coverage you had while employed at a higher cost since you'll be responsible for the full premium.

  5. 5

    State-specific programs

    Some states offer specific programs or subsidies to support pregnant women and provide access to affordable health insurance. Research if your state has any programs that assist pregnant individuals in getting insurance coverage.

If you're pregnant without insurance, you can choose to pay out-of-pocket for pregnancy-related expenses. In this case, inform your provider that you'll be paying out of pocket and try to negotiate lower costs.

healthInsurance icon
HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR UNMARRIED PARENTS

Unmarried parents can access health insurance options like married couples, including employer-sponsored, marketplace and Medicaid coverage.

Unmarried couples can also explore insurance options that cover domestic partners, though availability varies by state. Certain states extend coverage to domestic partners through private insurance plans. However, unmarried partners may be unable to add each other to their health insurance unless their state recognizes domestic partnerships. After childbirth, the baby is typically covered under the mother's policy for up to 30 days.

Unmarried parents should review their state's regulations to understand the health insurance options for themselves and their children.

FAQ: Health Insurance and Pregnancy

We answered some of the most commonly asked questions about health insurance and pregnancy to make securing comprehensive coverage easier.

What is the best health insurance for pregnancy?

Will new insurance cover an existing pregnancy?

Is pregnancy a pre-existing condition?

Do I need to notify insurance of pregnancy?

Do all pregnant women qualify for Medicaid?

Will short-term health insurance cover pregnancy?

Learn More About Health Insurance

About Brenna Kelly

Brenna Kelly headshot

Brenna Kelly, the former Health Insurance Content Manager at MoneyGeek, is a licensed health insurance agent and real estate associate. She is qualified to provide expert insight and advice on medical insurance, disability, long-term care, critical illness, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans.

Kelly has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Applied Sociology from the University of Central Florida. She uses her content production experience and health insurance expertise to deliver informative articles.

Read Full Bio »
sources

MoneyGeek Address:1325 Howard Ave, Suite 338
Burlingame, CA 94010

MoneyGeek Phone:904-878-4335

Insurance
Mortgage
Credit Cards
Loans
About MoneyGeekPressPrivacy PolicySitemap
Copyright © 2025 MoneyGeek.com. All Rights Reserved Terms of Use