Health Insurance Calculator: Get Your Cost Estimate

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How to Use MoneyGeek’s Health Insurance Calculator

The MoneyGeek health insurance premium calculator is quick and easy to use. Enter your ZIP code, age, income and plan preferences — no personal details or signup needed. In seconds, you'll see estimated monthly premiums and potential out-of-pocket costs based on actual plan data from health insurers in your area.

Our calculator checks your subsidy eligibility, available plan types and metal tiers to show how costs vary with different choices. You'll get a customized list of options to compare plans side by side, helping you find coverage that fits your budget and health needs.

1
Enter your state and ZIP code
Where you live affects available health plans and costs. Your ZIP code helps the calculator find real plans in your area and estimate prices based on local trends. It also checks if your state has its marketplace, which can change your coverage and savings options.
2
Input your age
Health insurance providers use age-based pricing, so your age directly affects your monthly premium. The tool adjusts results based on typical age patterns — older adults often pay more, while younger people usually see lower rates. Even small age differences can noticeably change plan prices.
3
Provide your annual household income
Your household income determines your eligibility for Affordable Care Act financial help, including premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. These savings can lower your monthly premium and care costs. Your income helps personalize results by showing subsidies you might qualify for.
4
Choose your plan type
Different plan types (HMO, PPO, EPO and POS) structure care access differently. Some limit you to network providers or require specialist referrals, while others offer more freedom at a higher cost. Your choice shapes plan recommendations based on your preference for doctors and services.
5
Pick a metal tier
Metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum) help balance monthly premiums with out-of-pocket costs. Lower tiers typically have cheaper premiums but higher costs when you need care. Higher tiers have steeper premiums but cover more medical expenses upfront. Your tier choice guides which plans appear in your results.

How to Read the Results

After submitting your details, you'll get a list of health plans matched to your location, income, age and chosen metal tier. These results come from actual insurers in your area and show options that fit your profile.

Each plan shows an average monthly premium, a maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) amount and a MoneyGeek (MG) score. The premium is your expected monthly cost, while the MOOP is the most you'd pay for covered services in a year. The MG score, rated out of 100, helps you compare overall value by considering cost efficiency, claims performance and plan structure.

This side-by-side view helps you find plans with the best balance of cost and quality. After reviewing options, you can enter your ZIP code again to see live quotes from trusted providers — no spam or personal information needed.

SAMPLE COMPUTATION

If you're between 36 and 45 years old, live in Cleveland County, North Carolina, and earn $14,580 to $21,870 yearly, the Blue Local Silver Preferred plan stands out among Silver-tier EPO options. This plan costs about $569 monthly, has a $1,150 MOOP and earns an MG score of 98 out of 100.

The plan offers valuable benefits beyond its price: three free primary care visits, $10 Tier 1 prescriptions and integrated care with Atrium Health. The Atrium connection makes coordinating referrals and lab work easier, which helps if you need regular medical care.

Other available plans may have lower scores or fewer benefits. Comparing plans side by side helps you find the cheapest option and one that better matches your health care needs.

Understanding Health Insurance Metal Tiers

Health insurance plans use metal tiers to show how costs are shared between you and the insurer. These tiers don't change care quality but affect your payment timing. Lower-tier plans have cheaper monthly premiums but higher costs when you get care. Higher-tier plans reverse this pattern.

Select your tier based on how often you need care. Someone who rarely sees doctors might choose Bronze to keep monthly costs low. If you need regular prescriptions or ongoing care, Silver or Gold plans might save you money overall.

Type	Monthly Cost Range	MOOP Range	Best For
Catastrophic	Lowest (available under age 30)	High	Young, healthy people under 30 or with hardship exemption
Bronze	Low	High	People wanting low premiums who rarely need care
Expanded Bronze	Low to moderate	High	Those wanting more coverage than standard Bronze
Silver	Moderate	Moderate	Those qualifying for cost-sharing reductions or wanting balanced costs
Gold	High	Lower	Those with regular health needs (e.g., chronic conditions, prescriptions)
Platinum	Highest	Lowest	People wanting predictable costs and frequent care

HOW LOCATION AND INCOME AFFECT HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS

Where you live impacts your insurance options. Some areas offer many choices and better prices because multiple insurers compete there. Other locations have limited options and higher costs due to fewer provider networks or local regulations. Plan prices vary even between neighboring ZIP codes.

Your income determines if you qualify for financial help like premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. These subsidies, based on yearly household income, can lower your monthly payments and care costs.

Provide accurate information about where you live and what you earn for accurate results. This will give you the clearest picture of your potential costs and savings.

Health Insurance Calculator FAQ

Looking for health insurance raises many questions, as costs and coverage vary widely. Here are answers to common questions to help you shop with confidence.

How much should health insurance cost per month?

In 2025, the average cost of health insurance for a 40-year-old is $539 per month for a Silver plan, but rates vary by location, age and plan type. Subsidies can lower your costs significantly. Get a personalized estimate using your ZIP code and income.

How is health insurance calculated?

Premiums depend on age, ZIP code, household income, tobacco use and coverage level. Affordable Care Act tax credits or cost-sharing reductions may lower your final cost. Learn how people usually get health insurance and what affects their costs.

How do I find out how much my health insurance will cover?

Each plan has a summary of benefits showing what's covered (doctor visits, prescriptions, specialist care and emergencies) and cost-sharing details (deductibles, copays and co-insurance). Compare these summaries to find the right coverage level.

How much of my salary should go to health insurance?

Many experts suggest keeping premiums at or below 10% of monthly income, though this varies based on your health needs and financial assistance eligibility. If you need lower-cost health insurance options, explore budget-friendly plans in your area.

How much does health insurance cost without a job?

Depending on income and location, unemployed people may qualify for Medicaid or subsidized Marketplace plans. Some programs offer free or low-cost coverage, especially in states with expanded Medicaid. Run an online quote to see options for your situation.

What life changes could affect my health insurance costs?

Major life events, such as job changes, moving, aging out of a parent's plan, marriage or having a child, can affect your premiums or subsidy eligibility. Income changes also impact your qualification for financial help. If you lack health insurance temporarily, know how this affects your coverage options and possible penalties.

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WHY TRUST MONEYGEEK’S HEALTH INSURANCE CALCULATOR

MoneyGeek is an independent personal finance site that helps people make smart decisions about complex topics like health coverage. Licensed insurance experts and editors create our tools and guides to ensure you get accurate, easy-to-understand information.

Our health insurance calculator uses data from licensed insurers across many states. It generates personalized results based on your ZIP code, age, income and plan preferences. All plans shown are real and evaluated using our MG Score. This 100-point system measures affordability, coverage quality and health insurance claim handling.

Though MoneyGeek may partner with some providers, these relationships don't influence our content or rankings. We aim to give you tools to compare health plans and find one that fits your budget, health needs and peace of mind.

About Nathan Paulus

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.

Read Full Bio »

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