Best Health Insurance in Texas 2026: Top Companies & Plans

Overview

Finding the best health insurance in Texas can feel complicated with many plans, prices, and coverage options. Whether you’re buying through the ACA Marketplace, comparing employer or private coverage, or helping a family member choose a Medicare plan, understanding each carrier’s strengths can save you time and money.

This 2026 guide highlights the top health insurance companies in Texas, based on factors like coverage area, affordability, innovation, care quality, and customer satisfaction.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas – Best for Statewide Coverage

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) remains the state’s most recognized insurer, with ACA Marketplace, employer, Medicaid, and Medicare options in nearly every county. Members enjoy flexible HMO and PPO choices, robust telehealth services, and wellness perks through Blue365.

Standout Features:

• ACA plans available statewide with broad provider access
  
• Accepted by 95% of Texas doctors and hospitals
  
• Wellness programs and preventive care tools included
  
• Strong financial stability (AM Best “A” rating)
  
• Global coverage through GeoBlue for international travelers
  

Best For:
Families and individuals who want reliable statewide access, large provider networks, and strong preventive care programs.

Explore more in our Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance review. 

UnitedHealthcare – Best for Multi-State Access and Medicare Options

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) combines large networks with strong innovation. Texans can choose ACA, Medicare Advantage, short-term medical (also known as short-term health), and employer-based plans. Its virtual-first designs, telehealth integration, and CareFlex Visa card make care more convenient and predictable.

Standout Features:

• Nationwide network with 1.3 million providers and 6,700 hospitals
  
• Digital tools for plan management and virtual care
  
• Global access through UHC Global coverage in 130+ countries
  
• Diverse plan types: ACA, employer, short-term medical, and Medicare
  
• Medicare Advantage plans with enhanced drug cost caps

Best For:
Texans who want nationwide coverage, digital care tools, or strong Medicare plan options under one carrier.

Explore more in our UnitedHealthcare Health Insurance review. 

Ambetter from Superior HealthPlan – Best for Affordable ACA Coverage

Ambetter remains one of the most budget-friendly ACA Marketplace options in Texas. Plans include Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, along with telehealth, mental health coverage, and My Health Pays® wellness rewards.

Standout Features:

• Competitive premiums and reduced deductibles for many plans
  
• My Health Pays® program offering up to $500 annually in rewards
  
• Wide ACA footprint across Texas counties
  
• 24/7 telehealth and digital tools for members
  
• Strong cost-sharing reduction (CSR) options for eligible households
  

Best For:
Budget-conscious families and individuals seeking ACA coverage with valuable perks and subsidy (premium tax credit) eligibility.

Explore more in our Ambetter Health Insurance review. 

Oscar Health – Best for Digital-First, App-Based Care

Oscar Health sets the standard for tech-forward health insurance. Its plans feature $0 virtual urgent care, transparent pricing, and dedicated Care Teams for chronic condition management, all managed through one user-friendly app.

Standout Features:

• App-based navigation for claims, telehealth, and prescriptions
  
• $0 virtual urgent care and $3 generic prescriptions
  
• Integrated care coordination for chronic conditions
  
• Partnership with Cigna + Oscar for small business coverage
  
• Available across major Texas metro areas
  

Best For:
Tech-savvy Texans who prefer digital plan management and 24/7 virtual access to healthcare.

Explore more in our Oscar Health Insurance review. 

Molina Healthcare – Best for Lower-Income and Dual-Eligible Members

Molina Healthcare offers budget-friendly ACA, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage plans with low premiums and solid coverage for those who qualify for subsidies or government programs. Its focus on preventive and social health needs adds extra value.

Standout Features:

• Low-cost ACA and Medicare Advantage plans, many with $0 premiums
  
• Medicaid and CHIP options for eligible families
  
• Strong care coordination and wellness incentives
  
• Doula and maternal care programs in select areas
  
• Focus on underserved and dual-eligible populations
  

Best For:
Texans with lower incomes or those eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or dual Medicare/Medicaid coverage.

Explore more in our Molina Health Insurance review. 

Aetna – Best for Employer and Medicare Coverage

Aetna remains a strong choice in Texas for employer health plans and Medicare Advantage. Now part of CVS Health, it integrates pharmacy, wellness, and clinic access for more seamless care coordination.

Standout Features:

• Medicare Advantage and Medigap options in most Texas regions
  
• Integrated care via CVS Health clinics and pharmacies
  
• Predictable costs with Plans G and N for Medigap policyholders
  
• Wellness credits and chronic care management programs
  
• Employer coverage with a broad national reach
  

Best For:
Employees and older individuals seeking stable, integrated care and national provider access.

Explore more in our Aetna Health Insurance review. 

WellCare – Best for Medicare Advantage Customization

WellCare focuses on seniors and dual-eligible members through Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans. It emphasizes flexible benefits, digital enhancements, and Special Needs Plans (SNPs) for chronic conditions.

Standout Features:

• Broad Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage in Texas
  
• Special Needs Plans (SNPs) tailored to chronic or dual-eligible members
  
• Wellcare Spendables™ card for everyday health expenses
  
• Multilingual materials and upgraded mobile tools
  
• Competitive premiums and strong supplemental benefits
  

Best For:
Medicare-eligible Texans who want specialized, budget-friendly coverage with flexible benefits.

Explore more in our WellCare Health Insurance review.

Humana – Best for Medicare and Prescription Drug Coverage

After exiting the ACA and group markets, Humana now focuses on Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans. Its offerings combine broad provider access, enhanced drug benefits, and nationwide availability. Learn more about Texas Medicare Advantage plans.

Standout Features:

• Comprehensive Medicare Advantage plans with dental, vision, and OTC coverage
  
• Strong Rx integration and wellness programs
  
• Medicare Advantage availability in nearly every Texas county
  
• Extensive supplemental benefits for seniors
  

Best For:
Retirees and seniors seeking reliable Medicare coverage with robust drug and wellness benefits.

Explore more in our Humana Health Insurance review.

Cigna – Best for Select ACA Markets and Global Options

Cigna provides ACA, employer, and international health plans with a focus on flexibility and digital tools. Its ACA presence in Texas is more limited, but where available, plans include solid preventive and wellness benefits.

Standout Features:

• ACA coverage in select Texas counties
  
• Global coverage in over 200 countries via Cigna Global
  
• Employer and Medigap plans with strong pharmacy integration
  
• $0 virtual care and telehealth access
  
• Comprehensive wellness and chronic care support tools
  

Best For:
Texans in Cigna-serviced areas or global workers seeking strong digital tools and international coverage.

Explore more in our Cigna Health Insurance review.

Methodology

This guide evaluates companies offering Texas health insurance plans, drawing from our comprehensive insurer review series. Each provider was analyzed for coverage area, plan variety, affordability, digital tools, care quality, and transparency.

Financial stability was verified through AM Best, while customer satisfaction was drawn from NCQA, the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), and J.D. Power. Complaint ratios were cross-checked using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) index, and plan participation data was confirmed through CMS.gov and Healthcare.gov.

These combined metrics create a balanced picture of affordability, reliability, and member experience for Texas consumers.

Quick FAQs

What’s the best health insurance in Texas for families?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas offers the widest networks and flexible plan choices, while Ambetter and Molina provide the best value for families on a budget.

Do ACA plans cover maternity and mental health?
Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, all Marketplace plans must cover 10 essential health benefits, including maternity, mental health, and prescription drugs.

Can I get short-term medical coverage in Texas?
Yes. UnitedHealthcare offers short-term medical plans in Texas in select counties. These are not ACA-compliant and may exclude pre-existing conditions. 

Bottom Line

The best health insurance in Texas depends on what matters most to you:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas for broad coverage and stability
• UnitedHealthcare for multi-state access and Medicare options
• Ambetter for affordability and wellness perks
• Oscar for digital-first convenience
• Molina for low-income or Medicaid-eligible members
• Aetna, WellCare, Humana, and Cigna for specialized employer or Medicare coverage
  

Compare plans on our website via Healthcare.com, our parent company, or with a licensed insurance agent to see how each insurer performs in your ZIP code.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HealthCareInsider.com or HealthCare, Inc.