Best Health Insurance in Illinois (2026): Top Plans for Your Budget

Overview

Shopping for the best health insurance in Illinois can feel confusing fast. Premiums keep changing, networks are different by ZIP code, and each insurer promises “great coverage” for you and your family. Whether you’re buying your own plan on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, getting coverage through work, or coordinating coverage for a mixed-age household, knowing which companies stand out in Illinois can save you time and money.

This guide breaks down the best health insurance companies in Illinois for 2026, based on coverage breadth, plan variety, affordability, innovation, and consumer experience.

Best Health Insurance Companies in Illinois (2026)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois – Best for Statewide Coverage & Network Access

BCBSIL is often the default choice for many Illinois residents because its network is accepted by many hospitals and doctors across the state. It offers ACA Marketplace plans, employer plans, Medicaid options (through certain entities), and Medicare, making it a strong all-around choice.

Coverage breadth and accessibility

• Broadest statewide presence among major carriers
• Strong hospital and specialist access, especially in larger metro areas

Plan variety and customization

• ACA HMO and PPO offerings
• Employer, Medicaid, and Medicare plans through the BCBS family of companies

Affordability and value

• Often competitive on Silver and Bronze tiers, especially with subsidies
• Out-of-pocket costs can vary by county and network type

Innovation and consumer experience

• Digital tools, wellness programs, and nurse lines
• Complaint rates and consumer satisfaction vary by region

Explore more about this carrier in our Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance review.

UnitedHealthcare – Best for Plan Variety & Digital Tools

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) offers a flexible mix of ACA, employer, and Medicare plans in Illinois, with one of the largest provider networks nationwide.

Coverage breadth and accessibility

• ACA plans are available in many Illinois counties
• Large national network, including primary care, specialists, and hospitals

Plan variety and customization

• ACA, employer coverage, short-term medical in some areas, and full Medicare offerings
• Diverse designs, including HMO, EPO, and PPO options

Affordability and value

• Competitive ACA pricing for many families with subsidies
• Some Medigap and Part D premiums have risen in certain regions

Innovation and consumer experience

• Strong telehealth options, wellness tools, and chronic care programs
• Ongoing complaints in areas like claims and billing, but tools are improving

Explore more about this carrier in our UnitedHealthcare Health Insurance review.

Aetna – Best for Employer Coverage & Medicare Households

Aetna, owned by CVS Health, is shifting away from ACA individual plans but remains significant in Illinois for employer-sponsored plans and Medicare.

Coverage breadth and accessibility

• Nationwide employer plan presence and broad Medicare reach
• No ACA Marketplace plans starting in 2026

Plan variety and customization

• Employer plans, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D drug plans
• Limited non-Medicare individual options and no short-term medical

Affordability and value

• Many $0 premium Medicare Advantage options in various states
• Competitive pricing for Medigap in many markets

Innovation and consumer experience

• Strong integration with CVS pharmacies and digital tools
• Mixed reviews around past ACA service and billing transparency

For Illinois readers, Aetna is most relevant if you get coverage through your job or if someone in your household qualifies for Medicare.

Learn more from this carrier in our Aetna Health Insurance review.

Cigna – Best for Preventive Care & Global Options

Cigna continues to offer ACA and Medicare plans in Illinois and tends to emphasize preventive care, telehealth, and international coverage.

Coverage breadth and accessibility

• ACA coverage in Illinois and 10 other states
• Global reach through international plans

Plan variety and customization

• ACA metal tiers, employer plans, Medigap, Part D, and international options

Affordability and value

• Some plans feature $0 virtual care
• Rising premiums and shrinking Medicare Advantage presence in some markets

Innovation and consumer experience

• Robust digital tools and wellness programs
• High complaint levels in some consumer rating systems
  

Ambetter – Best for Low-Cost ACA Marketplace Plans

Ambetter is a popular choice for cost-conscious Illinois families seeking lower ACA Marketplace premiums.

Coverage breadth and accessibility

• ACA Marketplace plans in many Illinois counties
• Networks may be narrower than some competitors
  

Plan variety and customization

• Bronze, Silver, and Gold ACA plans, plus Value and Select tiers
• Employer-focused ICHRA-compatible options in some markets
  

Affordability and value

• Generally low premiums and reasonable deductibles in competitive areas
• Wellness rewards and 24/7 telehealth are included on many plans
  

Innovation and consumer experience

• Growing digital tools and telehealth access
• Higher-than-average complaint rates around billing and network clarity
  

Oscar – Best for Digital-First Members

Oscar focuses on a user-friendly digital experience, especially attractive to younger adults and tech-forward families.

Coverage breadth and accessibility

• ACA plans in select Illinois counties (often metro-focused)
• EPO-only networks limit out-of-network flexibility
  

Plan variety and customization

• ACA plans and small group coverage; some Medicare Advantage offerings in select markets
  

Affordability and value

• Competitive premiums in many urban areas
• $0 virtual urgent care and low-cost generic prescriptions on some plans
  

Innovation and consumer experience

• Strong mobile app, Care Teams, and cost transparency
• Complaint levels vary by state; subsidy changes may affect 2026 pricing
  

Discover more from this carrier in our Oscar Health Insurance review.

Molina Healthcare – Best for Medicaid & Low-Income ACA Enrollees

Molina is a key player for lower-income Illinois residents who qualify for Medicaid or need budget-friendly Marketplace coverage.

Coverage breadth and accessibility

• Strong Medicaid and ACA presence in participating Illinois counties
• Narrower networks compared to some national carriers
  

Plan variety and customization

• ACA plans, Medicaid, and dual-eligible Medicare-Medicaid plans (in some states)
  

Affordability and value

• Very low premiums and deductibles for subsidy-eligible households
• Extra benefits like dental and OTC allowances on many plans
  

Innovation and consumer experience

• Some care coordination and social determinant initiatives
• Below-average quality ratings and higher complaint rates in many markets

Discover more from this carrier in our Molina Health Insurance review.

Humana – Best for Medicare-Only Coverage

Humana has exited the ACA, employer, and short-term medical markets for under-65 individuals but remains a major Medicare-focused insurer with some Medicaid presence.

Coverage breadth and accessibility

• Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans in many Illinois counties
• No ACA individual or short-term plans for under-65s

Plan variety and customization

• Wide range of Medicare HMO, PPO, Special Needs Plans (SNPs), and Part D plans

Affordability and value

• Competitive Medicare Advantage and Part D options, some with $0 premiums
• Drug-cost protections such as capped Part D spending on certain plans

Innovation and consumer experience

• Good care coordination tools and supplemental benefits
• Recent drops in Star Ratings and elevated complaint rates around network and claims
  

For under-65 readers, Humana mainly matters if you’re helping a Medicare-eligible family member or planning ahead for future Medicare coverage.

Discover more from this carrier in our Humana Health Insurance review.

Comparison Table: Best Health Insurance Companies in Illinois (2026)

Types of Health Insurance Available in Illinois

ACA Marketplace Plans

ACA plans for individuals and families are available, where you can compare metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and sometimes Platinum) and check eligibility for premium tax credits (also known as ACA subsidies, to lower your monthly premiums) and cost-sharing reductions based on income. 

Estimate your subsidy eligibility using our ACA subsidy calculator, regardless of income.

Employer-Sponsored Coverage

Many Illinois residents get insurance through work. Employer plans can offer broader networks and lower member premiums because employers typically contribute to the cost.

Medicaid and CHIP

Illinois Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide coverage for eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. Income limits and eligibility rules are set by the state within federal guidelines. 

Short-Term Health Insurance

As of 2025, short-term medical plans are no longer permitted in Illinois following a regulatory change that took effect in January. The state now prohibits the sale of these short-term health policies, and insurers that previously offered them have exited the Illinois short-term market.

Student Plans

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Illinois

To find the best health insurance in Illinois for your family, use this simple framework:

1. Confirm your eligibility.
   • Check if your income qualifies you for Medicaid or ACA subsidies.
2. Make a list of your must-have providers and medications.
   • Verify whether your doctors, preferred hospitals, and key prescriptions are covered.
3. Compare plan types.
   • HMO: Lower cost, more network restrictions.
   • PPO/EPO: More flexibility, higher premiums, and out-of-pocket costs.
4. Look beyond the premium.
   • Compare deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and copays to understand your total yearly cost.
5. Check extras that matter to you.
   • Virtual visits, mental health coverage, maternity benefits, and chronic condition support.
     

How We Chose the Best Health Insurance Companies in Illinois

 This guide evaluates companies offering the best Illinois 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 Illinois consumers.

Bottom Line

The best health insurance in Illinois looks different depending on your situation:

• If you want broad provider access, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois is often a strong starting point.
• If you care about digital tools and flexibility, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, and Cigna may stand out.
• If you prioritize low monthly premiums, Ambetter and Molina often show up near the top of Marketplace search results in many counties.
• If your household includes someone on Medicare or you have employer coverage, Aetna and Humana can be key players as well.

Because plan availability, networks, and pricing change every year, your best move is to compare plans online or through a licensed insurance agent. Check whether your providers are in-network, and estimate your total yearly costs before enrolling. This approach will help you choose a 2026 Illinois health plan that fits both your healthcare needs and your budget.