Average Monthly Premiums in 2025
Health insurance costs vary significantly by age, location, and plan type. Here are the national averages for ACA marketplace plans before subsidies:
- Age 21: ~$223/month (Bronze) to ~$380/month (Gold)
- Age 30: ~$262/month (Bronze) to ~$447/month (Gold)
- Age 40: ~$295/month (Bronze) to ~$503/month (Gold)
- Age 50: ~$412/month (Bronze) to ~$702/month (Gold)
- Age 60: ~$624/month (Bronze) to ~$1,063/month (Gold)
๐ก These are benchmark averages. Your actual premium depends on your exact location, the specific plans available in your area, and whether you qualify for subsidies. Many people pay far less after tax credits.
Employer-Sponsored Coverage
If you have employer coverage, the average employee contribution in 2025 is approximately:
- Individual coverage: ~$150/month (employer pays ~$550/month)
- Family coverage: ~$600/month (employer pays ~$1,400/month)
How to Lower Your Health Insurance Cost
- Check subsidy eligibility โ many people qualify for ACA premium tax credits that dramatically reduce costs
- Choose a Bronze plan โ lowest premiums if you're healthy and rarely need care
- Use an HSA โ the tax savings offset some of the cost
- Check Medicaid eligibility โ if income is below 138% FPL, Medicaid may be free
- Stay on parent's plan โ until age 26, this is often the cheapest option
Check Your ACA Subsidy
See how much you could save on your monthly premium.
Check Your ACA Subsidy โFrequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance cheaper through employer or marketplace?
Employer coverage is almost always cheaper because your employer pays a significant portion โ often 70โ80% โ of your premium. If employer coverage is available, it's usually the better financial choice unless the employee contribution is unaffordable.
What is the cheapest health insurance for a single person?
Medicaid is free for those who qualify. For others, a Bronze marketplace plan has the lowest premium. A Catastrophic plan (for under-30s and some hardship cases) has even lower premiums but very high deductibles.
Does health insurance cost more if you're older?
Yes. ACA rules allow insurers to charge older adults up to 3 times what they charge a 21-year-old. A 60-year-old typically pays 2.5โ3x the premium of a 30-year-old for the same plan.