Finding the cheapest health insurance in California can be confusing because prices change depending on your income, age, county, and whether you qualify for financial help through Covered California or Medi-Cal.
The good news is that California has many affordable health insurance providers that offer low monthly premiums, especially in Bronze-tier plans or subsidized marketplace coverage.
In this in-depth guide, you will learn the 10 cheapest health insurance options in California, along with their major pros and cons, so you can choose the best plan for your situation.
What Makes Health Insurance “Cheap” in California?
Before looking at providers, it is important to understand what affects cost:
- Your household income (subsidies reduce premiums)
- Your county or service area
- Plan tier (Bronze plans are usually cheapest monthly)
- Whether you qualify for Medi-Cal
- Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs
A plan with the lowest premium is not always the cheapest overall, so comparing pros and cons matters.
1. L.A. Care Health Plan
L.A. Care is one of the most affordable health insurance providers in California, especially for people living in Los Angeles County. It is widely used for both Medi-Cal and low-cost Covered California marketplace plans.
Pros
- Very low monthly premiums in many areas
- Strong option for Medi-Cal members
- Affordable Bronze plans for individuals
- Good coverage for basic healthcare needs
Cons
- Limited mostly to Los Angeles County
- Smaller provider network compared to major insurers
- Specialist access may require referrals
Best for: Low-income residents or those living in Los Angeles looking for the lowest-cost plan.
2. Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare is one of the cheapest providers for marketplace coverage and is also a major Medi-Cal insurer. Many people choose Molina because its Bronze plans often rank among the lowest premium options.
Pros
- Low-cost ACA marketplace plans
- Widely available across many counties
- Strong choice for basic health coverage
- Good for subsidy-eligible households
Cons
- Provider networks may be narrower
- Customer service ratings vary by region
- Not always ideal for people needing frequent specialist care
Best for: People who want one of the lowest premium plans through Covered California.
3. Sharp Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan is a regional provider serving mainly San Diego County. It is known for affordable premiums and quality healthcare services in Southern California.
Pros
- Affordable plans in San Diego
- Strong healthcare system partnerships
- Good reputation for quality care
Cons
- Only available in limited regions
- Not an option for most Northern California residents
- Smaller network compared to statewide providers
Best for: San Diego residents seeking low-cost local coverage.
4. Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)
IEHP is one of the most affordable options for people living in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. It offers both Medi-Cal and low-cost marketplace plans.
Pros
- Very affordable for Inland Empire residents
- Strong Medi-Cal support
- Community-focused healthcare services
Cons
- Limited service area
- Network options may be smaller
- Less suitable if you travel frequently outside the region
Best for: Families and individuals in Riverside or San Bernardino counties.
5. Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is one of California’s most well-known healthcare systems. While not always the cheapest upfront, Kaiser plans can become very affordable with subsidies, and the integrated care model reduces overall medical costs.
Pros
- High-quality healthcare system
- Insurance and doctors under one network
- Predictable costs with fewer billing surprises
- Strong preventive care services
Cons
- Must use Kaiser hospitals and doctors
- Limited flexibility outside Kaiser network
- Premiums may be higher without subsidies
Best for: People who want affordable long-term care with a structured system.
6. Health Net
Health Net offers affordable insurance plans across many parts of California. It provides competitive Bronze plans and is often chosen by people wanting a balance between price and access.
Pros
- Low-cost plans in many counties
- Wider doctor network than some budget providers
- Multiple plan options available
Cons
- Costs vary significantly depending on region
- Some plans have higher deductibles
- Customer experience can differ by county
Best for: People who want affordability with more provider flexibility.
7. Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California is a major insurer offering a wide range of Covered California plans. Some of its Bronze-tier plans are among the cheaper options in many regions.
Pros
- Strong provider network statewide
- Competitive pricing with subsidies
- Good plan variety for individuals and families
Cons
- Premiums can be higher without tax credits
- Out-of-pocket costs may still be high in Bronze plans
- Some counties have limited plan availability
Best for: Californians who want affordable insurance with broad access to doctors.
8. Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross offers competitive health plans across California and is often one of the cheaper choices in many counties, especially for marketplace coverage.
Pros
- Large provider network
- Affordable marketplace options in some regions
- Good choice for families needing broader coverage
Cons
- Premiums vary widely depending on location
- Some plans require referrals for specialists
- Higher costs possible without subsidies
Best for: People wanting low-cost coverage with a large network.
9. UnitedHealthcare California Plans
UnitedHealthcare provides affordable health insurance options in selected California markets. It may offer low premiums depending on county and eligibility for subsidies.
Pros
- Competitive pricing in certain areas
- Multiple plan levels available
- National brand with strong resources
Cons
- Limited availability in California marketplace
- Network size varies by county
- Not always the cheapest compared to Molina or L.A. Care
Best for: Individuals looking for affordable plans in counties where UHC is offered.
10. Cigna Health Insurance
Cigna offers individual and family health plans that can be affordable for Californians, especially those receiving Covered California financial assistance.
Pros
- Affordable options in select regions
- Good for people who qualify for subsidies
- Strong reputation nationally
Cons
- Not available everywhere in California
- Network may be smaller in some counties
- Premiums may be higher without assistance
Best for: Residents in areas where Cigna participates who want competitive pricing.
Key Reminder: Cheapest Plan Depends on Subsidies
Many Californians do not pay full price for health insurance.
If you qualify for Covered California subsidies, your premium may drop significantly, sometimes to under $50 per month.
If you qualify for Medi-Cal, your coverage may cost $0 per month.
That is why the “cheapest insurance” depends more on your income and eligibility than just the company name.
How to Choose the Cheapest Health Insurance in California
Here are the smartest steps:
- Check Medi-Cal eligibility first
- Compare plans through Covered California
- Look at Bronze plans for lowest premiums
- Consider Silver plans if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions
- Choose based on network access, not just monthly cost
Conclusion
California offers many affordable health insurance options, especially through Medi-Cal and Covered California. Providers like L.A. Care, Molina, IEHP, and Sharp often have the lowest premiums, while Kaiser, Anthem, and Blue Shield provide strong networks with competitive pricing after subsidies.
The best plan is the one that fits your income, healthcare needs, and budget.
