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California's state-based health exchange since 2013

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How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in California?

California health insurance costs vary by age, location, and plan type, but most Californians pay $0-$10 per month after subsidies. See real cost examples and find out what you'll actually pay.

Good News: Most Pay Very Little

About 90% of Covered California enrollees qualify for subsidies. The average subsidy is $562 per month, meaning most people pay just $0-$10 per month for health insurance.

2026 Cost Overview

California health insurance premiums depend on several factors:

  • Age - Premiums increase as you get older
  • Location - Costs vary by county and region
  • Metal Tier - Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum have different premiums
  • Tobacco Use - Tobacco users pay 25-50% more
  • Income - Determines your subsidy amount

Average unsubsidized premiums in 2026:

  • Bronze plans: $400-$600/month
  • Silver plans: $550-$750/month
  • Gold plans: $650-$850/month
  • Platinum plans: $750-$1,000/month

Average Costs by Age (Silver Plans)

Here are typical before-subsidy Silver plan costs by age in 2026:

AgeAverage Monthly PremiumAfter Subsidy (at 200% FPL)
21$350-$450$0-$10
30$400-$500$0-$10
40$500-$600$0-$10
50$700-$850$75-$150
60$1,000-$1,200$150-$300
64$1,100-$1,350$200-$350

Costs by Metal Tier

Different metal tiers have different premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Here's a comparison for a 30-year-old in Los Angeles:

Bronze 60%

$325

Lowest premium
Highest out-of-pocket

Silver 70%

$425

Balanced premium
Moderate out-of-pocket

Gold 80%

$525

Higher premium
Lower out-of-pocket

Platinum 90%

$625

Highest premium
Lowest out-of-pocket

Real Costs With Subsidies

Here's what a 40-year-old earning $40,000/year (267% FPL) would pay after subsidies:

  • Bronze plan: $75/month (instead of $425 without subsidy)
  • Silver plan: $125/month (instead of $550 without subsidy)
  • Gold plan: $200/month (instead of $675 without subsidy)

Here's what a family of 4 earning $60,000/year (200% FPL) would pay:

  • Bronze family plan: $0-$10/month
  • Silver family plan: $0-$10/month
  • Gold family plan: $50-$100/month
Calculate Your Exact Cost: Use our free calculator to see exactly what you'll pay based on your age, income, and household size.

Family Coverage Costs

Family premiums cover multiple household members. Here are examples for Silver plans before subsidies:

  • Individual (30 years old): $450/month
  • Couple (both 30): $900/month
  • Couple with 1 child: $1,150/month
  • Couple with 2 children: $1,400/month
  • Family of 5: $1,750/month

With subsidies, most families pay $0-$10/month if their income is between 150-200% FPL.

Out-of-Pocket Costs Beyond Premiums

In addition to monthly premiums, you'll pay these costs when you use healthcare:

Deductibles

  • Bronze plans: $6,000-$7,500
  • Silver plans: $2,500-$4,500
  • Gold plans: $500-$1,500
  • Platinum plans: $0-$500

Typical Copays (Silver Plans)

  • Primary care visit: $35
  • Specialist visit: $70
  • Urgent care: $50
  • Emergency room: $350
  • Generic prescription: $10

Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR) plans available if you earn below 250% FPL reduce deductibles and copays even further.

Find Out What You'll Actually Pay

90% of Californians qualify for subsidies. See your personalized quote with subsidy in under 2 minutes.

Calculate Your Cost Now