Choosing a health insurance plan can be overwhelming, especially with costs rising across the board in 2026. Factors like monthly premiums, deductibles, provider network size, plan types, and complaint history all play a role in finding the right fit — and those factors vary significantly from one insurer to the next. For example, average monthly premiums for an unsubsidized ACA marketplace plan currently sit around $590, but costs shift dramatically depending on your age, the metal tier you choose, and the company you go with.
Forbes Advisor’s recently analyzed nearly 720 health insurance plans across eight major insurers, comparing premiums, deductibles, complaint data, plan variety, and digital experience to help consumers evaluate their options. Their breakdown includes cost comparisons by age and metal tier, an explanation of how different plan types (PPO, HMO, EPO, POS) work, and guidance on what health insurance does and doesn’t cover. It’s a useful resource if you’re weighing your choices heading into this year.