Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Charleston County cost about $509 a month for 2026, and the South Carolina average for 2027 is $702 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 4 insurers offered marketplace plans in Charleston County for 2026.
Brokers in the Charleston area can quote individual, family and self-employed coverage from multiple carriers licensed in South Carolina. Their commission is built into the premium, so using one doesn't raise your price. Here are 12 brokerages within reach of Charleston.
Health Insurance Brokers near Charleston
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Charleston County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540What a broker can compare for you
Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums; which doctors and hospitals are in each network; whether your prescriptions are covered; and whether you qualify for a premium tax credit.
Broker or agent: what's the difference?
A captive agent sells one company's plans. An independent agent or broker is appointed with several insurers and can compare them. In everyday use the words overlap, so ask any office which carriers it can quote in South Carolina.
Do brokers cost more?
No. Health insurers pay brokers a commission that's already part of the premium. You pay the same price for a plan whether you buy it yourself or through a broker.
Carriers a Charleston broker can quote
For 2027, marketplace plans in South Carolina come from 6 insurers: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina (incl. BlueChoice), Ambetter (Absolute Total Care), Molina Healthcare, Select Health of SC, UnitedHealthcare and InStil Health. Not every insurer sells in every county. An independent broker appointed with several of them can compare prices and networks side by side.
Before you call an agent
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
- Write down the enrollment deadline and confirm your first premium payment.
Checking an agent's license in South Carolina
- South Carolina's Department of Insurance uses the NAIC State Based Systems online lookup for its license database, so anyone can search there to confirm an agent's or agency's license. Source
- The South Carolina Department of Insurance licenses insurance producers and agencies and regulates insurers in the state. Consumers can file complaints with the department through its website. Source
Frequently asked questions
Can a broker help me get a subsidy?
Yes. Brokers certified with the marketplace can estimate your premium tax credit and enroll you in a subsidized plan.
When can I buy a plan?
During open enrollment (Nov 1 to January 15 on the HealthCare.gov), or within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby.
How do I find a good health insurance broker in Charleston?
Look for a broker licensed in South Carolina who can quote several carriers, is certified with the HealthCare.gov, and has reviews from local clients. You can verify any license with the South Carolina insurance regulator.
Brokers in nearby cities
- James Island, SC 6 miles
- Hanahan, SC 8 miles
- Mount Pleasant, SC 9 miles
- North Charleston, SC 9 miles
- Goose Creek, SC 12 miles
- Hollywood, SC 15 miles
- Ladson, SC 16 miles
- Sangaree, SC 18 miles
- Summerville, SC 18 miles
- Moncks Corner, SC 24 miles