Before subsidies, the average benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in California costs $655 a month for 2027 (the national average is $704). Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size.
A health insurance broker in San Francisco works for you, not for one insurance company. Brokers are licensed in California to sell plans from several carriers, so one conversation can cover marketplace plans, off-exchange plans and other options side by side. Below are 12 brokerages near San Francisco, sorted by distance.
Health Insurance Brokers near San Francisco
Licensed agents can compare plans available in San Francisco County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Local health care in San Francisco
- The city-run San Francisco Health Network, which includes Zuckerberg San Francisco General (a Level 1 trauma center), Laguna Honda Hospital and neighborhood primary care clinics, is one network worth checking before you pick a San Francisco plan. Source
- The San Francisco Department of Public Health serves the combined city and county, running population health services, behavioral health care and the San Francisco Health Network. Source
Before you choose a plan, check that the hospitals and doctors you use are in its network. An agent can look that up for each plan you compare.
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.
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 California.
What 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.
Carriers a San Francisco broker can quote
For 2027, marketplace plans in California come from 12 insurers: Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Balance by CCHP, Health Net (Ambetter), Inland Empire Health Plan, Kaiser Permanente, L.A. Care Health Plan, Molina Healthcare, Sharp Health Plan, Valley Health Plan, Western Health Advantage and CalOptima 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
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
Checking an agent's license in California
- California offers a free online Check a License tool from the Department of Insurance. You can search by license number or name to see an agent's or broker's license status and any disciplinary history. Source
- The California Department of Insurance licenses insurance agents and brokers and oversees insurers in the state. Consumers can file complaints with the department through its website. Source
Frequently asked questions
When can I buy a plan?
During open enrollment (Nov 1 to January 31 on the Covered California), 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 San Francisco?
Look for a broker licensed in California who can quote several carriers, is certified with the Covered California, and has reviews from local clients. You can verify any license with the California insurance regulator.
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.
Brokers in nearby cities
- Broadmoor, CA 5 miles
- Daly City, CA 5 miles
- South San Francisco, CA 7 miles
- Sausalito, CA 8 miles
- Tiburon, CA 9 miles
- San Bruno, CA 9 miles
- Alameda, CA 10 miles
- Emeryville, CA 10 miles
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, CA 10 miles
- Strawberry, CA 10 miles