Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Harris County cost about $592 a month for 2026, and the Texas average for 2027 is $737 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 7 insurers offered marketplace plans in Harris County for 2026. The rest of this page covers your coverage options in Houston, the best-reviewed local agencies and the deadlines that matter.
Top-rated health insurance agencies near Houston
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Harris County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Health insurance at a glance: Houston, TX
| Where to enroll | HealthCare.gov |
|---|---|
| Average benchmark silver, age 40 (2027) | $737/mo before subsidies |
| Harris County benchmark (2026) | $592/mo |
| Plans offered in Harris County (2026) | 121 |
| Plan types | HMO, EPO, POS |
| Marketplace insurers in Texas (2027) | 14 |
| Medicaid expansion | No |
| Short-term plans | Sold (not ACA-compliant) |
Sources: CMS plan data, KFF, state marketplace and insurance department pages.
Local health care in Houston
- Memorial Hermann, an integrated system of acute care, children's, orthopedic and rehabilitation hospitals serving Houston and Southeast Texas, is a network worth checking before you choose a Houston plan. Source
- The Houston Health Department is the city's full-service public health agency and shares public health data reporting with Harris County. 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.
Before you call an agent
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
Free enrollment help in Texas
HealthCare.gov Marketplace assisters: CMS-funded Navigator organizations plus Certified Application Counselors, who give free, impartial help applying and enrolling; consumers search for nearby help with the HealthCare.gov Find Local Help tool. You can search for in-person help on the official find-help page. If you'd rather have someone compare plans and recommend one, a licensed agent can do that at no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Which insurers sell marketplace plans in Texas?
For 2027, marketplace plans in Texas come from 14 insurers: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Ambetter (Superior HealthPlan / Celtic), CHRISTUS Health Plan, Community First Health Plans, Community Health Choice, Harbor Health, Imperial Insurance, Moda Health, Molina Healthcare, Oscar Health, Sendero Health Plans, UnitedHealthcare, Wellpoint and Antidote Health. Not every insurer sells in every county.
Where can I buy health insurance in Houston?
Through the HealthCare.gov, directly from an insurer, or with a licensed agent or broker who can do either.
How much is health insurance in Houston?
Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Harris County cost about $592 a month for 2026, and the Texas average for 2027 is $737 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 7 insurers offered marketplace plans in Harris County for 2026. A licensed agent can quote your exact price.
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