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. Below you'll find how coverage works in San Francisco, the local agencies with the strongest reviews, and where to get free help.
Top-rated health insurance agencies 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 866-645-8540Health insurance at a glance: San Francisco, CA
| Where to enroll | Covered California |
|---|---|
| Average benchmark silver, age 40 (2027) | $655/mo before subsidies |
| Marketplace insurers in California (2027) | 12 |
| Medicaid expansion | Yes |
| Short-term plans | Not sold |
Sources: CMS plan data, KFF, state marketplace and insurance department pages.
Local 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.
A quick checklist
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
- 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.
Free enrollment help in California
Covered California certified enrollers and certified insurance agents give free in-person help through the Find Free Local Help tool; Covered California says help is always free. 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
Can I get coverage outside open enrollment?
Only with a qualifying life event, unless you qualify for Medi-Cal. Some people also look at short-term or fixed-indemnity plans, which are not ACA-compliant coverage.
Where can I buy health insurance in San Francisco?
Through the Covered California, directly from an insurer, or with a licensed agent or broker who can do either.
How much is health insurance in San Francisco?
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 licensed agent can quote your exact price.
Health insurance 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