Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in New Hanover County cost about $686 a month for 2026, and the North Carolina average for 2027 is $660 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 4 insurers offered marketplace plans in New Hanover County for 2026. Below you'll find how coverage works in Wilmington, the local agencies with the strongest reviews, and where to get free help.
Top-rated health insurance agencies near Wilmington
Licensed agents can compare plans available in New Hanover County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Health insurance at a glance: Wilmington, NC
| Where to enroll | HealthCare.gov |
|---|---|
| Average benchmark silver, age 40 (2027) | $660/mo before subsidies |
| New Hanover County benchmark (2026) | $686/mo |
| Plans offered in New Hanover County (2026) | 65 |
| Plan types | HMO, PPO, POS |
| Marketplace insurers in North Carolina (2027) | 5 |
| Medicaid expansion | Yes |
| Short-term plans | Sold with state limits (not ACA-compliant) |
Sources: CMS plan data, KFF, state marketplace and insurance department pages.
How to get ready
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
- Write down the enrollment deadline and confirm your first premium payment.
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
Free enrollment help in North Carolina
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
Can I get coverage outside open enrollment?
Only with a qualifying life event, unless you qualify for North Carolina Medicaid. Some people also look at short-term or fixed-indemnity plans, which are not ACA-compliant coverage.
Which insurers sell marketplace plans in North Carolina?
For 2027, marketplace plans in North Carolina come from 5 insurers: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Ambetter (Centene), AmeriHealth Caritas, Oscar Health and UnitedHealthcare. Not every insurer sells in every county.
How much is health insurance in Wilmington?
Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in New Hanover County cost about $686 a month for 2026, and the North Carolina average for 2027 is $660 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 4 insurers offered marketplace plans in New Hanover County for 2026. A licensed agent can quote your exact price.
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