Best Cheap Health Insurance in Nebraska (2025)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) is the best health insurance company in Nebraska, with Silver plans starting at $649 per month before discounts.
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Best and cheapest health insurance in Nebraska
Cheapest health insurance companies in Nebraska
Ambetter, Oscar, Medica and UnitedHealthcare have the cheapest health insurance in Nebraska, with Silver plans starting at $557 per month before discounts.
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Affordable health insurance plans in Nebraska
Company |
Cost
| |
|---|---|---|
| Ambetter | $557-$731 |
| Oscar | $593-$715 |
| Medica | $616-$1,036 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $646-$803 |
- Ambetter sells the most affordable Silver health insurance plan in every county in Nebraska.
- Nebraska Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) is more expensive each month, but it's the best health insurance company in Nebraska.
- Catastrophic plans are sometimes the cheapest plan tier, but they don't give you much coverage. It's usually worth it to pay more for a plan that will pay for more of your medical bills.
Lowest deductibles: UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is a good option if you want lower out-of-pocket costs.
Before your coverage from a UHC plan starts, you'll pay up to $2,833 each year, on average. That's far less than the average deductible from the other companies in Nebraska.
If you go to the doctor often, it can be worthwhile to choose a plan with a low deductible. That way, your plan starts to help with your medical bills quicker. Just be aware of the total amount you may have to pay each year, called the plan's out-of-pocket maximum.
If your medical bills are expensive, consider a plan with a lower out-of-pocket maximum, even if the deductible is higher. The out-of-pocket maximum will help control the total amount you pay each year.
Best health insurance companies in Nebraska
Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) sells the best health insurance in Nebraska.
Most doctors and hospitals take Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance, which makes it easier for you to choose where to get medical care. Plus, BCBS is the only company in Nebraska to sell PPO (preferred provider organization) plans. That may be one reason why it's the most popular medical insurance company in the state, making up about 60% of all health plans sold.
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Best-rated health insurance companies in Nebraska
Company |
Editor rating
|
ACA rating
|
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield | N/A | |
| Ambetter | 3.0 | |
| UnitedHealthcare | N/A | |
| Medica | 3.0 | |
| Oscar | N/A |
Nebraska BCBS also has excellent customer satisfaction, with fewer than half the number of complaints expected for a company its size.
How much does health insurance cost in Nebraska?
Health insurance in Nebraska costs an average of $743 per month, but the average rate with income-based discounts is $93 per month.
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- Your plan tier affects how much you pay for a medical insurance plan. Plans that pay less of your medical bills, like Catastrophic and Bronze, cost less each month but make you pay more when you go to the doctor.
- But in Nebraska, Gold plans don't cost much more than Silver plans, no matter how old you are. It might be a good idea to compare Silver and Gold plans. You could find a plan that pays for more of your medical bills without costing you much more each month.
Get affordable health insurance in Nebraska
You could pay an average of $93 per month for an individual health insurance plan in Nebraska if you qualify for discounts based on your income.
About 95% of people in Nebraska who buy medical insurance from HealthCare.gov qualify for discounts based on their income, called subsidies. More than a third of Nebraska shoppers who get a plan on HealthCare.gov pay $10 or less per month for a plan.
If you're an individual and make between $15,060 and $60,240 each year, or between $31,200 and $124,800 as a family of four, you qualify for rate subsidies. The less you make, the cheaper your quote. But if you can get Medicaid, you can't get subsidies.
You can apply a subsidy to a plan from any company. You can use them on Bronze, Silver and Gold plans, but not on Catastrophic plans.
Cheap Nebraska health insurance plans by city
Ambetter sells the cheapest health insurance plans in Omaha and Lincoln, with coverage starting at $557 per month before discounts.
In fact, the Standard Silver plan from Ambetter is the most affordable Silver plan, no matter where you live in Nebraska. But just because a plan is the cheapest doesn't mean it's the best option for you. Compare your options and think about your medical needs as well as your monthly budget.
Cheapest health insurance plans by NE county
County | Cheapest Silver plan | Monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Adams | Ambetter Standard Silver | $609 |
| Antelope | Ambetter Standard Silver | $609 |
| Arthur | Ambetter Standard Silver | $703 |
| Banner | Ambetter Standard Silver | $703 |
| Blaine | Ambetter Standard Silver | $609 |
Cheapest Silver plan with rates for a 40-year-old
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Best health insurance plan by level of coverage
The best health insurance plan in Nebraska for you will depend on how much you can spend each month and how high your medical bills usually are.
Generally, if you have high medical costs, you should buy a Silver or Gold plan. If you have low medical costs, a Bronze or Catastrophic plan could be a good option.
Gold plans: Best for high medical costs
| Gold plans pay for about 80% of your medical care. |
Gold plans cost an average of $775 per month in Nebraska.
A Gold plan is usually the best choice if you have expensive or ongoing medical costs. If you need expensive treatments, have a chronic condition to manage or take prescription drugs, for example, a Gold plan is likely the best option.
Gold plans pay the largest part of your medical bills, which can offset the high monthly cost. In Nebraska, Gold plans don't cost much more than Silver plans, so it can be worth comparing both options.
Silver plans: Best for most people
| Silver plans pay for about 70% of your medical care. |
Silver plans cost an average of $743 per month in Nebraska.
Silver plans are a good middle-ground option, and they're the best for most people. They give you more coverage than Bronze plans but typically have more affordable quotes than Gold plans. But be sure to review Gold plans, too, since they are only slightly more expensive than Silver plans in Nebraska.
If you have a low income, a Silver plan can be an especially good idea. Silver is the only plan tier that has an extra discount that lowers the cost of your medical care if you qualify.
Bronze plans: Best for minimal medical costs
| Bronze plans pay for about 60% of your medical care. |
Bronze plans cost an average of $575 per month in Nebraska.
If you don't go to the doctor often, a Bronze medical insurance plan can be a good choice. These plans are usually best if you are young and healthy. Make sure you have emergency savings to pay a large share of your medical bills in case you develop a serious health issue.
Bronze plans are the most popular plan level in Nebraska, possibly because of their affordable quotes. But for most people, a Silver plan is a better balance of affordability and coverage.
Catastrophic plans: Best as a last resort
Catastrophic plans cost an average of $461 per month in Nebraska.
Catastrophic plans have the cheapest monthly rates but pay for the lowest amount of your medical bills. You'll pay up to an average of $9,200 every year before your coverage kicks in, so it's important to have savings to pay your share of medical bills.
To get a Catastrophic plan, you have to be under 30 or qualify for an exception. And if you choose a Catastrophic plan, you can't use rate subsidies to lower your monthly premiums.
Cheap or free health insurance in Nebraska if you have a low income
Medicaid is a good option if you have a low income and can't afford to buy a health insurance plan. And if you have a Silver health plan, you might qualify for an extra discount if you have a low income.
Medicaid in Nebraska
Medicaid can give you cheap or free health insurance if you have a low income.
To qualify for Medicaid in Nebraska, you have to make less than about $21,000 per year for individuals or $44,000 per year as a family of four. Nebraska has several Medicaid programs, including for low-income adults, caretakers, pregnant women and seniors.
Use cost-sharing reductions for cheaper medical care
A Silver plan could be a good choice if you are part of a household with a low income but you don't qualify for Medicaid. Low-income households may qualify for discounts that lower what you pay for health care by giving you smaller copays, coinsurance and deductibles.
These discounts are called cost-sharing reductions or CSRs, and you can only get them on Silver plans. To qualify, you have to make between $15,060 and $37,650 per year as an individual or between $31,200 and $78,000 as a family of four. They aren't the same as rate subsidies, which can get you a more affordable quote. You can combine both discounts.
Are health insurance rates going up in NE?
Health insurance in Nebraska is more expensive for 2025 compared to 2024. Bronze plans, the most popular option in the state, cost an average of 3% more per month. Silver and Gold plans had the biggest price increase, at 8%.
Health insurance rates in Nebraska are expected to rise significantly in 2026.
Catastrophic
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $348 | - |
| 2023 | $417 | 20% |
| 2024 | $464 | 11% |
| 2025 | $461 | -1% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Catastrophic
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $348 | - |
| 2023 | $417 | 20% |
| 2024 | $464 | 11% |
| 2025 | $461 | -1% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Bronze
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $530 | - |
| 2024 | $559 | 5% |
| 2025 | $575 | 3% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Silver
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $685 | - |
| 2023 | $652 | -5% |
| 2024 | $691 | 6% |
| 2025 | $743 | 8% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Gold
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $724 | - |
| 2023 | $664 | -8% |
| 2024 | $720 | 8% |
| 2025 | $775 | 8% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Why is health insurance expensive in Nebraska in 2026?
Health insurance in Nebraska is getting more expensive because of rising healthcare costs and expiring tax credits.
Insurance companies have requested an average rate increase of 23% for 2026, roughly in line with the national average. That's much higher than a normal annual price adjustment. Reasons for this sudden rate hike include a greater use of more expensive prescription drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic, costlier health services, general inflation and the loss of federal subsidies set to expire at the end of 2025.
Of the companies that sell health insurance on the Nebraska health exchange, Medica has the largest average requested price increase at 36%. Oscar has the smallest average request, at just 9%.
How to save on Nebraska medical insurance in 2026
- If you're young, in good health and you can afford to cover a large, unexpected medical bill from your savings, consider a plan tier with a low monthly rate, such as a Bronze or Silver plan.
- Get cheaper quotes and a lower tax bill by choosing a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and a health savings account (HSA).
- Don't forget to compare quotes from the companies available in your area on HealthCare.gov. You can save hundreds of dollars per month without sacrificing customer service or coverage simply by switching to a lower-priced plan.
- Check to see if you're eligible for free government health insurance, called Medicaid.
Essential health services for Nebraska ACA plans
Nebraska marketplace insurance, also called Affordable Care Act (ACA) or "Obamacare" insurance, refers to plans that you buy on HealthCare.gov.
Every plan level has to cover at least 10 health situations, like doctor visits and emergency care.
Health insurance companies can only use five things when calculating your quote.
- Your age
- The plan tier you choose
- Where you live
- How many people are on your plan
- Whether or not you smoke or use tobacco
Even if you have severe health issues, you can still shop for and buy a health insurance plan on HealthCare.gov. Your health can't be used to charge you higher rates or deny you coverage. And medical insurance companies have to cover preexisting conditions.
Average cost of health insurance by family size in Nebraska
In Nebraska, a family of four pays an average of $2,377 per month for a Silver health insurance plan.
Every child age 14 and under costs $445 each month. That's because age doesn't affect health insurance rates for young children. As soon as a child reaches age 15, their rate changes each year.
Family size | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Individual | $743 |
| Individual and child | $1,188 |
| Couple, age 40 | $1,487 |
| Family of three | $1,932 |
| Family of four | $2,377 |
Averages based on a Silver plan for 40-year-old adults and children who are under age 15.
COBRA insurance in Nebraska
It's worthwhile to see how much COBRA would cost if you left your job.
COBRA insurance costs an average of $722 per month for an individual person in Nebraska. That's cheaper than a Silver plan from HealthCare.gov, which costs an average of $743 per month (before discounts). In Nebraska, COBRA may be the more affordable option if you quit, are fired or retire from your job and need time to get new coverage. In most other areas of the country, COBRA is usually more expensive than a marketplace plan.
COBRA is a program that lets you keep the health insurance you had with a job when you leave. Coverage usually lasts up to a year and a half after you leave, but it can sometimes last up to three years. Once you leave your job, though, you have to pay the full cost for your medical insurance plan.
Short-term health insurance plans in Nebraska
In January 2025, the Trump administration canceled a new rule that would limit short-term health coverage to three months. Currently, there isn't a timeline for when this change will happen. But, you may be able to buy short-term health insurance plans in Nebraska for up to 364 days sometime in the coming year.
Short-term health insurance is an option if you only need a plan for a short window of time, like if you're between jobs. It's important to remember that these plans usually have worse coverage than marketplace health insurance.
Pros of short-term health insurance plans in Nebraska
Cons of short-term health insurance plans in Nebraska
Frequently asked questions
How do I get health insurance in Nebraska?
The best way to get health insurance in Nebraska is by shopping for coverage on the state marketplace. You can easily compare quotes from companies in your area. The website automatically adjusts prices to reflect any discounts, called subsidies, you may be eligible for.
Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance in Nebraska?
No, $200 per month for medical insurance in Nebraska is affordable. That's well below the state average for full price coverage before discounts, called subsidies.
What's the best health insurance company in Nebraska?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the best health insurance company in NE because of its excellent customer satisfaction and high-quality plans. But if you're looking for cheap medical insurance, Ambetter is a better option. The Standard Silver plan from Ambetter is the cheapest Silver plan in Nebraska and is available throughout the state.
How much is health insurance in Nebraska per month?
Health insurance in Nebraska costs an average of $743 per month for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan. Your quote will be different depending on the plan tier you choose, your age, how many people you insure on your plan, where you live, the company you pick and whether you smoke or use tobacco.
Who is eligible for the Affordable Care Act in Nebraska?
If you live in Nebraska and don't have Medicare, you can probably buy an Affordable Care Act plan, also called an "Obamacare" plan, through HealthCare.gov. But to qualify for monthly discounts, your annual income has to be less than about $60,240 if you're an individual or $124,800 as a family of four.
Methodology
Health insurance rates and plan information for 2025 are from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) government website. ValuePenguin used the public use files (PUFs) to calculate average rates by age, plan tier, family size and county to better understand the health insurance landscape in Nebraska. Rates are for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan unless otherwise noted. Plans and providers for which county-level data was included in the CMS Crosswalk file were used in our analysis; those excluded from this dataset may not appear.
Rates for plans with subsidies are based on CMS data for everyone who shopped on HealthCare.gov during 2024 open enrollment and who qualified for advance premium tax credits (APTCs).
ValuePenguin rated each insurance company by reviewing average rates, customer service, coverage and unique features.
Other sources include KFF and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Data about projected health insurance cost increases for 2026 was taken from KFF and HealthCare.gov.
Insurance Writer
Cate Deventer is a ValuePenguin writer who specializes in health insurance, Medicare, auto and home insurance. She's been a licensed insurance agent since 2011.
She started her insurance career working as a customer service agent for State Farm. She later moved to an independent agency, where she worked with several insurance companies and hundreds of clients. She quoted policies, filed claims and answered insurance questions. In 2021, she pivoted her career and began writing about insurance for Bankrate. She moved to ValuePenguin in 2023 and began writing about health insurance and Medicare.
Cate has a passion for helping readers choose insurance to fit their needs. She enjoys knowing that her research and knowledge help people choose insurance products that make a positive difference in their lives.
How insurance helped Cate
Cate used her health insurance knowledge to navigate a surgery in 2023. Understanding how her policy worked let her focus on recovery instead of worrying about bills.
Expertise
- Health insurance
- Medicare
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Life insurance
Credentials
- Licensed Life, Accident and Health Insurance Agent
- Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Referenced by
- CBS
- NBC
- Wall Street Journal
Education
- BA, Theatre, Purdue University
- BA, English, Indiana University
Editorial note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
