In North Carolina, health insurance is an important way to maintain good health and protect yourself financially in case of an unexpected illness or injury. Around 1.6 million North Carolina residents are currently covered by private health insurance, while around 2.2 million have coverage through government programs like Medicaid and Medicare. There are a number of different options available, so be sure to explore all of your choices before enrolling in a plan.
There are a number of insurance agents that offer plans through the NC Health Choice marketplace, so it’s important to do your research and find the plan that best meets your needs.

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Popular health insurance coverages in North Carolina
Some people in North Carolina opt for health insurance through their employers, while others may purchase it on their own. The most popular types of health insurance plans in North Carolina are Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), and Point-of-Service (POS) plans.
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)
- A PPO plan gives you the flexibility to see any doctor you want, without needing a referral from a primary care physician. You’ll also have access to out-of-network providers, though you’ll likely pay more for their services.
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
- HMOs are a type of managed care plan. You’ll choose a primary care physician from a list of in-network providers. That doctor will coordinate your care and refer you to specialists, if needed. You’ll likely pay less for services with an HMO than with other types of insurance plans.
Point-of-Service (POS)
- POS plans are similar to HMOs, but they give you the option to see out-of-network providers. You’ll pay more for their services, but you won’t need a referral from your primary care physician.
Health insurance cost in North Carolina
Health insurance costs in North Carolina can vary widely depending on the insurance company, the type of policy, and the individual’s needs.
However, there are some general trends that can be observed in terms of pricing. For example, insurance companies typically charge higher premiums for older individuals and those with pre-existing medical conditions. In addition, the type of coverage chosen (e.g., comprehensive versus basic) can also affect the cost of insurance.
Family size Average cost
- Adult + child $1,013
- Couple $1,268
- Family of three (couple + child) $1,647
- Family of four (couple + two children) $2,027
- Family of five (couple + three children) $2,406
Most popular health insurance companies in North Carolina
There are many insurance companies in North Carolina that offer health insurance. The following is a list of insurance companies that are located in North Carolina:
Companies Ratings
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC 4.0
- Aetna Life Insurance Company 3.5
- Cigna Health and Life insurance Company 3.5
- United Health Care Services 3.5
Frequently Asked Question
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What is the average cost of health insurance in North Carolina?
For a 40-year-old in North Carolina, a silver health plan will typically cost $634 a month in 2023. Cost-sharing reductions and premium subsidies, both of which are based on your income and the size of your family, may allow you to cut your costs.
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What is the largest health insurance company in North Carolina?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield is North Carolina’s largest health insurance provider, with 79,479 Full-service PPO members in Mecklenburg County.
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Which health insurance company has the highest customer satisfaction?
Kaiser Permanente consistently tops lists of companies with the best levels of customer satisfaction, and it stands out in particular for its Medicare Advantage plans.