Private health insurance is a system in which individuals or employers purchase coverage from private insurers rather than relying solely on government programs.
It plays a central role in the U.S. healthcare landscape, covering hundreds of millions of people and offering a wide range of plan types, cost-sharing structures, and provider networks.
Private health insurance refers to health coverage provided by privately owned companies. These insurers collect monthly premiums, then help pay for medical expenses according to the terms of the plan. Costs are shared through deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, and plans cap total spending through an out-of-pocket maximum.
With private health insurance, you may have a monthly premium to stay enrolled. When you receive care, you may owe a copay (fixed fee) for routine services. You must meet your deductible before the insurer pays for many services. After the deductible, you typically pay a coinsurance (percentage of the bill), and once you reach your out-of-pocket maximum, the insurer pays 100% of covered costs for the rest of the year. Plans differ in how they manage provider networks, referrals, and out-of-network coverage.
There are various types of private health insurance, which determine how you access doctors and how much you pay: HMO (requires using in-network providers; our of network care generally not covered except emergencies; focused on coordinated, preventative care), PPO (offers flexibility to see in- or out-of-network providers without referrals, though out-of-network care costs more), EPO (covers only in-network care, except emergencies; similar to an HMO but without referral requirements), POS (hybrid model requiring referrals for specialists but allowing some out-of-network coverage at high cost), and HDHP (high deductibles paired with lower premiums; often paired with Health Savings Accounts).
Coverage varies by insurer and plan, but most include preventative care (annual exams, screenings), primary and specialist visits, hospitalization and emergency care, prescription drugs, mental health services, maternity and newborn care, and rehabilitation and physical therapy. Many plans also offer telehealth and wellness. programs, and disease-management services.
Based on market share and direct written premiums, the ten companies that dominate the private health insurance market are UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health/Aetna, Centene Corporation, Humana, Elevance Health (Anthem), Kaiser Permanente, HCSC, Cigna, Molina Healthcare, and GuideWell/Florida Blue.
Recommended Resources
Get an online quote and peruse the health insurance plans and policies of its affiliated partners, such as Aflac and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
http://www.assuredhealth.com/
The BlueCross Blue Shield Association, also known as BlueCross BlueShield, BCBS, BCBSA, or The Blues, is a U.S.-based federation of independent and locally operated BCBSA companies that provide health insurance nationwide. Formed in 1982 through the merger of two namesake organizations (Blue Cross was founded in 1929 and Blue Shield in 1939), BCBS has affiliated plans in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and participates in the health insurance plan for U.S. government employees.
https://www.bcbs.com/
Part of the Bupa Group, which operates hospitals, clinics, dental centers, and aged-care facilities in several countries, although health insurance is its core business. Bupa Global is the division created in the 1980s to serve expatriates, globally mobile professionals, and internationally traveling families, focusing on high-end, worldwide health coverage for individuals, families, and corporate clients who need access to care across borders. Quotes may be requested online.
https://www.bupaglobal.com/en
The health insurance arm of the Cigna Group, Cigna is a large US-based managed healthcare company headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut. At its core Cigna provides medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy, and supplemental health plans to employers, individuals, and globally mobile customers. Cigna is one of the largest providers of expatriate and globally mobile. health coverages, offering worldwide medical coverage, travel support, and 24/7 assistance.
https://www.cigna.com/
Offers health insurance quotes, health plan comparisons and online applications for individual, family, group, business, and senior health coverage.
http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/
First Health Network's Provider Locator
This is the search portal used to look up doctors, clinics, and other medical providers who participate in the First Health Network, which is a large PPO network often used by employer plans, workers' compensation programs, and some third-party administrators. It is known for broad geographic coverage and relatively flexible out-of-network policies compared to narrow networks. Location and specialty filtering, and plan verification are included, with client and provider portals.
https://providerlocator.firsthealth.com/
Offers free online quotes on small group and individual health insurance, as well as supplemental coverage plans.
http://www.healthinsurancefinders.com/
Contains one simple request form for an online health insurance quote from a wide range of carriers in the US.
http://www.healthcoveragequotes.com/
Users may compare health insurance plans in their state and nationwide. Simply enter a zip code and complete the online form to acquire comprehensive medicare from Humana.
http://www.humana-medicare.com/
Features an online resource for those seeking health insurance in the United States, providing information about hundreds of different health insurance carriers.
http://www.individual-health-plans.com/
KP is an American integrated managed care consortium headquartered in Oakland, California. Founded in 1945 by Henry J. Kaiser and Sidney R. Garfield, the organization originally provided medical services to Kaiser's shipyards and steel mills before being opened to the public. As of 2026, it serves nine states and the District of Columbia, and is the largest managed care organization in the United States. Plans, doctors, and locations may be shopped through its website.
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/
Presents long term care and nursing home insurance information. Web site also offers a discussion board for comparisons, as well as free online quotes.
http://www.ltcinsurance.com
Offers health insurance and supplemental travel coverage quotes online instantly. Featuring Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cal Farm, and Prudential.
http://www.myhealthquote.com/
Offering online quotes for student health insurance including, medical, supplemental, international, and travel.
http://www.studentshealthinsurance.com/
Vital One Health offers affordable individual and family health insurance and supplemental coverage plans across the United States of America.
http://www.vitalonehealth.com/
