Find plans near you
We’ll match you with every ACA plan available at your ZIP code.
Plans are displayed based on input. No recommendations are provided. Policymage is not a licensed insurance broker or agent.
Find plans near you
We’ll match you with every ACA plan available at your ZIP code.
Plans are displayed based on input. No recommendations are provided. Policymage is not a licensed insurance broker or agent.
How to compare health insurance plans
Comparing health insurance plans means weighing monthly premium against deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, provider network, and expected medical use — not just picking the lowest sticker price. Policymage lets you compare ACA Marketplace plans in three steps: enter your ZIP code, add household members and ages, then enter income for personalized APTC subsidy estimates. Select up to 3 plans for a side-by-side comparison on 20+ data points.
Last updated: June 12, 2026 · Source: CMS Marketplace API
What should I compare when shopping for health insurance?
- Monthly premium — what you pay every month, before and after APTC subsidies
- Deductible — amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance shares costs
- Out-of-pocket maximum — annual cap on your total spending
- Network type — HMO, PPO, EPO, or POS affects which doctors are covered
- Metal tier — Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum sets cost-sharing balance
How do APTC subsidies change my real premium?
The Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) lowers your monthly premium based on household income and size. If you earn between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you likely qualify for significant savings. Many households pay $0–$50/month for Silver plans after subsidies. Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR) on Silver plans further lower deductibles and copays for incomes between 100%–250% FPL. Enter your income in the compare tool to see your actual cost.
Bronze vs Silver vs Gold — which metal tier should I choose?
Bronze has the lowest premium and highest deductible — best if you are healthy and rarely use care. Silver is the benchmark for subsidy calculations and the only tier eligible for CSR reductions. Gold suits frequent doctor visits or prescriptions. Platinum has the highest premium but lowest out-of-pocket costs.
See state-specific plans: Illinois · Glossary · Methodology
Frequently asked questions about comparing health insurance
How do I compare health insurance plans for free?
Visit policymage.com/compare, enter your ZIP code, household ages, and income. Policymage fetches ACA Marketplace plans from the federal CMS API and HealthSherpa, calculates subsidies, and lets you compare up to 3 plans side-by-side. No account or broker required.
What is the difference between comparing ACA plans and short-term insurance?
ACA Marketplace plans cover Essential Health Benefits, cannot deny pre-existing conditions, and qualify for APTC subsidies. Short-term plans sold outside the Marketplace lack these protections. Policymage compares only ACA-compliant Marketplace plans.
Can I compare health insurance plans from multiple insurers?
Yes. Policymage shows every ACA plan available in your ZIP code from all participating insurers — Blue Cross, Ambetter, Oscar, Aetna, and others — with transparent premium and benefit data.
How accurate are the premium estimates?
Premiums come directly from the CMS Marketplace API and HealthSherpa. Subsidy estimates use your entered income and household size. Final premiums are confirmed when you enroll at HealthCare.gov or your state exchange.
Do I need to create an account to compare plans?
No. Policymage is completely free with no sign-up. Your ZIP, age, and income stay in your browser and are used only to fetch plan data.