Best Affordable Health Insurance Companies in South Carolina 2026

Finding affordable health insurance in South Carolina requires understanding which carriers operate in the state and what makes each one worth considering. Whether you're self-employed, between jobs, or running a small business without group coverage, knowing your options helps you make smarter decisions for yourself and your family.

The South Carolina Health Insurance Landscape

South Carolina uses the federal HealthCare.gov platform for its marketplace, giving residents access to plans from six private insurers for 2026. The state has seen remarkable growth in marketplace enrollment as more residents discover affordable plans in South Carolina through the ACA marketplace.

According to KFF's analysis of enrollment growth in the ACA Marketplaces, nationwide ACA marketplace enrollment reached a record 24.3 million people in 2025, more than double the 2020 total. This growth reflects how enhanced premium tax credits have helped millions of Americans, including South Carolinians, access coverage they previously couldn't afford. States that had not expanded Medicaid, including South Carolina, saw particularly strong marketplace growth of 188% compared to 65% in expansion states.

Understanding which health insurance companies in South Carolina offer the best value helps you navigate this growing marketplace effectively.

Ambetter from Absolute Total Care

Ambetter consistently ranks among the most popular affordable health insurance options in South Carolina. The carrier focuses on delivering quality coverage at competitive prices.

Affordability Focus

Ambetter offers some of the lowest premiums in the South Carolina marketplace, making it particularly attractive for individuals and families seeking budget-friendly options. The carrier's HMO plan structure keeps costs manageable while still covering essential health benefits.

Wellness Rewards

Beyond basic coverage, Ambetter includes My Health Pays, a wellness reward program that encourages preventive care. Members can earn rewards for completing health assessments, scheduling annual checkups, and participating in health management activities. These incentives add value beyond the standard coverage.

Statewide Availability

Ambetter offers coverage across most South Carolina counties, making it accessible to residents throughout the state. This broad availability helps employees in different regions find consistent coverage options.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina

Blue Cross Blue Shield maintains the strongest presence among health insurance companies in South Carolina, offering coverage in every county. This widespread availability makes BCBS a reliable option regardless of where you live.

Network Strength

BCBS of South Carolina maintains the largest provider network in the state. Most doctors and hospitals contract with Blue Cross, giving members extensive choices for primary care, specialists, and hospital services. For families who want flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, this network breadth provides significant value.

Plan Variety

The carrier offers multiple plan options through both BlueChoice Health Plan and Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC. These include HMO, PPO, and EPO structures across different metal tiers, giving consumers flexibility to match their healthcare needs and budget.

Established Reputation

As the dominant carrier in South Carolina, BCBS has decades of experience serving state residents. This stability and familiarity can matter when choosing coverage for your family.

Molina Healthcare of South Carolina

Molina Healthcare specializes in serving residents who need affordable plans in South Carolina at the lowest possible cost.

Budget-Friendly Premiums

Molina's plans feature premiums that compete with the lowest in the marketplace. For individuals and families who qualify for subsidies, monthly costs can drop to very affordable levels. The carrier understands how to deliver value-focused coverage.

Medicaid Expertise

Molina's background in Medicaid programs shapes its approach to serving members who need accessible, affordable care. This experience translates into plans designed for cost-conscious consumers.

Regional Coverage

Molina offers coverage in 37 South Carolina counties, with a focus on the state's central, eastern, and southern regions. Residents in these areas gain access to another competitive option when shopping for coverage.

Select Health of South Carolina

Select Health has offered coverage in the South Carolina marketplace since 2023, bringing additional competition to help consumers find affordable health insurance in South Carolina.

Growing Presence

Select Health continues expanding its coverage area, now serving 20 counties across the state. The carrier focuses on providing competitive options in markets where consumers benefit from more choices.

Balanced Coverage

Select Health offers plans across multiple metal tiers, allowing consumers to balance monthly premiums against out-of-pocket costs based on their healthcare needs and financial situations.

UnitedHealthcare of South Carolina

UnitedHealthcare brings national carrier resources to the South Carolina marketplace, offering coverage in select counties.

Competitive Pricing

UnitedHealthcare has offered some of the most competitively priced Silver-tier plans in its service areas. For healthy individuals who want solid coverage at lower monthly costs, United provides another option worth comparing.

Limited Service Area

UnitedHealthcare currently serves 17 South Carolina counties, primarily in the central and northern portions of the state. Residents in these areas should include United in their comparisons when seeking affordable plans in South Carolina.

InStil Health Insurance

InStil Health offers another option for South Carolina residents seeking marketplace coverage, expanding into additional counties for 2026.

Expanding Coverage

InStil Health has grown its presence in South Carolina, adding counties to its service area. This expansion gives more residents access to competitive alternatives.

Plan Options

The carrier offers plans across multiple metal tiers through the federal marketplace, providing options for consumers with different healthcare needs and budgets.

Choosing Among Health Insurance Companies in South Carolina

Selecting the right carrier involves weighing several factors beyond monthly premiums.

Network Considerations

Before choosing a plan, verify that your preferred doctors and hospitals participate in the carrier's network. Even affordable health insurance in South Carolina loses value if you can't see the providers you trust.

Total Cost Analysis

Monthly premiums tell only part of the story. Consider deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums when comparing options. A plan with slightly higher premiums but lower deductibles might cost less overall if you use healthcare services regularly.

Subsidy Eligibility

Many South Carolinians qualify for premium tax credits that substantially reduce monthly costs. During the 2025 open enrollment period, more than 95% of South Carolina marketplace enrollees qualified for subsidies, receiving average savings of $523 per month. These subsidies apply only to marketplace plans.

How Venteur Supports South Carolina Coverage Options

At Venteur, we help employers implement individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements that give employees flexibility to choose from available health insurance companies in South Carolina. The employer experience simplifies ICHRA administration with 50-state compliance built in.

For employees, the employee experience guides plan selection based on individual needs and preferences. Working with brokers who understand both traditional group coverage and ICHRA options helps enterprise and startup organizations find the right approach for their workforce.

Finding Your Best South Carolina Coverage Option

The variety of health insurance companies in South Carolina gives residents real choices when shopping for coverage. From established carriers like Blue Cross Blue Shield to budget-focused options like Ambetter and Molina, different carriers serve different needs. Comparing affordable plans in South Carolina during open enrollment helps you find coverage that fits your specific situation.

Connect with Venteur to explore how ICHRA can expand your South Carolina coverage options.