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Are you a small business owner looking to offer health insurance to your employees? Check out our picks for the top five best small business health insurance providers.
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Erica SeppalaErica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Shelbi Wescott began working for Merchant Maverick in 2019 after 17 years as a journalism educator and publications advisor, where she has extensive knowledge of newsroom systems and editorial workflows. She has overseen multiple print and online publications and mentored hundreds of emerging writers. Shelbi is also an award-winning journalist, published author, and former small business owner with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon.
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Shelbi WescottShelbi Wescott began working for Merchant Maverick in 2019 after 17 years as a journalism educator and publications advisor, where she has extensive knowledge of newsroom systems and editorial workflows. She has overseen multiple print and online publications and mentored hundreds of emerging writers. Shelbi is also an award-winning journalist, published author, and former small business owner with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon.
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Finding the right small business health insurance can be challenging, especially with so many options to compare.
In this guide, we’ll highlight top providers, break down their key features, and help you evaluate the pros and cons of each so you can choose the best fit for your business.
Must use Kaiser’s provider network for most services
Why We Chose Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente stands out for its integrated care model, which combines insurance and care delivery into a single, coordinated system. This approach can simplify healthcare management for both employers and employees.
With coordinated care, built-in services, and a streamlined experience, Kaiser is a strong option for businesses that prioritize convenience and consistency.
Kaiser Permanente Pricing
Kaiser Permanente offers personalized pricing based on factors such as your location, number of employees, and selected coverage.
Employers can request quotes online and compare plan options, including high-level estimates and more detailed breakdowns based on employee information.
Kaiser Permanente Features
Integrated care through a coordinated provider network
Access to medical, pharmacy, and lab services within the same system
Telehealth services
Mobile app for managing care and communication
Kaiser Permanente Coverage Area
Kaiser Permanente operates in select states, including California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
Because Kaiser uses its own network of facilities and providers, coverage is limited to regions where it operates.
Choose Kaiser Permanente If...
You want a fully integrated healthcare system for your employees
BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) stands out for its extensive provider network, making it easier for employees to find in-network doctors and facilities across the country.
Because BCBS operates as a group of independent, locally managed companies, it combines broad national coverage with regional flexibility -- an advantage for businesses with employees in multiple locations.
BCBS Pricing
BCBS pricing varies by region, plan type, number of employees, and coverage levels.
To receive a quote, most businesses will need to work with a broker or local BCBS provider, which may take more time than fully online insurers.
BCBS Features
Large national provider network
Multiple plan types (PPO, HMO, HDHP)
Workplace wellness programs
Telehealth options (vary by region)
Specialty and chronic care management programs
BCBS Coverage Areas
BCBS operates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with local companies providing region-specific plans and support.
Choose BlueCross BlueShield If...
You want access to a large, nationwide provider network
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is one of the largest health insurers in the U.S., offering a wide range of plan options and add-on benefits for small businesses.
Its flexible approach to coverage—including options for part-time and seasonal employees -- makes it a strong choice for businesses looking to customize benefits beyond standard medical insurance.
UnitedHealthcare Pricing
UnitedHealthcare offers personalized pricing based on factors such as location, number of employees, and selected coverage.
In many areas, businesses can use UHC’s Small Business Store to compare plans, review common pricing structures, and request quotes online. Availability of online quoting tools varies by state.
UnitedHealthcare Features
Flexible plan options for diverse workforces
Telehealth services
Digital tools and mobile app access
Access to additional benefits (dental, vision, life, and more)
Workplace wellness and support programs
UnitedHealthcare Coverage Areas
UnitedHealthcare offers coverage nationwide, though plan availability and options may vary by state.
Choose UnitedHealthcare If...
You’re looking to bundle multiple employee benefits
You want flexible coverage for part-time or seasonal employees
Oscar stands out for its digital-first approach to health insurance, with a strong focus on telehealth and easy-to-use technology.
Through its partnership with Cigna, Oscar also offers access to a broader provider network while maintaining a streamlined, app-driven member experience.
Oscar Pricing
Oscar offers personalized pricing based on factors such as location, number of employees, and selected coverage.
To receive a quote, businesses typically need to work with a broker or licensed agent. Pricing and plan availability vary by region.
Oscar Features
24/7 virtual care (included with many plans)
User-friendly mobile app for managing care
Access to Cigna’s provider network
Care teams and support services
Telehealth-focused experience
Oscar Coverage Areas
Oscar is available in select states and metro areas, with coverage expanding over time. Availability varies by region.
Pricing and savings vary based on claims experience
Requires working with an agent
Why We Chose Aetna
Aetna stands out for its self-funded and level-funded plan options, which can give small businesses more control over healthcare costs.
These plans offer features like predictable monthly payments, potential savings if claims are lower than expected, and protection against high-cost claims -- making Aetna a strong option for businesses interested in alternative funding strategies.
Aetna Pricing
Aetna offers personalized pricing based on factors such as location, number of employees, and selected coverage.
Businesses interested in level-funded or self-funded plans can work with an agent to explore options, compare costs, and understand potential savings. Quotes are typically provided through a broker or representative.
Aetna Features
Self-funded and level-funded plan options
Potential surplus sharing (based on claims experience)
Stop-loss protection for high-cost claims
Access to additional benefits (dental, vision, and more)
Telehealth services
Mobile app for plan and care management
MinuteClinic access ($0 copays on many plans)
Aetna Coverage Areas
Aetna offers coverage nationwide, though plan availability and features may vary by state.
Choose Aetna If...
You’re interested in self-funded or level-funded insurance options
Our Methodology For Choosing The Best Health Insurance Options For Small Business
We considered more than 10 different small business health insurance providers to create this list. We rated these providers based on how easy it is to get a quote, the type of plans offered, features specifically designed to benefit small businesses, member satisfaction, and overall coverage.
We specifically looked at each provider’s personalized quote process. The best companies offer fast, easy, and accurate quotes for prospective new members and tailor their process specifically for owners of small businesses.
We also weigh unincentivized reviews from actual members. That means checking review sites like the Better Business Bureau, G2, and Consumer Reports. We consider members’ experience with these insurance providers and use that to supplement our ranking factors.
We gathered information from each company’s website and representatives to create this list. The Merchant Maverick editorial team reviews information to ensure accuracy.
Why Do You Need Small Business Health Insurance?
Small business health insurance can benefit both your employees and your business in several important ways:
It May Be Required By Law: If your business qualifies as an Applicable Large Employer (ALE) — generally defined as having 50 or more full-time employees — you may be required under the Affordable Care Act to offer health insurance or face potential penalties.
Healthier Employees, Stronger Business: Providing health insurance can help reduce employee stress and support overall well-being, leading to a more productive and engaged workforce.
Keeps You Competitive: Health benefits are a key factor for many job seekers. Offering insurance can help you attract and retain qualified employees in a competitive hiring market.
Potential Tax Advantages: Small businesses may qualify for tax credits if they meet certain criteria, such as having fewer than 25 employees and meeting average wage thresholds. Additionally, employer-paid premiums are generally tax-deductible.
How To Choose A Small Business Health Insurance Provider
When evaluating small business health insurance, the goal is to balance cost with the level of coverage your employees need.
What Affects Your Costs
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for coverage, including:
Your industry and business location
Number of employees and their ages
Plan type and coverage level
Provider network and available specialists
Employee healthcare usage trends
Because employers can’t request individual health information, you’ll need to make decisions based on general workforce needs rather than specific medical histories.
Key Questions To Ask
As you compare plans, consider:
What level of coverage do my employees need?
How much provider choice should I offer?
What will employees pay out of pocket?
How To Evaluate A Plan
Once you receive a quote, look beyond price and review:
Which Small Business Health Insurance Provider Is Right For Your Business?
The right provider depends on your priorities — whether that’s telehealth access, integrated care, affordability, or plan flexibility.
As you compare options, focus on how each provider aligns with your business needs and what matters most to your employees. Getting quotes and reviewing plan details can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.
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