Health Insurance Cost in Illinois for a Family of 4

Quick Answer: In Illinois, health insurance for a family of 4 typically costs between $990 and $2,000 per month, with an average of $1,350. Actual costs depend on plan type, deductibles, and whether you qualify for subsidies.

Typical Monthly Premium Range

Family of 4 in Illinois

Monthly premium estimates

Low End:$990

Average:$1,350

High End:$2,000

* Costs shown are estimates based on marketplace plans. Your actual premium may vary based on age, location within the state, plan selection, and subsidy eligibility.

Real Examples: How Plan Choice and Income Affect Costs

Example 1: Bronze Plan (Lower Premium, Higher Deductible)

Plan Type: Bronze

Typical Monthly Premium Range: $990 - $1,188/month

Typical Deductible: $8,000 - $12,000 per family

Best for: Families who are generally healthy and want protection against worst-case scenarios

Note: If you qualify for premium tax credits based on household income, your actual monthly cost may be lower. Check HealthCare.gov for eligibility.

Example 2: Silver Plan (Balanced Option)

Plan Type: Silver

Typical Monthly Premium Range: $1,215 - $1,485/month

Typical Deductible: $5,000 - $8,000 per family

Best for: Families who want a balance between monthly costs and out-of-pocket protection

Note: Silver plans may qualify for additional cost-sharing reductions if your income is within certain ranges. Eligibility and amounts depend on current rules and household details.

Example 3: Gold Plan (Higher Premium, Lower Deductible)

Plan Type: Gold

Typical Monthly Premium Range: $1,800 - $2,000/month

Typical Deductible: $2,000 - $4,000 per family

Best for: Families with ongoing medical needs or those who use healthcare frequently

Note: Actual costs vary by age, location, and plan selection. Premium tax credits are based on household income and current federal guidelines.

Ways to Reduce Your Monthly Premium

1. Check Premium Tax Credit Eligibility

Premium tax credits (subsidies) are available to help lower monthly costs for families based on household income and current federal guidelines. Eligibility and amounts vary depending on your specific situation. Visit HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace to check if you qualify and estimate your potential savings.

2. Consider Bronze or Silver Plans

Lower-tier plans have cheaper premiums. Silver plans are especially valuable if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions, which lower your deductibles and copays in addition to premium subsidies.

3. Shop During Open Enrollment

Compare all available plans during open enrollment (Nov 1 - Jan 15). Prices and plan options change yearly, so what was best last year might not be this year.

4. Use an HSA with High-Deductible Plans

If you choose a high-deductible health plan, you can pair it with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and can be used for medical expenses.

5. Check if Children Qualify for CHIP

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost coverage for children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance. Income limits vary by state but can be quite generous.

What to Do Next

Calculate your subsidy eligibility: Visit subsidy examples to see what you might qualify for based on your income.
Compare all plan types: Review health insurance cost overview for single and couple coverage to understand plan differences.
Learn about marketplace enrollment: Check ACA marketplace information for Illinois enrollment deadlines and requirements.
Understand medical costs: Review medical procedure costs to budget for potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of health insurance for a family of 4 in Illinois?

The average monthly premium for a family of 4 in Illinois is approximately $1,350. However, costs can range from $990 for bronze plans to $2,000 for gold or platinum plans, depending on coverage level, deductibles, and the specific insurance provider.

Can I get subsidies to help pay for family health insurance?

Many families qualify for premium tax credits to help lower monthly premiums through the ACA marketplace. Eligibility depends on household income, family size, and current federal guidelines. The amount of assistance varies based on your specific circumstances. Check HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace to see if you qualify and estimate your potential savings.

What plan tier should I choose for my family?

Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but highest deductibles. They work well if your family is generally healthy. Silver plans offer a balance and qualify for cost-sharing reductions if eligible. Gold plans have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs, ideal for families who use healthcare frequently or have ongoing medical needs.

When can I enroll in health insurance for my family?

Open enrollment typically runs from early November through mid-January each year. You can also enroll during a special enrollment period if you experience qualifying life events like marriage, having a baby, losing other coverage, or moving to a new state. Check HealthCare.gov for exact dates.

Are my children covered until age 26?

Under the ACA, young adults can stay on their parent's health insurance plan until age 26, even if they're married, not living at home, or financially independent. This applies to all plans in the individual market and most employer-sponsored plans.

Sources & Disclaimer

Data Sources: Cost estimates are based on marketplace plan data from HealthCare.gov, state insurance departments, and premium surveys from major insurers operating in Illinois.

Last Updated: December 2025

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only. Actual insurance costs vary based on age, location, tobacco use, plan selection, and individual circumstances. Always verify current rates with insurance providers or through the official marketplace. This site does not sell insurance and is not affiliated with any insurance company.