Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Dare County
in North Carolina
Nationwide (BlueCard®)
Blue Advantage is a PPO health plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) offering the company's largest nationwide network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals. More than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of North Carolina hospitals are in-network, and coverage travels with you nationwide through the BlueCard® program, which is accepted in nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Because it's a PPO, Blue Advantage gives you the fewest restrictions on which doctors you can see: no referrals to see a specialist, and out-of-network care is still covered (at a lower benefit level). It typically carries a higher premium than Blue Cross NC's in-state-only plans, so it's the plan we recommend when provider choice and nationwide access matter more than getting the lowest possible premium.
Blue Advantage is built for people who want the fewest restrictions on which doctors they can see. It's a strong fit if you travel frequently for work or split time between two states, have an established specialist relationship you don't want to disrupt, want emergency care covered at the in-network rate anywhere in the world, or simply value provider choice over the lowest possible monthly premium.
It's a weaker fit if you rarely leave North Carolina and don't need nationwide access. In that case, Blue Care offers nearly identical in-state provider access at a lower premium, and one of the regional Blue Home plans may lower your premium even further if your doctors belong to a single health system.
Nationwide network – Nationwide (BlueCard®)
Network: Anywhere in the U.S. and abroad2; 95%+ of NC doctors.1
Out-of-area care: Covered (lower benefit level).
Offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
Notes
Blue Cross NC Provider Internal Data; percentages indicated represent the Blue Cross NC PPO Network as of April 7, 2025.
Covered in nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association BlueCard program. www.geo-blue.com/ (Accessed March 2025). BlueCard coverage varies for each Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan. For more complete details, including benefits, limitations, and exclusions, please refer to your certificate of coverage.
Blue Advantage is available on and off Marketplace in all North Carolina counties, except the following where it is available only off Marketplace: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, and Wake.
Blue Advantage is a PPO, which means you don't need a referral to see a specialist, and you're never limited to a single network — you're just paying more if you step outside it. If you see an in-network provider, you get the plan's full benefit level. If you see someone out-of-network, the plan still pays, just at a reduced benefit level, and you're responsible for the difference.
Because Blue Cross NC has more than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of North Carolina hospitals in-network, most members rarely need to use that out-of-network benefit — but it's there if your situation calls for it.
Blue Advantage is the only Blue Cross NC individual plan built for people who leave the state. Through the BlueCard® program, your in-network benefits travel with you anywhere in the U.S. — so if you split time between two states, have kids away at college, or travel for work, you're not stuck finding a new plan or a new doctor.
Emergency care is covered at the in-network rate worldwide, including in nearly 200 countries and territories through BlueCard Worldwide®.
Blue Advantage typically carries a higher premium than Blue Cross NC's in-state-only plans like Blue Care or the regional Blue Home plans. That's the trade-off for the broadest network and out-of-network safety net Blue Cross NC offers. Like every Blue Cross NC ACA plan, it's available in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, and most applicants qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers the monthly cost based on income and household size.
If nationwide access isn't something you need, it's worth comparing Blue Advantage against Blue Care or a Blue Home plan first — you may get nearly identical in-state coverage for meaningfully less.
You can enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period (November 1 – January 15) or during a Special Enrollment Period if you've had a qualifying life event — a job change, a move, a new dependent, or losing other coverage.
A licensed Health Plans of NC agent can confirm your specific doctors are in-network, check what subsidy you qualify for, and compare Blue Advantage against the other six Blue Cross NC plans with you — at no cost. Call 800-797-0327.
Blue Advantage is a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan. That means you can see out-of-network providers — you’ll just pay more — and you generally don’t need a referral to see a specialist. It’s the most flexible network Blue Cross NC offers.
Yes. Blue Advantage includes nationwide in-network access through the BlueCard® program, and emergency care is always covered at the in-network benefit level no matter where you are — including in nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Yes, Blue Advantage is available in all 100 North Carolina counties. In 25 of them it’s available off-Marketplace only, meaning you’d enroll directly (through an agent or Blue Cross NC) rather than through HealthCare.gov. A Health Plans of NC agent can handle either path for you.
Both give you nearly the same broad in-state network (about 95% of NC doctors), but Blue Advantage is a PPO that adds nationwide out-of-network coverage, while Blue Care is an HMO limited to North Carolina with no out-of-network benefit except emergencies. Blue Advantage costs a bit more for that added flexibility.
Our recommendation: choose Blue Advantage if you travel, split time between states, or want maximum provider choice; choose Blue Care if you stay in NC and want to save on premium.
Statewide NC network
Blue Care is an HMO health plan from Blue Cross NC that offers the company's largest in-state network — more than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of NC hospitals in-network — at a lower monthly premium than the nationwide Blue Advantage PPO.
The trade-off for that lower premium is that Blue Care keeps your care inside North Carolina: outside of urgent and emergency situations, only in-network NC providers are covered, and there's no out-of-network benefit. For NC residents who rarely travel, Blue Care delivers almost the same broad provider choice as Blue Advantage for less money — which is why we often recommend it as the best-value option for people who stay in-state.
Blue Care fits residents who live and receive their care entirely within North Carolina, want broad in-state provider choice without paying for nationwide coverage they won't use, and are comfortable with no out-of-network benefit outside of emergencies.
It's a poor fit if you split time between states, have kids at out-of-state college, or travel frequently for work — non-emergency care outside North Carolina isn't covered. If that's you, Blue Advantage is the better choice.
Statewide network – Statewide NC network
Network: North Carolina only. A large network, with more than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of North Carolina hospitals in-network.
Out-of-area care: Emergency / urgent only.
Offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
Blue Care is available in all North Carolina counties, except: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, and Wake.
Blue Care is an HMO built on Blue Cross NC's largest in-state network — more than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of NC hospitals in-network. It's priced lower than the nationwide Blue Advantage PPO because it trades nationwide access for coverage that stays inside North Carolina.
Outside of emergency and urgent care, only in-network NC providers are covered — there's no out-of-network benefit to fall back on, so it's worth confirming your specific doctors participate before you enroll.
Blue Care is sold in every NC county except Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, and Wake — those counties fall inside the Triangle-area service area for the Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance plan instead. If you live in one of the excluded counties, Blue Care isn't available to you regardless of which providers you use.
Because the in-state network is nearly as broad as Blue Advantage's, most Blue Care members never notice a difference in provider choice day to day — the difference only shows up if you need care outside North Carolina.
Blue Care's premium runs lower than Blue Advantage's specifically because it removes the nationwide and out-of-network safety net. It's offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, and most applicants qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers the monthly cost based on income and household size.
You can enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period (November 1 – January 15) or during a Special Enrollment Period if you've had a qualifying life event — a job change, a move, a new dependent, or losing other coverage.
A licensed Health Plans of NC agent can confirm your doctors are in-network, check your subsidy, and compare Blue Care against Blue Advantage and the regional plans — at no cost. Call 800-797-0327.
Yes. Blue Care is structured as an HMO with a statewide North Carolina network. Outside of urgent and emergency situations, care is only covered when you use in-network NC providers.
Only urgent and emergency care is covered outside your Blue Care network. Routine or non-emergency care while traveling out of state is not covered, so Blue Care is best for people who receive their care in North Carolina.
Blue Care isn’t offered in Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, or Wake counties. In several of those counties, Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance is offered instead.
Every Blue Cross NC individual plan comes in three “metal” tiers that describe how you and the plan split covered costs. Bronze plans have the lowest monthly premium but pay about 60% of covered costs, so you pay roughly 40% when you use care. Silver plans pay about 70% (you pay ~30%), and Gold plans pay about 80% (you pay ~20%) in exchange for a higher premium.
As a rule of thumb: Bronze suits people who rarely use care and want the lowest premium, Gold suits people who use regular or ongoing care, and Silver is the middle ground. Silver is also the only tier that unlocks Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) — extra savings on deductibles and copays if your income qualifies — so many subsidy-eligible shoppers get the best overall value from a Silver plan. A licensed Health Plans of NC agent can run the numbers for your situation at no cost.
The most important step before choosing any plan is confirming your doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals are in that plan’s network. Networks differ a lot between Blue Cross NC plans — a doctor who is in-network on one plan may be out-of-network, and far more expensive, on another.
You can check each plan’s provider directory on bcbsnc.com, or — the easier route — call a Health Plans of NC agent at 800-797-0327 and we’ll verify your specific providers before you enroll, at no charge.
Most North Carolinians who buy their own coverage qualify for a premium tax credit — a subsidy based on your income and household size that lowers what you pay each month. Subsidy amounts and eligibility rules can change from year to year, so the only way to know your real price is to run a personalized quote.
Health Plans of NC can check your subsidy eligibility and show you the after-subsidy premium for any of these plans for free. Call 800-797-0327 or request a quote online.
You can enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period, which runs each fall (generally starting November 1) for coverage that begins the following year. Outside that window, you can still enroll if you have a qualifying life event — such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage, or having a baby — which opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period.
Because enrollment dates and rules can change, it’s worth confirming the current deadline. A Health Plans of NC agent can tell you whether you’re eligible to enroll right now — call 800-797-0327.
Nothing. Health Plans of North Carolina is an independent, authorized agency licensed to sell Blue Cross NC plans, and our help — comparing plans, checking your doctors, estimating subsidies, and enrolling — is completely free to you. Agents are paid by the insurance company, and the plan price is the same whether you enroll with us or on your own.
Call 800-797-0327 to talk with a licensed local agent.
| Carrier | Distinct plans |
|---|---|
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC | 18 |
| Cigna Healthcare | 10 |
| Total | 28 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Dare County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Dare County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Dare County, NC find and compare health insurance plans that fit their budget and coverage needs, with local expertise that accounts for employers like Dare County Schools and health systems serving the Outer Banks. Whether you work seasonally in the tourism industry, run a small business, or rely on Outer Banks Hospital for care, our licensed agents are here to guide you through your 2026 options at no cost.
Plan Network | Type | Network Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Blue Advantage | PPO | Largest nationwide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Care | HMO | Broad statewide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Dare County is home to 37,534 residents and has grown 1.7 percent since 2020, with 4.9 percent of the population being foreign-born, reflecting a diverse community that includes year-round locals, seasonal workers, and retirees drawn to the Outer Banks. Major employers such as Dare County Schools, the County of Dare, ECU Health, Food Lion, and the NC Department of Transportation anchor the local economy alongside a large hospitality and fishing sector. Health systems including Outer Banks Hospital and Vidant Health serve the county, making plan network compatibility a key consideration when selecting coverage.
ACA Marketplace plans through Blue Cross NC provide individual and family coverage for Dare County residents who do not receive insurance through an employer such as Dare County Schools or the County of Dare.
Medicaid expansion now covers qualifying low-income adults in Dare County, including those employed in seasonal hospitality or fishing roles who may lack employer-sponsored benefits.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is available to full-time employees of major local employers such as ECU Health, Food Lion, and the NC Department of Transportation, typically providing group coverage at lower premium costs.
Short-term health plans may offer temporary coverage for Dare County residents between jobs or waiting for open enrollment, though they do not meet ACA minimum essential coverage standards.
COBRA continuation coverage allows individuals who recently left employment with Dare County Schools or other local employers to maintain their existing group health plan for a limited period.
Small business SHOP marketplace plans are available to eligible small employers in Dare County, including independent hospitality businesses and fishing operations along the Outer Banks, allowing them to offer structured group coverage to employees.
For 2026, Dare County residents can choose from 18 plans offered by Blue Cross NC across two plan networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each providing access to local providers including Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head and Island Medical Center in Manteo. Blue Advantage is a PPO network covering 95 percent or more of NC doctors in-network, while Blue Care is an HMO with broad statewide reach covering 95 percent or more of NC doctors. Both networks include local facilities that Dare County residents rely on, and Health Plans of NC can help you confirm which specific providers and specialists are in-network before you enroll.
Blue Advantage, PPO, connects Dare County residents to the largest nationwide network with 95 percent or more of NC doctors in-network, including access to Outer Banks Hospital and Sentara Vascular Specialists in Kitty Hawk.
Blue Care, HMO, provides broad statewide network coverage with 95 percent or more of NC doctors in-network, supporting access to Island Medical Center in Manteo and ECU Health Family Medicine locations serving the broader region.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans are available across multiple coverage tiers, giving Dare County residents flexibility to balance monthly premiums against out-of-pocket costs based on their expected health care use.
PPO plan structures under both networks allow Dare County residents to see out-of-network providers when needed, an important feature for those who travel off the Outer Banks for specialty care.
Catastrophic plan options are available to Dare County residents under age 30 or those with a qualifying hardship exemption, offering lower premiums with protection against major medical events through the Blue Cross NC network.
Health Plans of NC agents compare all 18 Blue Cross NC plans side by side to identify which network and tier combination best fits each Dare County resident's preferred providers and budget.
Bronze plans in Dare County start at approximately $443.10/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $81,214, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans start at $443.10 per month for a 35-year-old in Dare County, offering the lowest available premiums with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
Silver plans start at $569.49 per month and are the only tier eligible for Cost Sharing Reductions, which lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for qualifying Dare County residents.
Gold plans start at $588.91 per month and provide lower out-of-pocket costs in exchange for a higher monthly premium, benefiting residents who expect frequent medical care.
Dare County residents with household incomes between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for Advance Premium Tax Credits that reduce monthly premiums, sometimes to well below the Bronze starting price.
Some lower-income Dare County residents may qualify for a zero-dollar premium Silver plan after tax credits are applied, making mid-tier coverage accessible at no monthly cost.
Seasonal and part-time workers in Dare County's tourism economy should report income changes promptly throughout the year to keep subsidy amounts accurate and avoid potential repayment obligations at tax time.
Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA Marketplace carriers offering plans in Dare County for 2026, with 18 total plans available across multiple coverage tiers. Plans are offered through two networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both structured as plans that give residents flexibility in how they access care locally and when traveling off the Outer Banks. Blue Advantage connects enrollees to the largest nationwide PPO network with 95 percent or more of NC doctors participating, while Blue Care provides broad statewide HMO access with 95 percent or more of NC doctors in-network, both including key Dare County facilities. Network choice directly affects which local hospitals, clinics, and specialists are covered at in-network rates, making it important to verify provider participation before selecting a plan. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side by side at no cost to Dare County residents, helping identify the right combination of network, tier, and premium for each household.
Blue Cross NC, plans through Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 plans available in Dare County for 2026 across Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Catastrophic coverage tiers.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending no-cost or very low-cost coverage to adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, a significant development for Dare County where 8.9 percent of residents, approximately 3,000 people, remain uninsured. Dare County's poverty rate of 7.5 percent means a meaningful share of the local population may now qualify for Medicaid coverage they were previously ineligible to receive. Children in families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing low-cost coverage for minors whose families do not qualify for full Medicaid. Health Plans of NC can conduct a free eligibility check for any Dare County resident who wants to know whether they or their family members qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
Working adults in Dare County employed in seasonal hospitality, fishing, or part-time roles earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level may now qualify for full Medicaid coverage under NC's 2023 expansion.
Children in Dare County families with incomes up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, providing comprehensive low-cost health coverage for minors.
Pregnant women in Dare County are eligible for Medicaid at higher income thresholds than the standard adult expansion limit, ensuring prenatal and delivery care is accessible to more families.
Dare County's 7.5 percent poverty rate means that hundreds of local residents likely qualify for Medicaid or CHIP but may not yet be enrolled, and a free eligibility check with Health Plans of NC can confirm coverage options.
Dare County residents with disabilities or seniors with low income may qualify for additional Medicaid programs beyond standard expansion, including long-term care and Medicare Savings Programs that reduce out-of-pocket health costs.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Dare County residents at no cost, comparing all available 2026 plans side by side to find the right fit for your health needs, budget, and preferred providers. Call us today at 800-797-0327 to get personalized guidance and complete your enrollment with confidence.
Call 800-797-0327 (toll free) or 704-303-8256 to speak with a licensed agent and schedule a free appointment
Email [email protected] with questions about plans available in Dare County
Find a licensed agent and book directly at healthplansofnc.com/agents
No cost, no pressure. Health Plans of NC agents work for you, not the carrier.
Hospital | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
ECU Health Bertie Hospital | 1403 S King St, Windsor, NC 27983 | (252) 794-6600 |
ECU Health Chowan Hospital | 211 Virginia Rd, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-8451 |
ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital | 111 Hospital Dr, Tarboro, NC 27886 | (252) 641-7700 |
ECU Health North Hospital | 250 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-8011 |
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hosp | 500 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3000 |
Martin General Hospital | 310 S Mccaskey Rd, Williamston, NC 27892 | (252) 809-6300 |
Outer Banks Hospital | 4800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 | (252) 449-4500 |
Sentara Albemarle Medical Ctr | 1144 N Road St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | (252) 335-0531 |
Washington Regional Med Ctr | 958 US Highway 64 E, Plymouth, NC 27962 | (252) 793-4135 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
ECU Health Endocrinology-Ahsk | 226 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3991 |
ECU Health Family Medicine | 1124 Harvey Point Rd, Hertford, NC 27944 | (252) 426-2946 |
ECU Health Family Medicine | 1385 Medical Center Dr # 4942, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-9176 |
ECU Health Heart-Vascular Care | 220 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-9268 |
ECU Health Internal Medicine | 104 Mark Dr, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-5171 |
ECU Health Multispecialty | 113 Virginia Rd, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-3047 |
ECU Health Neurology-Edenton | 203 Earnhart Dr # B, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-5868 |
ECU Health Orthopedics-Roanoke | 171 N Carolina 125, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-5631 |
ECU Health Pulmonology-Ahoskie | 222 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3440 |
ECU Health Sleep Medicine | 240 Smith Church Rd # A, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-1082 |
Halifax Regional Med Ctr Inc | 250 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC, 27870, Not AvailableIsland Medical Ctr, 715 US Highway 64, Manteo, NC 27954 | (252) 473-2500 |
Sentara Vascular Specialists | 5200 N Croatan Hwy # 6, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 | (252) 255-6125 |
Signature Healthcare | 305 E 14th St, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-6181 |
Vidant Sleep Medicine-Roanoke | 240 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-1082 |
Dare County ZIP Codes include: 27915, 27920, 27936, 27943, 27948, 27949, 27953, 27954, 27959, 27968, 27972, 27978, 27981, and 27982
