The Best Medi-Share Alternatives for 2026
Medi-Share is the largest Christian health sharing ministry — 350,000+ members, founded in 1993, backed by the PHCS and First Health PPO network, with no annual or lifetime sharing cap. For a lot of Christian families it is the right fit. But if you hit the faith requirement, find yourself needing ongoing prescription coverage, want outpatient mental health sessions, or just need a lower monthly number, there are better-matched options. These four alternatives cover the most common reasons people look elsewhere.
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Why people look for alternatives to Medi-Share
The Christian faith requirement is a blocker
Medi-Share requires a Christian statement of faith. That is a hard requirement — not a checkbox formality. If you are not a practicing Christian, or if someone in your household is not, you cannot enroll. Secular plans like Zion, Sedera, and CrowdHealth have no faith requirement at all.
Maintenance prescriptions are not shared
Medi-Share covers new acute-condition prescriptions for up to 6 months, but ongoing maintenance medications — statins, blood pressure drugs, diabetes meds — are not shared. If you take a daily prescription, you will pay for it out of pocket every month. Zion, Sedera, and CrowdHealth all include prescriptions.
Outpatient mental health is not covered
Medi-Share includes TeleBehavioral health (telehealth therapy sessions), but in-person outpatient mental health — regular weekly therapy visits — is not shared. If you see a therapist in person, that cost stays with you. Zion includes mental health coverage more broadly.
Monthly contributions climb at higher AHPs
Medi-Share's range is $115–$470/month for an individual. At the lowest AHP ($3,000) the cost is more than comparable plans. CrowdHealth averages around $140/month for healthy members under 55. CHM starts at $115/month if you only need a Christian option at a lower price point.
The best alternatives to Medi-Share
Zion HealthShare
Best OverallNo faith requirement, $114–$320/month, prescriptions + mental health + telehealth included, unlimited sharing cap, and common managed conditions (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type-2 diabetes) shared from month one.
Editor’s pick
Zion HealthShare
from $114/mo · ★ 4.8
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Sedera
Secular and HSA-compatible, $153–$438/month for most working-age members, flexible IUA tiers from $500 to $5,000, prescriptions included, unlimited cap — good for self-employed members who want to tune their monthly cost.
Editor’s pick
Sedera
$153–$742/mo · ★ 4.5
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CrowdHealth
Best for Young & HealthySecular crowdfunding model, ~$140/month average for members under 55, no faith requirement, no coverage cap, and month-to-month flexibility — the lowest-cost option for younger healthy members who can accept the crowdfunding model.
Editor’s pick
CrowdHealth
from $60/mo · ★ 4.6
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CHM (Christian Healthcare Ministries)
Still want a Christian ministry but at a lower price? CHM starts at $115/month individual, has a 6-month pre-existing wait (shorter than Medi-Share's 12 months), and is the oldest ministry in the country (founded 1981).
Editor’s pick
CHM (Christian Healthcare Ministries)
from $115/mo · ★ 4.4
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Medi-Share vs the alternatives: quick comparison
| Feature | Medi-Share(leaving) | Zion HealthShare | Sedera | CrowdHealth | CHM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (Individual) | $115–$470 | $114–$320 | $153–$742 ($153–$438 for most working-age) | ~$140/mo avg (max $200/mo under 55) | $115–$299 |
| Faith Requirement | Christian statement of faith | None | None | None | Strict Christian + church attendance |
| Prescriptions | New diagnoses up to 6 months; maintenance meds not shared | Included | Included | Included | Not included |
| Outpatient Mental Health | Telehealth only (TeleBehavioral Health) | Included | Included | Included | Not included |
| Coverage Cap | None — no annual or lifetime cap | Unlimited per need | Unlimited | None per event | $125K/incident ($1M/illness w/ Brother's Keeper) |
| Pre-Existing Wait | 12 months (25–100% phased over 4 years) | Phase-in; HBP/cholesterol/diabetes from month 1 | 12–36 month phase-in | 2 years ineligible, then up to $25K/yr | 6 months |
All facts sourced from each plan's official published materials as of 2026. Verify current pricing directly with each plan before enrolling.
Monthly figures show the full individual range across all age bands (18–64) and IUA/deductible tiers. The top of each range reflects the oldest 60–64 band — a typical working-age member (under 60) pays in the lower-to-middle of the range (e.g. Sedera runs roughly $153–$438 for ages 18–59, rising toward $742 at 60–64). CrowdHealth's figure reflects its under-55 / membership-average rate.
Bottom line
If the faith requirement or prescription gap is the issue, Zion is the cleanest switch — comparable price, broader benefits, open to all. If cost is the primary driver and you are young and healthy, CrowdHealth is worth a look. If you still want a Christian ministry at a lower price, CHM starts at $115/month and has the shortest pre-existing wait of any option here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main reason people leave Medi-Share?
The Christian faith requirement is the most common blocker — you must sign a statement of faith, and members must be practicing Christians. The second most common reason is the prescription gap: ongoing maintenance medications are not shared, only new acute-condition prescriptions for up to 6 months.
Is there a Medi-Share alternative with no faith requirement?
Yes. Zion HealthShare, Sedera, and CrowdHealth are all secular — no statement of faith, no church attendance required, open to anyone. Zion is our highest-rated plan at 4.8/5 and includes prescriptions, telehealth, and mental health.
Which Medi-Share alternative covers ongoing prescriptions?
Zion HealthShare, Sedera, and CrowdHealth all include prescription coverage. Medi-Share only shares new acute-condition prescriptions for up to 6 months — ongoing maintenance medications are not shared under any Medi-Share plan.
Is CHM cheaper than Medi-Share?
Both start at $115/month for an individual. CHM's range tops out lower ($115–$299) versus Medi-Share ($115–$470), so CHM is consistently cheaper across most age and coverage combinations. CHM also has a shorter pre-existing wait (6 months vs 12 months). The tradeoff: CHM does not include prescriptions, telehealth, or mental health, and has a stricter faith requirement that includes church-attendance verification.
Can I keep my PHCS and First Health PPO doctors if I switch from Medi-Share?
Medi-Share is the only health sharing plan that uses the PHCS and First Health PPO network (900,000+ providers). Zion, Sedera, CrowdHealth, and CHM all allow any doctor — there is no network restriction — but they do not use a PPO network. In practice, any-doctor flexibility is often better than being locked into a single PPO; you are not limited to in-network rates.