Which Health Sharing Plan Is Best for Families?
Depends on your faith, budget, and what coverage you need. CHM is the most affordable at $345/month but requires active church membership. Medi-Share ($681–$1,215/month) has the longest track record with 400,000+ members. Zion ($555/month+) has no faith requirement and unlimited sharing. Every plan handles maternity, dependents, and IUAs differently — so the details matter more than the headline price.
Medi-Share is the best overall health sharing plan for families in 2026, with family plans from $681-$1,215/month, maternity coverage, any-doctor access, and 400,000+ members backing a 30-year track record. CHM is the most affordable family option starting at $345/month but requires strict Christian faith and church attendance. Zion HealthShare offers unlimited sharing with no faith requirement starting at $555/month.
Updated February 2026. Data verified against each ministry's published rates.
Key Facts: Family Health Sharing Plans
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best Overall for Families | Medi-Share ($681-$1,215/mo, 400,000+ members) |
| Most Affordable | CHM ($345-$792/mo, strict faith required) |
| Best Without Faith Requirement | Zion HealthShare ($555-$804/mo, secular) |
| Maternity Coverage | Available at Medi-Share, CHM, Zion, Samaritan, Sedera |
| Typical IUA Range | $300-$2,000 per incident |
| Savings vs. ACA | 40-60% lower monthly cost (unsubsidized) |
Why Is Medi-Share the Top Choice for Families?
Medi-Share has shared over $4 billion in medical bills since 1992 and maintains the largest membership base of any health sharing ministry at 400,000+ members. For families, this size translates to financial stability: larger pools mean more consistent bill sharing. Their family plans include maternity coverage with no network restrictions, meaning families can see any doctor or specialist without referrals. The 20% co-share after IUA keeps out-of-pocket costs predictable, and telehealth access provides convenient care for common pediatric issues.
The trade-off is cost. Medi-Share family plans range from $681-$1,215/month depending on IUA selection, which places them at the higher end of health sharing options. They also require a Christian statement of faith (though not church attendance) and impose a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions with phased sharing at 25% the first year.
What Is the Most Affordable Family Health Sharing Plan?
CHM (Christian Healthcare Ministries) offers the lowest family rates in the health sharing space, starting at $345/month for a family. Their unlimited sharing cap means there is no ceiling on eligible medical bills. CHM has operated since 1981 — the longest track record of any ministry — and serves 300,000+ members. Maternity, preventive care, emergency, and surgery are all eligible for sharing.
The significant caveat: CHM requires strict Christian faith and regular church attendance. They also do not cover telehealth or prescription drugs, which can be a gap for families managing ongoing medications. Their pre-existing waiting period is 6 months with 50% sharing in the first period, which is shorter than Medi-Share's 12-month phase-in.
Which Family Plan Has No Faith Requirement?
Zion HealthShare is the strongest option for families who do not want a faith requirement. Starting at $555/month for families, Zion provides unlimited sharing cap, PPO network access through Cigna (950,000+ providers), prescription coverage, mental health sharing, and maternity. They accept pre-existing conditions with no waiting period — a significant advantage for families switching from insurance.
Zion is also HSA-compatible, which allows families to pair their health sharing plan with tax-advantaged savings. The 2026 HSA family contribution limit is $8,550, which can offset a significant portion of annual healthcare costs. Zion was founded in 2017, so their track record is shorter than CHM or Medi-Share, but their 50,000+ membership base is growing.
How Does Maternity Coverage Work with Health Sharing?
Most health sharing plans require a 10-12 month waiting period before maternity expenses become eligible for sharing. This means the pregnancy must begin after the waiting period ends. Medi-Share, CHM, Zion, Samaritan, and Sedera all include maternity sharing. CrowdHealth covers maternity through crowdfunding with no formal waiting period, though pre-existing pregnancy is excluded. Families planning a pregnancy should enroll well in advance to satisfy waiting period requirements.
Family Plan Comparison Table
| Plan | Family Cost/Mo | Sharing Cap | Faith Required | Maternity | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion HealthShare | $555-$804 | Unlimited | No | Yes | Cigna PPO |
| Sedera | $597-$1137 | Unlimited | No | Yes | Any doctor |
| Samaritan Ministries | $660-$1485 | Unlimited | Yes | Yes | Any doctor |
| Medi-Share | $681-$1215 | $250,000 | Yes | Yes | Any doctor |
| Presidio Healthcare | $900-$1800 | Unlimited | Yes | Yes | Cigna PPO |
The Bottom Line
For most families, Medi-Share offers the best combination of stability, maternity coverage, and provider flexibility. Budget-conscious Christian families should look at CHM for savings of $300+/month. Families without a faith preference or with pre-existing conditions will find the strongest value at Zion HealthShare. If guaranteed coverage matters more than savings, Presidio Healthcare offers actual regulated insurance starting at $900/month for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which health sharing plan has the cheapest family rate?
CHM (Christian Healthcare Ministries) has the lowest family rate starting at $345/month for their Bronze-level plan. However, CHM requires strict Christian faith and church attendance. For families without a faith requirement, Zion HealthShare starts at $555/month.
Do health sharing plans cover maternity for families?
Yes, most major health sharing plans cover maternity. Medi-Share, CHM, Zion HealthShare, Samaritan Ministries, and Sedera all include maternity sharing. Waiting periods of 10-12 months typically apply. CrowdHealth also covers maternity through its crowdfunding model.
Can my children stay on a family health sharing plan past age 18?
Most health sharing plans cover dependent children up to age 26, similar to ACA insurance rules. Medi-Share and Zion HealthShare both extend coverage to age 26. After that, children need their own individual plan. CHM covers dependents up to age 25.
Is health sharing safe for families with young children?
Health sharing covers routine pediatric emergencies, surgeries, and hospital stays. However, it is NOT insurance and does not guarantee payment. Families with children who have chronic conditions or special needs should carefully evaluate waiting periods and coverage limits. Presidio Healthcare offers actual regulated insurance as a safer alternative.
How does the IUA work for families?
The IUA (Initial Unshareable Amount) is a per-incident cost similar to a deductible. For families, each medical incident triggers an IUA payment of $500-$5,000 depending on your plan. Some plans have a family maximum IUA cap per year. Zion HealthShare caps family IUA at 3 incidents per year.
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