CHM vs Zion HealthShare: Full Comparison for 2026
CHM and Zion HealthShare appeal to different members. Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), founded in 1981, is a faith-based ministry with the lowest entry cost in health sharing — $115/month individual — but it requires a Christian statement of faith and does not include prescription, telehealth, or mental health coverage. Zion HealthShare is a modern option open to people of any faith (or none), and it includes telehealth, prescriptions, maternity, and mental health at a still-affordable $114-$320/month. Zion is our highest-rated plan at 4.8/5 with an unlimited sharing cap. If a faith community is central to you, CHM fits; if you want comprehensive benefits without a religious requirement, Zion is the stronger pick.
CHM (Christian Healthcare Ministries)
2,000,000+ members | Founded 1981
From $115/mo
Strict Christians seeking lowest cost option, most affordable ministry
Zion HealthShare
75,000+ members | Founded 2019
From $114/mo
Anyone without faith requirements, best overall value
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CHM | Zion HealthShare |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (Individual) | $115-$299 | $114-$320 |
| Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) | $300 / $500 / $1,000 | $1,250 / $2,500 / $5,000 |
| Coverage Cap | $125,000 per illness base; CHM Plus add-on ($42/unit/mo) extends to $1M per illness (Silver/Bronze) or unlimited (Gold). | Unlimited per need; no annual or lifetime cap |
| Faith Requirement | Strict Christian | None (open to all) |
| Pre-Existing Wait | 12 months | Phase-in period applies |
| Network | No network restriction | No network — see any provider |
| Prescriptions | Not included | Included |
| Mental Health | Not included | Included |
| Maternity | Included | Included |
| Processing Time | 30-45 days | 30-45 days |
The Bottom Line
CHM is the budget faith-based option; Zion offers broader benefits and top-rated service with no faith requirement.
Choose CHM if
You are a committed Christian who values a faith-based sharing community, want the lowest possible monthly cost, and do not need built-in prescription, telehealth, or mental health coverage. CHM has a 6-month pre-existing wait and the longest track record in the industry.
Choose Zion if
You want comprehensive everyday coverage — telehealth, prescriptions, maternity, and mental health all included — with no faith requirement, our highest member rating (4.8/5), and an unlimited cap. At $114-$320/month it costs more than CHM's floor but includes far more, and it is open to people of any background.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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CHM (Christian Healthcare Ministries)
from $115/mo · ★ 4.4
A long-established Christian ministry (since 1981) with some of the lowest monthly costs.
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