Faith-Based vs Secular Health Sharing: Full Comparison for 2026

The health sharing industry was built on religious exemptions to the ACA, so most ministries require Christian faith. But secular options now exist for people who want community-based healthcare without religious affiliation. Faith-based ministries like CHM, Medi-Share, and Samaritan require statements of faith and sometimes church attendance. Secular alternatives like CrowdHealth, Sedera, and Zion HealthShare (open to all faiths) have no religious requirements. This comparison breaks down the real differences in cost, coverage, and eligibility.

Medi-Share

400,000+ members | Founded 1992

From $227/mo

Christian families, established community with 30+ years history

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CrowdHealth

17,000+ members | Founded 2021

From $60/mo

Young families; healthy individuals; self-employed; anyone wanting low costs with no coverage caps

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Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureFaith-Based (Medi-Share)Secular (CrowdHealth)
Monthly Cost (Individual)CHM $115+ / Medi-Share $227+ / Samaritan $220+CrowdHealth ~$140 / Sedera $199+ / Zion $185+
Faith RequirementChristian statement of faith requiredNone
Church AttendanceCHM & Samaritan: yes / Medi-Share: noNot required
Coverage CapCHM & Samaritan: unlimited / Medi-Share: $250KCrowdHealth & Sedera & Zion: unlimited
Pre-Existing WaitCHM: 6 mo / Medi-Share: 12 mo / Samaritan: 12 moCrowdHealth: phased by year / Sedera: 6 mo / Zion: none
PrescriptionsCHM: no / Medi-Share: no / Samaritan: noCrowdHealth: yes / Sedera: yes / Zion: yes
Mental HealthGenerally not coveredCrowdHealth: yes / Sedera: yes / Zion: yes
TelehealthMedi-Share: yes / CHM & Samaritan: noCrowdHealth: yes / Sedera: yes / Zion: yes
PPO NetworkGenerally any doctor (no PPO)Zion: Cigna PPO / Others: any doctor
MembersMedi-Share: 400K+ / CHM: 300K+ / Samaritan: 230K+CrowdHealth: 17K+ / Sedera: 50K+ / Zion: 50K+

The Bottom Line

Secular options win on coverage breadth and accessibility; faith-based options win on price and community size.

Choose faith-based if

You are a practicing Christian, value a large community with decades of track record, and want the lowest possible monthly cost (CHM at $115/month). You accept that prescriptions, mental health, and telehealth may not be covered.

Choose secular if

You want no religious requirements, broader coverage including prescriptions, mental health, and telehealth, and are comfortable paying slightly more. Zion HealthShare at $185/month is the best overall value with no pre-existing waiting period and a PPO network.

Read the Full Reviews

Medi-Share Review

Pricing, coverage details, pros and cons, and member experience.

CrowdHealth Review

Pricing, coverage details, pros and cons, and member experience.

CHM Review

Oldest and most affordable faith-based ministry.

Samaritan Ministries Review

Traditional Christian health sharing with direct member-to-member contributions.

Sedera Review

Secular health sharing with prescription and mental health coverage.

Zion HealthShare Review

Open-to-all-faiths ministry with no pre-existing waiting period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join a faith-based ministry if I am not Christian?▼
Generally no. CHM and Samaritan require a strict Christian statement of faith and proof of church attendance. Medi-Share requires a Christian statement of faith but not church attendance. If you are not Christian, consider Zion HealthShare (open to all faiths), Sedera (secular), or CrowdHealth (secular crowdfunding).
Are secular health sharing plans more expensive?▼
Not always. CrowdHealth averages about $140/month for healthy individuals under 55. Zion starts at $185/month. These are competitive with faith-based options like Medi-Share ($227+) and Samaritan ($220+). CHM at $115/month is the lowest cost overall but has the most restrictions.
Do secular plans cover more?▼
Yes, generally. CrowdHealth, Sedera, and Zion all cover prescriptions, mental health, and telehealth. Most faith-based ministries (CHM, Medi-Share, Samaritan) do not cover prescriptions or mental health.
Which secular option is best for pre-existing conditions?▼
Zion HealthShare has no waiting period for pre-existing conditions, sharing from month one. CrowdHealth phases in pre-existing coverage over 4 years. Sedera has a 6-month wait. For immediate pre-existing coverage, Zion is the clear winner.
Are health sharing plans regulated?▼
No. Both faith-based and secular health sharing plans are not regulated insurance. They operate under religious or community-based exemptions. Contributions are voluntary, and coverage is not guaranteed by state insurance departments. If you need guaranteed coverage, consider regulated insurance like Presidio Healthcare.

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