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Impact Health Sharing vs Medi-Share: Full Comparison for 2026
Impact Health Sharing and Medi-Share both have a Christian element, but the similarity mostly ends there. Impact (3.8/5, founded 2020, ~19,500 members) has a light "Shared Beliefs & Ethics" statement — essentially a belief in human dignity and helping others — rather than a Christian statement of faith, no church-attendance requirement, and an affordable price range of $73–$400/month individual. It stands out for a Wellness Rewards program that lets members earn up to $150/month toward reducing their annual deductible (PRA), and it has not raised rates in 5+ consecutive years. The catch is a 36-month pre-existing waiting period and a $500,000 per-member annual cap (not unlimited). Medi-Share (4.5/5, founded 1993, 400,000+ members) requires a Christian statement of faith, runs $115–$470/month individual, has the PHCS and First Health PPO network, telehealth, and partial prescription sharing, and carries no annual or lifetime cap — though pre-existing conditions also face a 36-month wait before capped sharing begins ($100,000/member/year after 3 years, rising to $500,000/member/year after 5 years). For most people, Medi-Share's track record and broader coverage make it the stronger choice; Impact appeals mainly on low cost and no strict Christian requirement.
| Factor | Impact Health Sharing | Medi-Share |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (Individual) | $73-$400 | $115-$470 |
| Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) | $1,000 / $2,500 / $5,000 / $7,500 / $10,000 | $3,000 / $6,000 / $9,000 / $12,000 |
| Coverage Cap | $500,000 per member per year | None — no annual or lifetime sharing cap |
| Faith Requirement | Christian (light) | Christian (light) |
| Pre-Existing Wait | 36 months | 36 months |
| Network | Any doctor | PHCS + First Health (MultiPlan) |
| Prescriptions | Included | Included |
| Mental Health | Included | Included |
| Maternity | Included | Included |
| Processing Time | 15-20 days | 45-60 days |
Verified July 2026 from official plan materials and each plan's official website.
Medi-Share wins on track record, community size, pre-existing terms, and coverage cap; Impact wins on price and not requiring a strict Christian faith.
Choose Impact Health Sharing if
You want an affordable plan ($73–$400/month individual) without a strict Christian statement of faith, have no pre-existing conditions that will be affected by the 36-month waiting period, and want to take advantage of the Wellness Rewards program (up to $150/month toward reducing your deductible). Impact also has not raised rates in 5+ consecutive years and offers a senior-specific program (65+) with no pre-existing limitations. Understand the $500,000 per-member annual cap and verify coverage for your specific situation.
Choose Medi-Share if
You are a committed Christian who wants the largest and most established health sharing community — 400,000+ members since 1993 — with no annual or lifetime sharing cap, the PHCS and First Health PPO network with 900,000+ providers, telehealth, and partial prescription sharing. Medi-Share's pre-existing wait is also 36 months, but once that period passes, sharing is capped at $100,000/member/year (rising to $500,000/member/year after 5 years) rather than a flat exclusion. The trade-off is a Christian faith requirement and higher average cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Impact Health Sharing require a Christian faith?
Impact has a light "Shared Beliefs & Ethics" statement rather than a traditional Christian statement of faith — it centers on human dignity, equality, and helping others. It does not require church attendance or a Christian denomination. Medi-Share requires a Christian statement of faith. If a strict religious requirement is a barrier for you, Impact is the more accessible of these two.
Which is cheaper, Impact or Medi-Share?
Impact can be significantly cheaper at the entry level — starting at $73/month individual versus Medi-Share's $115/month floor. However, Impact's PRA (deductible) runs $2,500–$10,000 per household, with a 10% co-share capped at $5,000/household/year. Medi-Share's AHP starts at $3,000 with no co-share above it. For a healthy individual under 40, Impact is likely cheaper overall; for older members or those with medical needs, the comparison is closer.
How do the pre-existing condition rules compare?
Actually, the two are similar on timing. Impact has a 36-month flat exclusion — pre-existing conditions are simply not shareable for the first three years. Medi-Share also does not share pre-existing conditions for the first 36 months; after that, sharing is capped at $100,000/member/year (rising to $500,000/member/year after 5 years) rather than becoming fully open-ended. Neither plan is a good fit for an immediate managed condition — Zion HealthShare's day-one coverage for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes is the stronger option if that applies to you.
Is there a coverage cap with Impact or Medi-Share?
Impact caps sharing at $500,000 per member per year — meaningful protection but not unlimited. Medi-Share has no annual or lifetime sharing cap. For a catastrophic or chronic illness, Medi-Share's unlimited cap provides more certainty.
Which is more established?
Medi-Share by a wide margin — founded 1993 with 400,000+ members and over 30 years of history. Impact was founded in 2020 with approximately 19,500 members. Medi-Share is also rated higher at 4.5/5 versus 3.8/5 for Impact.
Largest community
Medi-Share
$115–$470/mo · ★ 4.5
The biggest health sharing ministry — 400,000+ members, Cigna PPO network access, and no per-illness sharing cap.
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