We compared Zion HealthShare against all 8 featured plans — here's exactly where it wins and where it doesn't
Prices verified September 29, 2026: individual $114–$320/mo, family $334–$899/mo (source: zionhealthshare.com).
Zion HealthShare is not an insurance company. Neither this publication nor membership in Zion HealthShare are offered by an insurance company. Visit zionhealthshare.org to view your state-specific notice. Review Zion HealthShare's state-specific notices.
Zion HealthShare may fit households who want any-doctor access and no faith requirement. Individual monthly contributions start at $114. The Member Guidelines list no general annual or lifetime sharing maximum for eligible needs, but category-specific limits apply. Zion launched in 2019 and is unavailable in Washington. Read its full guidelines before joining.
- Cost floor: From $114/mo individual
- Faith: None (any faith welcome)
- Pre-membership medical conditions: Read Zion HealthShare's full Member Guidelines
- Network: No network — see any provider
- States: Not available in WA
- Sharing limits: Read Zion HealthShare's full Member Guidelines
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Is Zion HealthShare worth it?
Zion HealthShare is worth it for secular shoppers who want any-doctor medical cost sharing, published 2026 individual monthly amounts of $114–$320, and no statement of faith. Zion is a health sharing ministry. Its full Member Guidelines explain pre-membership medical conditions, eligibility, and sharing limits. Skip it if you live in Washington or need a guaranteed insurance contract. Read Zion's full Member Guidelines.
| Fact | Published value |
|---|---|
| Monthly cost band | Individual $114–$320; couple $205–$617; family $334–$899 |
| Faith requirement | None required — any faith welcome; church attendance not required |
| Pre-membership conditions | Read Zion's full Pre-Membership Medical Conditions Guidelines for the definition and sharing terms. |
| Sharing vs insurance | Sharing is voluntary, not a legally guaranteed contract. |
Zion HealthShare couple membership runs $205–$617 per month in 2026, depending on age band and IUA tier ($1,250 / $2,500 / $5,000).
Zion HealthShare is a health sharing ministry, not insurance — individual monthly contributions run $114–$320 depending on age and IUA tier, with no per-incident, annual, or lifetime sharing cap, no faith requirement, and no provider network. It's our top-rated membership (4.8/5) for anyone without a faith preference. Below, we ran Zion's 2026 contribution amounts, IUA tiers, sharing limits, network policy, and pre-membership conditions rules against every plan we feature, then exposed the scoring algorithm we use to match people to plans. The data comes from verified 2026 rate tables; none of it is estimated.
Individual cost
$114 – $320/mo
by age band + IUA tier
IUA options
$1,250 / $2,500 / $5,000
3 tiers — 2026 rates
Per-incident cap
None
unlimited per eligible need
Our rating
4.8 / 5
highest in our set
The Centerpiece
Zion vs. all 8 featured plans — 2026 verified data
Zion row is highlighted. Every number traces to a ministry source file or our accuracy audit. Cap and network data are the most commonly wrong fields in health-sharing content — these are verified.
- IUA / AHP tiers
- $1,250 / $2,500 / $5,000
- Per-incident cap
- None (unlimited)
- Network
- None — any provider
- Faith req.
- None
- Pre-membership medical conditions
- See full pre-membership medical condition guidelines
- IUA / AHP tiers
- $3,000 / $6,000 / $9,000 / $12,000
- Per-incident cap
- None (no per-incident cap)
- Network
- PHCS + First Health PPO (900,000+)
- Faith req.
- Christian statement of faith required
- Pre-membership medical conditions
- None — 36-month phase-in for pre-existing
- IUA / AHP tiers
- $500
- Per-incident cap
- None (no per-event cap)
- Network
- None — any doctor
- Faith req.
- None
- Pre-membership medical conditions
- None — 2-year ineligibility on pre-existing
- IUA / AHP tiers
- $500 / $1,000 / $1,500 / $2,500 / $5,000
- Per-incident cap
- None (unlimited)
- Network
- None — any provider
- Faith req.
- None
- Pre-membership medical conditions
- None — 12-month no-share period
- IUA / AHP tiers
- $1,000 / $2,500 / $5,000
- Per-incident cap
- None (unlimited)
- Network
- None — any provider
- Faith req.
- None
- Pre-membership medical conditions
- None — not shared year 1
- IUA / AHP tiers
- $300 / $500 / $1,000
- Per-incident cap
- $125,000/illness (base); $1M/illness with Plus add-on
- Network
- None — any provider
- Faith req.
- Strict Christian faith + church attendance
- Pre-membership medical conditions
- None — 12-month symptom-free rule applies
- IUA / AHP tiers
- $300 / $500 / $1,000
- Per-incident cap
- $250,000/need (Classic); Save to Share above that
- Network
- None — any provider (peer-to-peer)
- Faith req.
- Strict Christian faith required
- Pre-membership medical conditions
- None — 50% first year on most pre-existing
- IUA / AHP tiers
- $1,250 / $2,500 / $5,000
- Per-incident cap
- None (unlimited)
- Network
- None — any provider
- Faith req.
- None
- Pre-membership medical conditions
- None — 12-month wait on pre-existing
| Plan | Individual/mo | IUA / AHP tiers | Per-incident cap | Provider network | Faith req. | Pre-membership medical conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion HealthShareBest Overall ★★★★½4.8 | $114–$320 | $1,250 / $2,500 / $5,000 | None (unlimited) | None — any provider | None | See full pre-membership medical condition guidelines |
| Medi-Share ★★★★½4.5 | $115–$470 | $3,000 / $6,000 / $9,000 / $12,000 | None (no per-incident cap) | PHCS + First Health PPO (900,000+) | Christian statement of faith required | None — 36-month phase-in for pre-existing |
| CrowdHealth ★★★★½4.6 | $60–$200 | $500 | None (no per-event cap) | None — any doctor | None | None — 2-year ineligibility on pre-existing |
| Sedera ★★★★½4.5 | $88–$413 | $500 / $1,000 / $1,500 / $2,500 / $5,000 | None (unlimited) | None — any provider | None | None — 12-month no-share period |
| Knew Health ★★★★☆4.2 | $178–$379 | $1,000 / $2,500 / $5,000 | None (unlimited) | None — any provider | None | None — not shared year 1 |
| CHM ★★★★☆4.4 | $115–$299 | $300 / $500 / $1,000 | $125,000/illness (base); $1M/illness with Plus add-on | None — any provider | Strict Christian faith + church attendance | None — 12-month symptom-free rule applies |
| Samaritan Ministries ★★★★☆4.4 | $210–$400 | $300 / $500 / $1,000 | $250,000/need (Classic); Save to Share above that | None — any provider (peer-to-peer) | Strict Christian faith required | None — 50% first year on most pre-existing |
| HSA Secure ★★★★☆4 | $114–$320 | $1,250 / $2,500 / $5,000 | None (unlimited) | None — any provider | None | None — 12-month wait on pre-existing |
Sources: ministry data files (verification dates vary by plan). Per-incident caps and network data cross-checked against canonical audit anchors. IUA = Initial Unshareable Amount (Zion's term); AHP = Annual Household Portion (Medi-Share's term).
Ready to enroll?
If Zion's published sharing terms and any-doctor access match what you need, you can join through our link. Read the full Member Guidelines first.
Proprietary Methodology
How we actually score plans — the algorithm, exposed
Most review sites rank plans by gut feel or commission rate. We run a deterministic scoring function with 5 weighted axes — and we're publishing it here. No other health-sharing comparison site does this.
Budget fit
High weightHow we score it: Individual floor price vs. your stated budget bucket (under $150, $150–250, $250–400, over $400). Plans whose floor undercuts your ceiling get +2; plans that match the midpoint get +2.
Why it matters: Monthly contribution is the #1 search filter. A plan that beats your ceiling on price gets the most weight here.
Faith alignment
High weightHow we score it: Christian-gated plans (Medi-Share, CHM, Samaritan) get +3 for Christian users — and –4 for secular/non-Christian users, who are hard-excluded from christian-strict plans entirely. No-preference users receive +3 for any-faith plans.
Why it matters: Being recommended a plan you can't honestly join is a bad match, not a neutral one. The penalty is asymmetric and intentional.
Pre-existing condition handling
High weightHow we score it: If you have significant pre-existing conditions and a plan accepts them with no phase-in, +3. Minor conditions with acceptance: +2. No conditions at all: +1.
Why it matters: Eligibility and sharing limits for pre-membership medical conditions vary. Read each organization's full guidelines before joining.
Coverage priority match
Medium weightHow we score it: Your top priority (cost, broad coverage, maternity, mental health, HSA compatibility) earns +3 if the plan delivers it. Broad coverage is measured by counting included benefits (8+ = +3, 6+ = +2).
Why it matters: A family planning a pregnancy needs to know whether maternity is included. A self-employed contractor using an HSA needs HSA-compatible plans surfaced first.
Plan rating (baseline)
Low weightHow we score it: Each plan's editorial rating (1–5) is added directly to the score as a constant baseline. Zion = 4.8, CrowdHealth = 4.6, Medi-Share = 4.5, Sedera = 4.5, CHM = 4.4, Samaritan = 4.4, Knew = 4.2, HSA Secure = 4.0.
Why it matters: Ratings reflect financial stability, member satisfaction, and claims track record — but they're a small signal that breaks ties rather than dominates the score.
What this means for Zion HealthShare:
Zion scores highest in our set (4.8 baseline) and gets a +3 faith-alignment bonus for secular and no-preference users — the largest faith bonus available. For a self-employed person without significant pre-membership medical conditions who wants low cost and any-doctor access, Zion will consistently rank #1. For a Christian family who want a faith-based community, Medi-Share or CHM will outscore it on faith alone.
Heads up for 2027. Zion HealthShare notified partners on September 24, 2026 that 2027 Direct membership contributions change by about $10 to $40 a month depending on the cell (about 6.2% and about $24 on average across the Direct grid), effective January 1, 2027. Updated member guidelines publish December 1, 2026. Current pricing remains accurate through December 31, 2026.
The Honest Take
Where Zion wins — and where it doesn't
Where Zion wins (data-backed)
- Published pre-membership medical condition guidelines: Zion publishes its full Pre-Membership Medical Conditions Guidelines. Read the definition, eligibility rules, waiting periods, and sharing limits before joining.
- No statement of faith required: Zion is open to members of any faith or no faith. CHM and Samaritan require a strict Christian statement of faith. Medi-Share requires a Trinitarian statement plus active church involvement. Zion requires neither — important for the large share of health-sharing searchers who are not looking for a faith requirement.
- No per-incident or lifetime cap: Zion lists no general per-incident, annual, or lifetime sharing maximum for eligible needs in its Member Guidelines. Category-specific limits and eligibility rules still apply.
- Highest rating in our set (4.8★): Zion outscores all 8 featured options on our editorial rating, which considers financial stability, sharing request processing, member satisfaction, and transparency.
- Any doctor, zero network friction: Zion has no provider network. Ask a provider about billing and upfront payment before receiving care; the trade-off is described in the next column.
- Competitive floor price ($114/mo for under-30): The $114/month floor (age 18–29, $5,000 IUA) is the second-lowest individual entry point in our set after CrowdHealth ($60/mo). Compare contribution amounts and sharing terms for your household.
Where Zion loses (data-backed)
- Newer organization — shorter track record: Zion launched its health share in 2019. Medi-Share (1993), CHM (1981), and Samaritan (1994) have been operating longer. Zion has a shorter operating record than those organizations.
- No provider network — reference-based pricing friction: Without a PPO like Medi-Share's PHCS/First Health (900,000+ providers), Zion members bill at full chargemaster rates, then Zion shares based on a reference amount. Some providers push back. Specialists in particular may require upfront payment. Medi-Share members swipe a card like insurance.
- Pre-membership medical condition rules need a close read: Zion sets conditions and limits for sharing medical needs related to pre-membership medical conditions. Read its full Pre-Membership Medical Conditions Guidelines before joining.
- No dental or vision included: Dental and vision are not included in Zion membership. If these matter to you, compare separate options and their prices.
- Not available in Washington state: Zion excludes Washington (WA) due to state regulatory requirements. Washington residents should consider CrowdHealth or Medi-Share instead. Sedera also excludes Washington.
The core trade-off, one sentence:
Zion may suit someone who wants any-doctor access and medical cost sharing. Its Member Guidelines list no general per-incident or lifetime sharing maximum for eligible needs. Check the category-specific limits and pre-membership medical condition terms. Zion launched in 2019, so it has a shorter operating record.
Published pricing, as of 2026-09-29.
How Zion HealthShare compares
| Plan | From / mo | Faith requirement | Pre-existing wait | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion HealthShare | from $114/mo | No requirement | 12 months (then phased in over 4 years) | Read → |
| HSA Secure | from $114/mo | Secular | 12 months | Read → |
| CHM (Christian Healthcare Ministries) | from $115/mo | Strict Christian | 12 months | Read → |
Frequently asked questions
Verdict
Who Zion HealthShare is right for
Strong match
- ✓Self-employed or gig workers without faith preference
- ✓People willing to review Zion's pre-membership medical condition rules before joining
- ✓People who dislike network restrictions and want true any-doctor freedom
- ✓Budget-conscious individuals under 40 (floor: $114/mo)
- ✓HSA users (Zion is HSA-eligible on its own; choose HSA Secure only if you want the bundled MEC product)
- ✓Freelancers and contractors who need portability and simplicity
Look elsewhere if…
- ✕You want a faith-based community (Samaritan or CHM)
- ✕You want a decades-long track record (Medi-Share, CHM, or Samaritan)
- ✕You live in Washington state
- ✕You need a recognized PPO card for specialist billing (Medi-Share)
- ✕You have complex pre-membership medical conditions
- ✕Your employer or association is negotiating group rates (Sedera Direct)
Who Zion HealthShare is NOT right for
Being direct about this is the point of the review. Zion is not the right choice if you want a recognized PPO card you can hand a specialist at check-in — Zion has no provider network, so you or the provider deal with reference-based pricing instead of an in-network rate already negotiated for you. It is also not the right choice if you have significant pre-membership medical conditions: read Zion's full guidelines to see which medical needs may be eligible for sharing. If a longer operating record matters more to you than price or network freedom, Zion launched in 2019 — a fraction of the history behind older ministries.
For those situations, Medi-Share is the better fit: it has run since 1993, carries a 900,000+ provider PPO network (PHCS/First Health) so bills are negotiated up front, and has three decades of claims history behind it. The trade-off is a Christian statement-of-faith requirement and a 36-month pre-existing condition wait. Zion has no faith requirement; its pre-membership medical condition terms are in its Member Guidelines. See the full Zion vs. Medi-Share comparison for the numbers side by side.
Our top pick for secular health sharing
Zion HealthShare
$114 – $320/mo (individual) · ★ 4.8
No faith requirement · Any doctor · Read the full sharing guidelines · 4.8★ rating
- You live in Washington.
- You need the legal protections of regulated insurance.
- You have pre-membership medical conditions and have not reviewed Zion's full Member Guidelines.
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