Insurance Basics

When you're applying for an Individual or Family plan, learning health insurance basics can help you choose your health plan and know how it works.

Plan types

Type of Plans

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) offers many health plans.

Health Insurance Costs

Learn what premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance are and how they work together.

Review costs

How to Enroll

You have several ways to enroll in a 2022 BCBSIL health plan.

Research Options

2022 Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you went through a qualifying life event, you can still apply for a 2022 health plan during the Special Enrollment Period.

Browse Plans

Plan types

Financial Assistance

Our Premium Tax Credit (PTC) Estimator tool can show you if a subsidy, also known as a PTC or financial help, may help you save on your health plan's monthly bill.1

Get Estimate

Health Care Terms

Look up common health care terms in our glossary.

Search Glossary

1CMS.gov, 2021 Marketplace Special Enrollment Period State-by-State Premium Savings for Returning Consumers from the American Rescue Plan 

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Need Assistance Shopping?

Sales Questions and Additional Plan Information:
1-866-514-8044
Calls may or may not be answered inside the United States.

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CT
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT

Customer Service:
1-800-538-8833
Calls may or may not be answered inside the United States.

Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. CT
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT
Sunday: Closed

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New to Medicare or Need Help Shopping for a Plan?

Call us at 1-877-213-1821 TTY 711

We’re open between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., local time, 7 days a week. If you’re calling from April 1 through September 30, alternate technologies (for example, voicemail) will be used on the weekends and holidays.