Samaritan Ministries Review
Biblical, affordable health care sharing
Last verified: March 1, 2026
Our Verdict
Samaritan Ministries operates a unique direct-sharing model where members send their monthly share directly to another member in need. Unlike other health sharing ministries, there is no central fund. The community directly supports each other. This creates a personal, faith-driven experience. Members can use any healthcare provider, giving maximum flexibility.
👥 Who Samaritan Ministries is Best For
- Faith-Driven Members
- Provider Flexibility
- Community-Minded
Rating Breakdown
Pricing & Costs
Basic from $119/mo, Classic from $199/mo, up to $865/mo for families
Coverage Details
| Maternity | ✓ | Fully shareable for married members after membership period |
| Mental Health | ✗ | Not eligible for sharing |
| Telemedicine | ✗ | Not included |
| Prescriptions | ✓ | Prescriptions related to shareable medical needs are eligible |
| Preventive Care | ✗ | Routine preventive care is not shareable |
| Dental & Vision | ✗ | Not included in standard sharing |
Network & Requirements
Network Type
Any Provider
No network — use any doctor or hospital
Religious Requirement
Yes
Must be an active, attending member of a Christian church and sign statement of faith
Waiting Period
None
Pre-Existing Conditions
12-month waiting period
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Direct member-to-member sharing creates personal connection
- No provider network restrictions
- Strong Christian community with prayer support
- No per-incident sharing limit
👎 Cons
- Requires active church attendance verification
- Telehealth not bundled - members can use any provider including telehealth
- Higher monthly cost for smaller households
- Manual sharing process can feel less modern
📋 How the Claims Process Works
- Receive Medical Care: Visit any provider (check network for discounted rates). Pay your provider directly.
- Pay Your IUA: Cover your Initial Unshareable Amount (deductible) out-of-pocket first: $300–$300.
- Submit Bills: Send your eligible medical bills to Samaritan Ministries via their online portal or mobile app.
- Review Process: Samaritan Ministries reviews your bills for eligibility based on program guidelines (typically 15-30 days).
- Community Shares: If approved, the community shares (pays) your eligible medical expenses up to No per-incident limit (community votes on large needs) per incident.
Important: Health sharing is not insurance. There are no legal guarantees that your bills will be paid. Sharing is based on program guidelines and community participation.
⏳ Pre-Existing Conditions Policy
Samaritan Ministries has a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions. This means:
- Waiting period: Medical expenses related to pre-existing conditions are not eligible for sharing during the first 12 months of membership.
- After waiting period: Once the waiting period is complete, eligible expenses related to pre-existing conditions may be shared according to program guidelines.
- What qualifies: A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or medical condition for which you received treatment, diagnosis, or advice in the 12 months before joining.
This is standard across most health sharing programs and differs significantly from ACA-compliant insurance, which must cover pre-existing conditions immediately.
Ready to Join Samaritan Ministries?
Visit their website to see current pricing for your household and get started.
Get a Quote from Samaritan Ministries →Not Sure if Samaritan Ministries is Right for You?
Take our 6-question Plan Matcher Quiz and get personalized recommendations based on your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Take the Plan Matcher Quiz →