3 Best Healthcare Stocks to Buy in March 2026, According to Analysts

Healthcare stocks are gaining attention this month as investors look for stability and long‑term growth in a volatile market due to interest rate uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical tensions. According to analysts, several names stand out due to their strong fundamentals, expanding pipelines, and improving earnings visibility. Here are three of the best healthcare stocks to buy in March 2026:

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**1. Eli Lilly LLY -1.18% ▼ **

Eli Lilly is one of the top picks thanks to its leadership in obesity and diabetes treatments. Demand for its GLP‑1 drugs remains strong, and analysts expect another year of double‑digit revenue growth as the company expands production. Lilly is also making progress in Alzheimer’s, where its late‑stage drugs could open a multibillion‑dollar market.

Recently, RBC Capital analyst Trung Huynh reiterated a Buy rating on LLY stock with a $1,250 price target. He believes retatrutide is a viable option for type 2 diabetes patients focused on weight reduction and sees it as a key growth driver for Lilly with a 2027 launch and $4.9B in 2030 sales.

Turning to Wall Street, Eli Lilly stock has a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 18 Buys, two Holds, and one Sell assigned in the last three months. At $1,252.26, the average LLY stock price target implies a 38.14% upside potential.

**2. UnitedHealth Group UNH -1.46% ▼ **

After a volatile 2025 marked by rising medical costs and regulatory noise, UnitedHealth is seen entering 2026 on a stronger footing. Analysts highlight improving utilization trends, strong Medicare Advantage enrollment, and steady growth in its Optum services business.

With steady cash flow, defensive qualities, and a long history of consistent earnings, UNH remains a top choice for investors looking for stability in a volatile market.

Wall Street’s consensus rating for UNH stock is Strong Buy based on 16 Buys and three Holds. The average analyst price target of $368.50 implies an upside potential of 33.44% from current levels.

**3. Vertex Pharmaceuticals VRTX -0.87% ▼ **

Vertex is best known for its strength in cystic fibrosis and is now said to be entering a new growth phase. Its gene‑editing treatment for sickle cell disease is seeing early commercial momentum, and new programs in pain, kidney disease, and Type 1 diabetes add more potential growth opportunities.

With a strong balance sheet, high margins, and multiple late‑stage assets, analysts view Vertex as one of the most attractive biotech names for long‑term growth.

Maxim Group’s Naz Rahman upgraded Vertex stock rating to Buy with a $575 price target, reflecting optimism about the company’s growth prospects.

On TipRanks, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on VRTX stock based on 22 Buys and three Holds assigned in the past three months. Further, the average Vertex price target of $555.65 per share implies 22.37% upside potential.

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