Aetna Auto Insurance: Is It Worth The Hype?

Aetna is a well-known insurance company that offers a variety of health, dental, and vision insurance options for individuals and employer groups. Despite its name recognition, Aetna does not offer auto insurance coverage. The company is solely focused on providing health insurance and related services, and has become one of the largest health insurers in the US. While you won't find Aetna auto insurance, the company has a range of other insurance products available, including health, life, Medicare, and disability insurance.

Aetna's health insurance costs

Aetna health insurance costs can vary depending on several factors, including location, age, and coverage level. The average monthly premium for an individual plan in 2024 was $477, but costs can differ significantly depending on the chosen plan, benefits included, and location.

Plan Type and Benefits

The type of insurance plan and its benefits significantly impact the monthly premiums. Plans with broader coverage and more extensive benefits, such as lower deductibles, co-pays, and comprehensive services like dental and vision care, typically come with higher monthly costs. Conversely, plans with more limited coverage and higher out-of-pocket expenses tend to have lower premiums.

Geographic Location

The cost of living and healthcare costs and regulations vary across different regions, which directly affects the availability and affordability of Aetna insurance plans. Urban areas tend to have higher medical expenses and insurance premiums, while rural areas may offer more affordable options.

Individual Factors and Risk Assessment

Individual characteristics like age, gender, lifestyle, and medical history also influence insurance costs. Generally, younger individuals pay lower premiums, while older adults may face higher premiums due to increased healthcare needs and risks. Pre-existing conditions, smoking status, and occupation can also impact pricing as they contribute to the insurer's risk assessment.

Provider Network and Access to Care

The size and accessibility of Aetna's provider network in a specific area can affect insurance costs. Plans with broader networks that include a wide range of healthcare providers and facilities usually come with higher premiums but offer greater flexibility in accessing care. Conversely, plans with narrower networks or restricted coverage may have lower premiums but limit the choice of providers and services.

Aetna's Average Costs

According to Forbes, the average monthly cost of an Aetna health insurance plan for a 30-year-old is $414, while a 40-year-old pays $466, and a 50-year-old spends $651 on average. These costs are influenced by factors such as location, type of plan, metal tier, and smoking status.

Aetna offers different pricing tiers to accommodate varying coverage needs and budget preferences, including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans, each with different levels of coverage and cost.

Tips for Finding Affordable Aetna Insurance Options

Individuals may be eligible for a federal subsidy when purchasing an ACA-compliant plan, reducing their monthly premiums. Non-ACA-compliant plans may also offer cheaper premiums, especially for those in good health who require less coverage.

Aetna's customer service

The company's general phone line is 1-800-US-AETNA (1-800-872-3862) and is available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. However, this line cannot provide customer service or information about plan benefits. For specific inquiries, members are advised to use the phone number provided on their member ID card.

Aetna's member website offers a range of self-service options, allowing members to find a doctor, view medicines and costs, access forms, pay premiums, obtain an ID card, check claims, and review coverage.

The company also offers a mobile app, which provides members with access to their benefits, digital ID card, claims list, account balances, and coverage details. The app also enables members to view their progress toward their deductible, manage claims, find a doctor or procedure, and get medication details and cost estimates.

In addition to these options, members can also reach out to Aetna via Facebook or Twitter. The company responds to messages on these platforms Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST.

Aetna's history

Aetna is an American managed health care company that offers health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as Medicare plans, to individuals and employer groups. The company was founded in 1853 in Hartford, Connecticut, and is currently headquartered there.

Over the years, Aetna has expanded its services and merged with or acquired several other companies, including U.S. Healthcare in the 1990s, NYLCare Health Plans in 1998, and Prudential HealthCare in 1999. These acquisitions made Aetna the nation's largest provider of health benefits. In 2017, CVS Health acquired Aetna, and it now operates as a subsidiary, providing services to about 39 million people across the U.S. through a network of 1 million health insurance providers.

Aetna's current offerings include Affordable Care Act plans, employer plans, Medicare, Medicaid, dental insurance, vision insurance, and supplemental insurance. The company has received high ratings from AM Best and the BBB, and customer feedback is generally positive.

Aetna's Medicare plans

Aetna offers a range of Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and prescription drug plans (Part D). These plans are designed to provide additional benefits and services that are not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

Aetna's Medicare Advantage plans include the following options:

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans: Members choose a primary care provider within a network of doctors and hospitals, who coordinates their care.
• HMO-Point of Service (HMO-POS) plans: Members receive the benefits of an HMO plan but have the flexibility to go to licensed dental providers in or out of the network.
• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans: Members can visit Medicare-approved providers in or out of the Aetna provider network who accept the plan terms.
• Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNP): These plans offer support to individuals who have both Medicare and Medicaid.

Aetna's Medicare Advantage plans may include benefits such as access to fitness locations, over-the-counter allowances, oral exams and cleanings, eye exams and eyeglasses or contacts coverage, and hearing exams and hearing aid coverage. These plans may also include prescription drug coverage.

In addition to Medicare Advantage plans, Aetna offers Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, also known as Medigap plans. These plans help cover some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Aetna's ratings

Aetna is one of the oldest and largest insurers in the USA. It was founded in 1850, or 1853 according to some sources, and currently has over 35,000 employees worldwide. Aetna is a well-established company with a strong financial outlook and high ratings from numerous financial ratings bureaus, including AM Best, which gave Aetna an A (Excellent) rating.

Aetna offers a wide range of health, dental, and vision insurance options for individuals and employer groups. Aetna stopped offering individual health insurance plans in 2018 due to revenue losses but continues to offer Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement insurance in all 50 states. Aetna also offers standalone dental plans for individuals and families.

For employer groups, Aetna offers health insurance, group dental insurance, group vision insurance, and group disability insurance.

Aetna has a large provider network, and most plans cover out-of-network providers, as well. Plan types include HMO, POS, PPO, EPO, and high-deductible health plans with HSA.

Aetna has received numerous awards and recognition over the years. In 2008, the company was named a winner by the Institute for Healthcare Advancement in their Health Literacy Awards for a study about asthma health. In 2010, Aetna was recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for its outstanding customer service. In 2011, the company was awarded for "being green" and eliminating paper for healthcare professionals. Aetna has also been recognized for its focus on ethnic and racial equality and support for a culturally diverse workforce.

Aetna has an extensive online presence and offers a mobile app that allows members to view benefits and progress toward deductibles, get digital member IDs, see claims and account balances, view claim details, find doctors and procedures, get medication details and cost estimates, and see what's covered under their plan.

Aetna does not offer auto insurance and has no plans to do so in the future.

Frequently asked questions