Jane Dotson
When it comes to medical insurance in the USA, there are several factors to consider when choosing a provider. Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna are consistently ranked highly across sources, with Kaiser Permanente praised for its low premiums and centralized medical services. UnitedHealthcare is available in 30 states and is a good option for those seeking a low deductible. Aetna, a subsidiary of CVS Health, offers a wide range of coverage options and competitive rates, making it a popular choice for young adults. Other notable mentions include Elevance Health, which provides Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance in 14 states, and Cigna, which acquired Express Scripts in 2018. Ultimately, the best medical insurer depends on individual needs, such as affordability, specific medical requirements, and the desire for streamlined services or a wide range of coverage options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best Health Insurance Companies of 2025 | Kaiser Permanente, Aetna, Oscar, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare |
| Kaiser Permanente's USPs | Lowest average premium, one of the lowest average silver deductibles, centralized medical services, streamlined appointment and referral processes, 8 medical management programs for chronic conditions, mobile app rated 4.79/5 |
| Kaiser Permanente's Limitations | Long wait times for primary, specialty, advanced medical and mental health care appointments, bureaucratic |
| Aetna's USPs | Low NAIC complaint index, 8 medical management programs addressing conditions like depression, asthma, and chronic pain, Aetna CVS Health plans provide access to no-cost or low-cost care at more than 1,100 national MinuteClinic locations inside CVS or Target stores, Attain by Aetna app offers rewards and incentives for completing healthy activities |
| UnitedHealthcare's USPs | Available in 30 states, large national network, offers short-term health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and supplemental insurance policies |
| UnitedHealthcare's Limitations | Expensive, no PPO option available, high average individual silver plan premium |
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What You'll Learn
- Kaiser Permanente: lowest premiums, tailored care, and integrated services
- UnitedHealthcare: broad coverage, low deductible, and large network
- Aetna: low complaints, health incentives, and CVS Health plans
- Blue Cross Blue Shield: highly-ranked, broad health plans, and marketplace coverage
- Elevance Health: provides Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance in 14 states
Kaiser Permanente: lowest premiums, tailored care, and integrated services
Kaiser Permanente is a highly-rated health insurance company in the United States. It stands out for offering the lowest average premium among its competitors, providing tailored care, and offering integrated services.
Kaiser Permanente's low premiums mean that members can access healthcare at a lower cost compared to other insurers. The company also boasts one of the lowest average silver deductibles, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for its members. This makes Kaiser Permanente an attractive option for those seeking affordable healthcare coverage.
Kaiser Permanente's tailored care approach is also noteworthy. The company offers centralized medical services and streamlined appointment and referral processes, making it convenient for members to navigate their healthcare journey. This integrated care model has received recognition from members who appreciate the efficiency and convenience it provides.
The company's Medicare plans have consistently earned high ratings. In the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) 2024 annual Star Ratings, Kaiser Permanente's Medicare plans received 4.5 out of 5 stars, prompting recognition from U.S. News & World Report, which named Kaiser Permanente in Colorado to its 2024 Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage list. Kaiser Permanente's Medicare health plan is also the highest-rated in Colorado, further solidifying its reputation for quality Medicare coverage.
Kaiser Permanente's commitment to quality and innovation is evident in its recognition as the first healthcare organization to win a Design Company award. Additionally, its plans in Hawaii lead the state in 60 care quality measures, demonstrating a dedication to delivering exceptional healthcare across different regions.
While Kaiser Permanente excels in many areas, some members have expressed concerns about long wait times for appointments, including primary, specialty, advanced medical, and mental healthcare. Despite these challenges, Kaiser Permanente remains a highly-regarded health insurance provider, known for its integrated care, low premiums, and commitment to delivering tailored, high-quality healthcare services.
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UnitedHealthcare: broad coverage, low deductible, and large network
UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health insurance companies in the world and the largest single healthcare carrier in the United States, covering approximately 70 million Americans. It offers a wide range of plan options for individuals, families, and employers, including Medicare Advantage plans for seniors, and Medicaid plans for low-income consumers.
UnitedHealthcare has a broad coverage network of over 1.3 million medical providers, making it easier to find a doctor who accepts the plan compared to other insurers. It offers health maintenance organization (HMO) and exclusive provider organization (EPO) plans, as well as short-term health insurance, supplemental insurance policies, and international travel insurance.
The company has one of the lowest average silver deductibles among its competitors, meaning lower out-of-pocket expenses for consumers. However, its premiums tend to be on the higher side, and its complaint levels are well above the industry average.
UnitedHealthcare is available on the Health Insurance Marketplace in 18 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
Reviews of UnitedHealthcare are mixed. While some customers praise the company for its coverage and options, others have criticised its practices, customer service, and high premiums.
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Aetna: low complaints, health incentives, and CVS Health plans
Aetna is a global health insurance provider with a presence in over 15 countries worldwide. It covers more than 800,000 individuals and offers services through more than 1.3 million medical centres internationally. In the United States, Aetna offers a wide range of coverage options, competitive rates, and health activity incentives, making it a popular choice for young adults.
Aetna's individual options include the Aetna CVS Health plans, which provide access to low-cost or no-cost care at over 1,100 MinuteClinic locations inside CVS or Target stores. These plans also come with a $25 allowance every three months to shop for CVS Health brand wellness products. Aetna CVS Health plans are available in several states, including California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Utah, Texas, and Virginia.
The Attain by Aetna app, available with eligible Aetna health insurance plans, offers rewards and incentives for completing healthy activities. The app combines personal health history with wearable device data to provide personalized tips for nutrition, mindfulness, sleep, and long-term health improvements.
Aetna has faced some criticism and legal action in the past. In 2018, the California Department of Insurance launched an investigation into Aetna after a former medical director testified that he never reviewed patients' medical records when deciding whether to approve or deny claims. Additionally, Aetna has been fined by the New York and Arizona Departments of Insurance for various violations, including mishandled claims and failure to provide policyholders with information about their rights on appeals. Despite these issues, Aetna remains a popular and highly-rated medical insurance provider in the United States.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield: highly-ranked, broad health plans, and marketplace coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a highly-ranked health insurance company in the United States. With over 90 years of experience, BCBS offers a broad range of health plans and marketplace coverage, catering to individuals, families, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
One of the standout features of Blue Cross Blue Shield is its extensive network of trusted healthcare providers. Members have access to a vast array of doctors, hospitals, dentists, and pharmacies, ensuring convenience and quality care across the nation. This includes the Blue Distinction® Specialty Care program, which connects members with high-quality doctors and hospitals that provide exceptional patient care.
Blue Cross Blue Shield also offers international coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global™. This program provides comprehensive health care solutions for individuals who live, work, or travel abroad, demonstrating BCBS's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its members.
In addition to its broad health plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield is known for its commitment to affordability and accessibility. The company strives to make healthcare insurance easy, affordable, and attainable for all, with a range of plans to suit different budgets and healthcare requirements. This includes the option of telehealth services, which can provide cost and time savings for medical, behavioural health, and dental care.
Blue Cross Blue Shield's high ranking among health insurers is further bolstered by its customer-centric approach. The company offers exclusive discounts on health and wellness products and services, enhancing the overall value for its members. With its combination of broad health plans, marketplace coverage, and focus on affordability and customer satisfaction, Blue Cross Blue Shield is a trusted choice for individuals, families, and employers seeking reliable health insurance in the United States.
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Elevance Health: provides Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance in 14 states
Elevance Health, Inc. is a prominent for-profit health insurance provider in the United States. It offers a diverse range of insurance plans, including commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid options, to meet the needs of employers, individuals, and families. One of its key offerings is Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance, which is available in 14 states.
The history of Elevance Health is deeply rooted in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Prior to its rebranding as Elevance Health in June 2022, the company was known as Anthem, Inc. Over the years, Anthem has strategically expanded its presence in the healthcare industry by acquiring various Blue Cross and Blue Shield entities across multiple states. This expansion has solidified its position as the largest for-profit managed healthcare company within the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
Anthem's journey with Blue Cross and Blue Shield began in 1972 when Blue Cross of Indiana and Blue Shield of Indiana entered into a joint operating agreement. In 1995, The Associated Group, which was formed by the merger of these two companies, established Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. This marked the beginning of Anthem's deep involvement with the Blue Cross Blue Shield network.
Since then, Anthem has continued to strengthen its relationship with Blue Cross Blue Shield. In 1997, Anthem acquired Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut. The following years saw further acquisitions of Blue Cross and Blue Shield entities in New Hampshire, Colorado, Nevada, and Maine. These strategic moves allowed Anthem to rapidly expand its customer base and solidify its presence in the healthcare market.
Today, Elevance Health, through its subsidiary Anthem, provides Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance in 14 states. This extensive reach demonstrates Elevance Health's commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to Americans across the country. The company's comprehensive suite of insurance plans, combined with its strong presence in the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, positions it as a leading and trusted choice for individuals and families seeking reliable healthcare coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best-rated medical insurers in the USA are Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Highmark, Elevance, HCSC, Humana, Cigna and Molina.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest insurer in the country, providing coverage to approximately 29 million Americans.
Kaiser Permanente offers the lowest average premium among the companies analysed. It also has one of the lowest average silver deductibles, which means you won’t pay as much out-of-pocket compared to other insurers when you need healthcare.
