Did you know that every year, the country’s citizens collectively spend $2.8 trillion on health care? That amount is mind-boggling, but the truth is that any kind of medical care definitely adds up on the bills. In most cases, it is not possible to pay the bills out of pocket. Thankfully, health insurance is the best way to help bring these costs down to some extent, while being able to obtain decent health care.
Keeping this requirement of consumers in mind, several health insurance companies cater to a plethora of medical needs for diverse groups of people.
To make it easy to choose an insurance provider, here is a list of 5 companies that offer the best health insurance plans in 2021. This article looks at the costs, customer service, their network, ratings, and financial strength.
Top healthcare insurance providers
- UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
One of the most popular names in health insurance, UHC is also the largest in terms of the number of policyholders. When compared to other providers in the industry, UHC’s plan may come off as expensive but the extra features are worth it. Another distinguishing aspect of the brand is its emphasis on excellent customer service and its user-friendly mobile app, which the insurance provider has been pushing quite aggressively. The company is integrating some of its features into wearable technology like the Apple Watch and has been encouraging consumers to manage their health online. - Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
With its subsidiary companies: Anthem, Highmark, Wellmark, and the like, spread over the entire country, BCBS is the winner with respect to provider networks. In the country, more than 80% of doctors and 90% of hospitals work with BCBS and this is way higher than any other health insurance provider. Though it has received some flak for its poor product servicing, denial of coverage, and probable long waiting time for the processing of claims, BCBS subsidiaries have turned the tables by receiving moderately high ratings for member satisfaction in 2019. - Kaiser Foundation Health Plan
Though it operates only in certain states, Kaiser’s private health insurance plans have been received very well and enjoy phenomenal ratings. The company’s USP is the Medicare Advantage policy that is applicable across America. All its policies are HMOs or Health Maintenance Organizations and that make them very affordable, with lower premiums and copays, no deductibles, and smaller prescription drug receipts. While policyholders can only seek medical attention from medical providers within the network, the benefits add up quite well. - Cigna
Cigna has made a remarkable spot for itself in international health insurance plans. Its popular product, Global Health Advantage, and a look at the numbers it boasts of are testimony. The brand attends to 17 million medical customers globally through a network of 1.5 million medical professionals and doctors in over 30 countries. Cigna sells individual plans on healthcare.gov in 220 counties spread over 5 states and there is no stopping the health insurance giant. Its Medical Advantage plans are now available in 369 counties across 23 states with an addition of 5 states in 2021. Cigna has been among the few companies to have partnered with the pharmacy benefit management organization Express Scripts in an attempt to lower costs and improve user care. - Aetna
Aetna offers plans in several states and most of them have spectacular ratings. In addition to selling Medicare Advantage, the provider also sells Medicare supplement plans and prescription drug plans in all the states. It is, additionally, a large provider of employer-based health insurance plans. Upon comparison, Aetna’s plans have emerged as more affordable than those of its competitors. Since it merged with CVS Health, Aetna has been taking advantage of its diverse portfolio of medical services.
