Top 10 Health Insurance Providers Compared
By Sheila Morgan | Published: 2025-03-12 | Category: Health Insurance Plans
About Health Insurance Plans
Financial products designed to cover medical and surgical expenses incurred by the insured individual. Plans help manage healthcare costs through features like networks, premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
How We Tested
Evaluation based on analysis of publicly available plan information, customer satisfaction ratings from reputable sources, network size assessments, and expert reviews of coverage breadth and value. No direct product testing was performed.
Scoring Criteria
- → Plan Structure & Comprehensiveness
- → Member Tools & Enrollment Process
- → Network Access & Claims Handling
- → Member Support & Satisfaction Ratings
- → Cost relative to Benefits & Network
The Best Health Insurance Plans
Oscar Health Plans
By Oscar Health
Technology-focused health insurer offering individual, family, and small group plans, emphasizing digital tools and telehealth.
Key Features
- ✓Network Type: Primarily EPO and HMO networks
- ✓Coverage Scope: Individual, Family, Small Group, some Medicare Advantage
- ✓Key Feature: Strong mobile app, free telemedicine, care navigation teams
- ✓Website: www.hioscar.com
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Excellent digital tools and user-friendly interface
- + Emphasis on virtual care and member support
- + Often competitive pricing on ACA exchanges
Cons
- - Networks are typically narrow (EPO/HMO)
- - Limited geographic availability compared to larger insurers
- - Still establishing long-term track record
Verdict
"A modern choice for tech-savvy individuals comfortable with digital health tools and narrower networks, often found on ACA marketplaces."
Molina Healthcare Plans
By Molina Healthcare
Focuses on government-sponsored healthcare programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA Marketplace plans, often serving low-income individuals.
Key Features
- ✓Network Type: Primarily HMO and state-specific networks
- ✓Coverage Scope: Medicaid, Medicare, ACA Marketplace
- ✓Key Feature: Specializes in managed care for government programs
- ✓Website: www.molinahealthcare.com
Scorecard (Overall: 6.4 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Experienced provider for Medicaid and Medicare populations
- + Often offers affordable ACA plan options
- + Available in multiple states
Cons
- - Networks can be restrictive
- - Customer satisfaction ratings are typically average or below
- - Primarily focused on specific population segments
Verdict
"A significant provider for Medicaid, Medicare, and budget-conscious ACA shoppers, though network and service limitations should be considered."
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Ambetter Health Insurance
By Ambetter (Centene Corporation)
Primarily offers Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, focusing on providing affordable coverage options across numerous states.
Key Features
- ✓Network Type: Primarily EPO and HMO networks
- ✓Coverage Scope: Individual & Family (ACA Marketplace focus)
- ✓Key Feature: Wide availability on ACA exchanges, often with competitive pricing
- ✓Website: www.ambetterhealth.com
Scorecard (Overall: 6.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Often among the most affordable options on ACA marketplaces
- + Available in many states
- + Offers essential health benefits coverage
Cons
- - Networks tend to be smaller and more restrictive (EPO/HMO)
- - Customer service ratings are often below average
- - Limited out-of-network coverage
Verdict
"A key player for affordable ACA marketplace coverage, best suited for individuals prioritizing lower premiums who can stay within a limited network."
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Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) Network Access
By Blue Cross Blue Shield
Represents 34 independent BCBS companies providing coverage nationwide; known for the broad BlueCard PPO network accessible via local BCBS plans.
Key Features
- ✓Network Type: Extensive PPO (BlueCard), HMO, EPO options via local companies
- ✓Coverage Scope: Individual, Family, Employer, Medicare, Medicaid (via local companies)
- ✓Key Feature: Collectively the largest network access in the US
- ✓Website: www.bcbs.com (Association site; links to local companies)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Unmatched national network reach through BlueCard program
- + Strong local presence and plan variety via independent companies
- + High brand trust and recognition
Cons
- - Experience varies significantly depending on the local BCBS company
- - Coordination can sometimes be complex between different BCBS entities
Verdict
"The BCBS system offers unparalleled network access through its independent companies, making it a top consideration virtually anywhere in the US."
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Humana Health Insurance
By Humana
Major health insurer particularly strong in the Medicare Advantage market, also offering employer and some individual plans.
Key Features
- ✓Network Type: PPO, HMO primarily for Medicare Advantage; some Employer options
- ✓Coverage Scope: Medicare Advantage (major focus), Employer, some Dental/Vision
- ✓Key Feature: Extensive Medicare Advantage plan options with wellness programs
- ✓Website: www.humana.com
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Leader in Medicare Advantage plans
- + Strong customer support reputation, especially for seniors
- + Good wellness and supplemental benefits (dental, vision)
Cons
- - Limited individual/family plan offerings outside of Medicare
- - Network size for non-Medicare plans varies geographically
Verdict
"An excellent choice for Medicare beneficiaries seeking comprehensive Advantage plans with strong support and benefits."
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Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
By Anthem (Elevance Health)
One of the largest Blue Cross Blue Shield licensees, offering plans in 14 states with access to the broad national BlueCard PPO network.
Key Features
- ✓Network Type: PPO (BlueCard), HMO, EPO, POS
- ✓Coverage Scope: Individual, Family, Employer, Medicare, Medicaid (in specific states)
- ✓Key Feature: Access to extensive BCBS BlueCard network nationwide
- ✓Website: www.anthem.com
- ✓Primary Service States: CA, CO, CT, GA, IN, KY, ME, MO, NH, NV, NY, OH, VA, WI
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Access to one of the largest provider networks via BlueCard
- + Wide range of plan options available
- + Strong brand recognition and stability
Cons
- - Customer service experiences can differ significantly by state/plan
- - Website/app usability could be improved for some users
Verdict
"A leading option in its service states, offering robust network access ideal for those who travel or want broad provider choice."
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Cigna Health Plans
By Cigna
Global health service company offering insurance plans with a focus on wellness programs and international coverage options.
Key Features
- ✓Network Type: National and international PPO, HMO networks
- ✓Coverage Scope: Individual, Family, Employer, Medicare, International
- ✓Key Feature: Strong focus on preventative care and wellness incentives
- ✓Website: www.cigna.com
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Good digital tools and telehealth options
- + Emphasis on health and wellness programs
- + Offers international coverage plans
Cons
- - Network size may be smaller than largest competitors in some areas
- - Customer service reviews can be mixed
Verdict
"A solid choice, particularly for employer-sponsored plans and those interested in wellness incentives or international coverage."
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Aetna Health Insurance
By Aetna (a CVS Health company)
Major national insurer offering a wide range of health plans, leveraging CVS Health resources for added member benefits.
Key Features
- ✓Network Type: Broad PPO, HMO, POS networks
- ✓Coverage Scope: Individual, Family, Employer, Medicare
- ✓Key Feature: Integration with CVS Health services (MinuteClinic, pharmacy benefits)
- ✓Website: www.aetna.com
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Large national network
- + Good range of plan options
- + Benefits integrated with CVS locations and services
Cons
- - Customer satisfaction varies
- - Can be relatively expensive depending on the plan
Verdict
"A strong contender with a large network and unique benefits through its CVS Health integration."
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Kaiser Permanente Health Plans
By Kaiser Permanente
Integrated delivery system combining health coverage and care, primarily operating in specific states with its own hospitals and medical groups.
Key Features
- ✓Network Type: Integrated system (primarily HMO)
- ✓Coverage Scope: Individual, Family, Employer, Medicare (in service areas)
- ✓Key Feature: Coordinated care within Kaiser network
- ✓Website: healthy.kaiserpermanente.org
- ✓Service Areas: CA, CO, GA, HI, MD, OR, VA, WA, DC
Scorecard (Overall: 8.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + High customer satisfaction ratings
- + Seamless coordination between insurance and care providers
- + Emphasis on preventive care
Cons
- - Limited provider choice (must use Kaiser facilities/doctors)
- - Restricted service area (not available nationwide)
Verdict
"Excellent option for those within its service areas who value integrated care and high member satisfaction."
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UnitedHealthcare Plans
By UnitedHealthcare
Offers a vast network and diverse plan options (HMO, PPO, etc.) nationwide, serving individuals, employers, and Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries.
Key Features
- ✓Network Type: Extensive national PPO, HMO, POS options
- ✓Coverage Scope: Individual, Family, Employer, Medicare, Medicaid
- ✓Key Feature: Large provider network, digital health tools
- ✓Website: www.uhc.com
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Largest national provider network
- + Wide variety of plan types
- + Strong digital tools and app
Cons
- - Customer service ratings can vary by region
- - Can be more expensive than some competitors
Verdict
"A top choice for those prioritizing network size and plan flexibility across the US."
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Final Thoughts
The health insurance landscape offers diverse options, from integrated systems like Kaiser Permanente to vast national networks like UnitedHealthcare and BCBS. Choices often depend on location, budget, network needs, and desired level of digital integration or specific program focus (like Medicare with Humana or ACA with Ambetter/Molina). Evaluating customer satisfaction, network adequacy, and overall value is crucial.
Notable Mentions:
- UnitedHealthcare: Largest national network provides maximum flexibility.
- Anthem/BCBS: Broad access via the BlueCard network is a major advantage.
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