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The Best Private Health Insurance Companies

Compare the top insurance health insurance companies in the United States.

Which are the best health insurance companies in America? It isn’t easy to know how to even begin sorting through your multiple options when your employer provides a choice of health plans, or you need to select a private health insurance plan.

We have done some of the legwork for you by examining which of the more than 900 companies that sell health insurance in the United States are ranked highest by objective criteria for such factors as prevention, treatment, and consumer satisfaction. We chose the top recommended insurance companies that have a wide range of available products, along with a few highly-rated regional companies.

To find the best plans for you and your family, you can start by entering your zip code and then other information at the companies’ websites. That will direct you to plans available in your area and for your circumstances, at which point you can compare local physician, hospital, and pharmacy options. You can also find the combination of a premium price, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses that is the best choice for you.

Best for Medicare Advantage: Aetna

An impressive 43 Aetna Medicare Advantage policies sold in 37 states, plus the District of Columbia, received top NCQA ratings, with Connecticut and Maine being standouts. For 2020, Aetna Medicare Advantage is available in 264 new counties across the country, offering millions more Medicare beneficiaries’ access to an Aetna plan. The company also sells Medicare Supplemental and Prescription Drug Plans in all 50 states and the District of Columbia as well as a combination dental, vision, and hearing product supplemental Medicare insurance in most states.

In the private arena, Aetna is a large provider of employer-based health insurance, and four Aetna policies serving four states made the top NCQA ranks. The carrier no longer sells individual insurance on healthcare.gov. Aetna plans in Utah and Pennsylvania were top scorers in NCQA, and Aetna was rated a J.D. Power regional “best for consumer satisfaction” in Delaware, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, and D.C. Additionally, Aetna’s pricing seems to be at a lower level than many competitors.

Aetna recently became part of CVS Health Company, and synergies between the two are starting to emerge. For instance, Aetna medical plan subscribers with high blood pressure can get a free home monitor at CVS. Chronic illness monitoring may also be available at CVS stores.

Best for Countrywide Coverage: Blue Cross/Blue Shield

One out of three U.S. residents has health coverage from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The names on numerous state plans include Anthem, Independence, Hawaii Medical Service, Highmark, and Wellmark, but all of the 36 independent and locally operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies open doors in all 50 states. Nationwide, over 96% of hospitals and 95% of doctors and specialists contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield companies—more than any other insurer.

Thirty-one Blue Cross Blue Shield organizations were highly rated by NCQA, and 14 received good financial ratings, although quite a few were not rated in this area. Ten Anthem Plans—as well as some with lower overall ratings—scored impressively in the consumer satisfaction area. Eleven of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Plans were highly rated. The Blues provides employer insurance, individual policies on healthcare.gov, and a range of Medicare plans (Medigap, Prescription Drugs Part D, and Medicare Advantage).

Best for Global Coverage: Cigna Health Insurance

It is not surprising that a company that sells a product known as Expatriates Insurance would lead our international coverage list. This global health service company has 170 million consumers served by a global network of 1.5 million healthcare professionals and doctors’ access in 200+ nations. It’s more-than-70,000 employees who offer services in 170+ languages. It recently merged with Express Scripts.

In the United States, four private Cigna plans were top-rated in NCQA. According to the J.D. Power survey, Cigna is the top performer in consumer satisfaction in New Jersey and East South-Central region. Cigna also has one of the lowest complaint rates in the industry, according to ACSI. Cigna sells medical policies in 10 states and dental plans in all 50, plus D.C. It sells individual health insurance plans on healthcare.gov and recently entered 19 new markets. Cigna also expanded its Medicare Advantage policies to 80 counties across 17 states.

References and Resources

• Medigap Insurance Plans
• Medicare Advantage Plans