Selecting the right health insurance is crucial for ensuring access to quality healthcare services and financial protection. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best provider. To help you navigate this important decision, we have evaluated the top health insurance companies in the USA for 2024 based on factors such as cost, plan quality, customer satisfaction, and more. Here are the 10 best health insurance companies for 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Blue Cross Blue Shield is known for its extensive provider network and is a top choice for self-employed individuals.
- Kaiser Permanente offers the highest quality plans and is highly rated for customer satisfaction.
- UnitedHealthcare boasts the best provider network and is ideal for those seeking low out-of-pocket costs.
- Aetna is a great option for young adults, offering a range of plans that cater to their specific needs.
- Cigna provides comprehensive coverage options and is well-regarded for its customer service and plan flexibility.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield is our pick for best overall health insurance provider because of its wide range of advantages, including provider network and widespread availability, good-value silver plans, and plan options.
Overview
Blue Cross Blue Shield is our all-around favorite because it hits the mark on a number of fronts. First, it won our best overall cost score, which combines information about premiums, deductibles, and copays across various age groups and metal tiers. BCBS also offers the best value for popular silver plans and the best value for 60-year-olds, based on the quotes we gathered. So, if you’re in that age group or looking for a medium level of coverage, this may be the provider for you.
State Availability
Blue Cross Blue Shield is available in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Best Health Insurance Provider Network
The Blue Cross Blue Shield collective is the third-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans and includes companies present in 48 states and Puerto Rico. Though BCBS’s presence is nationwide, individual companies offer benefits specific to their areas.
Blue Cross Blue Shield: 5.0 rating, 1.7m+ providers, all metal tiers.
NCQA Quality Rating
| Rating | Score |
|---|---|
| NCQA | 3.5/5 |
NAIC Complaint Level
Very low
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is known for its integrated healthcare system, which offers health insurance coverage and services through its network of hospitals, clinics, and physicians. Kaiser Permanente was the top health insurer overall in the U.S. with 4.2 stars. This is the second year in a row that it has received the highest rating.
Integrated Healthcare System
Kaiser Permanente’s coordinated care experience offers an integrated approach within its own network. Though this can limit flexibility, it’s part of the reason why Kaiser Permanente has the lowest level of member complaints in our list of best health insurance companies.
Preventive Care and Wellness Programs
The company’s benefit design often emphasizes preventive care and wellness programs. This focus helps in maintaining the overall health of its members and reducing long-term healthcare costs.
Predictable Costs
Kaiser Permanente typically operates on a capitated model, where members pay a fixed monthly premium regardless of the services they use. This can lead to predictable costs for members, but out-of-network care may be limited.
If you’re shopping for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Kaiser Permanente is the best health insurance company. The insurer has a strong rating from the National Committee of Quality Assurance (NCQA), a very low level of complaints to state insurance departments, and affordable rates.
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is a prominent player in the health insurance market, known for its extensive network and comprehensive coverage options. UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans and partners with AARP to offer Medicare products under the AARP name. The company operates in 49 states and Washington, D.C., ensuring a wide reach across the country.
Many of UHC’s members are in highly rated plans, although member experience ratings are average among major providers.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extensive network with over 1.7 million in-network providers.
- Available in all ACA metal tiers.
- Operates in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons:
- Member experience scores are average.
- Offers one of the highest-priced special needs plans, although lower-priced plans are also available.
States Available
UnitedHealthcare is available in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in High-Rated Plans
Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher: Medium (50% to 89%).
Aetna
Aetna, a CVS Health company, is the fourth-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. All of Aetna’s plans provide cost help with dental, vision, and hearing care, and many offer other extras. Some valuable Aetna benefits include a travel benefit that allows you to access Aetna Medicare providers outside your service area, an over-the-counter benefit that lets you pick up items like vitamins and cold medications from drugstores or online at no cost, and access to a consultant to help members find local resources.
Aetna also provides a $25/quarter allowance toward CVS-branded wellness products.
It offers HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, and HMO-POS plans, but only in three metal tiers: Expanded bronze, silver, and gold. Its bronze pricing was the second-lowest among the insurers we surveyed. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the few providers we surveyed without catastrophic plans.
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and offer a variety of extra benefits. Member experience scores are also high, and star ratings land just above the industry average.
Availability
Aetna CVS Health is available in 12 states.
NCQA Rating
Aetna’s plans have an average NCQA rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, an improvement over last year’s score of 3.4.
Additional Features
Aetna CVS Health provides free or low-cost MinuteClinic services seven days per week, making it the best health insurance provider for same-day care for minor issues.
Cigna
Cigna is a well-established health insurance provider, serving in 14 states. It offers a variety of plans, including HMOs, PPOs, and EPOs, catering to different needs and preferences. Cigna is known for its competitive premiums and above-average NCQA ratings.
Plan Options
Cigna provides a range of plan options, including bronze, silver, gold, and platinum levels. These plans are designed to meet the diverse needs of its members, ensuring that there is a suitable option for everyone.
Market Share
Cigna holds a market share of 2.39% as of 2022, making it one of the significant players in the health insurance industry.
Ratings
Cigna has received above-average ratings from the NCQA, reflecting its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Discover Cigna health insurance, rated 3.0, and uncover the benefits and details in our comprehensive review.
Availability
Cigna’s health insurance plans are available in 14 states, providing a wide range of options for individuals and families across these regions.
Humana
Humana is a standout in the health insurance market, particularly for its $0-premium plans available in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The company is the second-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, with 83% of members in non-special needs plans (SNPs) enrolled in a $0-premium plan.
Pros
- Offers $0-premium plans in every U.S. state except Alaska.
- Higher-than-average overall star rating from CMS.
- Strong member experience scores among major providers.
Cons
- Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans available in only 22 states.
- The National Committee for Quality Assurance gives several Humana plans a 3 or below on its 5-point scale.
Medicare Star Ratings
Humana’s average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment, is 4.35 out of 5. Nearly all of its existing Medicare Advantage contracts are rated 4 stars or higher for 2024.
Availability
Humana plans are widely available, highly rated by CMS, and score well for member satisfaction. The company offers $0-premium plans in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Humana has 25 contracts rated 4 stars or higher (out of 5) for 2024; these contracts include nearly all of its existing Medicare Advantage plans.
Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare is a prominent player in the health insurance market, holding a 1.99% market share in 2022. The company is known for offering $0-premium plans in every U.S. state except Alaska, making it a viable option for many.
Pros
- Offers $0-premium plans in every U.S. state except Alaska.
- Higher-than-average overall star rating from CMS.
- Strong member experience scores among major providers.
Cons
- Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans available in only 22 states.
- The National Committee for Quality Assurance gives several Humana plans a 3 or below on its 5-point scale.
Molina Healthcare has consistently been recognized for its strong member experience scores, making it one of the best health insurance companies for those looking for affordable care act plans.
Centene Corporation
Centene Corporation is a significant player in the health insurance market, holding a market share of 6.68% in 2022. This positions Centene as the third-largest health insurance provider in the United States.
Employee Satisfaction
Market Position
| Rank | Company | Market Share in 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UnitedHealth Group | 15.34% |
| 2 | Elevance Health Inc. | 7.16% |
| 3 | Centene Corp. | 6.68% |
| 4 | Kaiser Foundation | 6.18% |
| 5 | Humana | 6.03% |
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Strong market position
- Diverse range of health plans
- Cons:
- Member experience scores are average
- Offers one of the highest-priced special needs plans, although lower-priced plans are also available
Centene’s robust market presence and diverse offerings make it a key player in the health insurance industry, despite some areas for improvement.
Anthem
Anthem, now known as Elevance Health Inc., is one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has cheap rates and a large network of doctors, but customer satisfaction is low in some states.
Market Share
Anthem holds a significant position in the market with a 7.16% share in 2022, making it the second-largest health insurance company by market share.
| Rank | Company | Market Share in 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Elevance Health Inc. (formerly Anthem) | 7.16% |
Coverage
Anthem offers a wide range of health insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and individual and family plans. The company is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield family, which includes 33 independent companies.
Customer Satisfaction
While Anthem provides affordable rates and a large network of doctors, customer satisfaction varies by state. Some states report lower satisfaction levels, which is an area for potential improvement.
Anthem’s extensive network and affordable rates make it a strong contender in the health insurance market, despite varying customer satisfaction levels.
Oscar Health
Oscar Health is a standout choice for those seeking comprehensive health management programs. Oscar offers the widest range of medical management programs among the providers we researched, making it a leader in preventive health. The company provides innovative programs to reward you for taking steps toward a healthier future, such as $0 virtual primary and urgent care with most plans and up to $100 in Amazon gift cards for meeting annual walking step goals.
Availability
Oscar Health is available in 18 states, but it’s important to note that not all plan types are available everywhere. The company offers PPOs, HMOs, and EPOs, and covers all metal tiers except platinum.
NCQA Rating
Another rating for Oscar is from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. NCQA gave the company 2.75 out of 5 stars for a New York-based health plan.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Widest variety of health management programs available
- Best copays for physician visits across silver and bronze plans
- Up to $75 annually in step rewards
Cons
- Not available nationwide
- Low patient satisfaction ratings
Additional Features
Oscar Health offers a variety of programs including asthma, diabetes, depression, pain management, heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, low back pain, and pregnancy. It was the only insurer among the ones we surveyed to offer a weight loss program. Additionally, Oscar has the lowest physician copays, with $0 in many cases, particularly in its bronze and silver plans.
If you want low copays and various health management programs, Oscar is one company to consider.
Conclusion
Choosing the right health insurance company is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your overall well-being and financial stability. In this article, we have highlighted the top 10 health insurance companies in the USA for 2024, based on comprehensive evaluations of cost, plan quality, customer satisfaction, and more. Whether you are an individual looking for personal coverage or an employer aiming to provide the best options for your employees, these companies offer a variety of plans to meet diverse needs. By considering factors such as provider networks, out-of-pocket costs, and plan benefits, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your healthcare requirements and budget. Remember, the best health insurance plan is one that offers the right balance of coverage, affordability, and accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider when choosing a health insurance company?
When choosing a health insurance company, consider factors such as cost, plan quality, customer satisfaction, plan benefits, state availability, dental coverage, types of plans available, and ACA metal levels available.
Which health insurance company has the best provider network?
According to our research, UnitedHealthcare is known for having the best provider network.
What makes Kaiser Permanente stand out among health insurance companies?
Kaiser Permanente is recognized for its high-quality plans and excellent customer satisfaction ratings.
Are there health insurance companies that offer low out-of-pocket costs?
Yes, UnitedHealthcare is noted for offering plans with low out-of-pocket costs.
Is Blue Cross Blue Shield a good option for self-employed individuals?
Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield is often recommended as the best health insurance for self-employed individuals.
How were the best health insurance companies for 2024 evaluated?
The best health insurance companies for 2024 were evaluated based on 40 criteria, including cost, plan quality, customer satisfaction, plan benefits, state availability, dental coverage, types of plans available, and ACA metal levels available.
