Here’s a quick look at some of the best health insurance companies in the USA:
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Health insurance is a safeguard against unexpected medical expenses. It helps millions of Americans access timely healthcare services without worrying about astronomical bills. The U.S. health insurance landscape offers scores of options for all types of situations – from comprehensive overall policies to specialized health insurance for students.
To help you search for some of the best health insurance companies, TrySmartly provides online resources to help you make informed decisions about your health insurance and potentially save money without sacrificing coverage.
Here’s a quick look at some of the best health insurance companies in the USA:
When it comes to labeling a health insurance company as the best, several factors come into play, including:
Comprehensive coverage options
Claim settlement history
Affordability
Ease of policy management
Customer service efficiency
Network breadth
Given all these factors, choosing a top-rated health insurance company can make all the difference in accessing quality care. That’s where TrySmartly can help. Use our online resources to familiarize yourself with your options and make sure you’re adequately protected without overpaying.
This table summarizes some of the best health insurance companies overall:
| Insurance Company | Average Monthly Premium* | Customer Satisfaction Rating (out of 1,000) | Network Breadth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Permanente | $454 | 778 |
|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) | $607 | 755 |
|
| UnitedHealthcare | $546 | 729 |
|
| Aetna | $450 | 821 |
|
| Cigna | $465 | 727 |
|
From these providers, Kaiser Permanente stands out, often acclaimed for its robust coverage options and price for value. Kaiser is a nonprofit organization that combines health insurance with a large pool of hospitals, physicians, pharmacies, labs, and other services. It operates in eight states – California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
Monthly average cost
Kaiser offers a variety of coverage options that cover preventive care, doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. They come in the form of:
Kaiser offers two types of health insurance plans:
Along with its standard coverage, Kaiser Permanente provides the following perks and benefits to its members:
The average price for a Kaiser Permanente plan is $381 monthly for a 30-year-old, $482 for a 40-year-old, and $599 for a 50-year-old.
Cigna stands out if you're looking for a company with comprehensive PPO (preferred provider organization) plans, which grant members the flexibility to see any doctor or specialist without needing a referral. PPO plans provide flexibility to choose providers inside or outside Cigna’s network.
Monthly average cost
Cigna offers the following types of health insurance:
Cigna offers the following perks to its policyholders:
The average cost for Cigna’s health insurance is $443 monthly for a 30-year-old, $497 for a 40-year-old, and $696 for a 50-year-old.
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans usually restrict the coverage to care from doctors within the network. It typically doesn't cover out-of-network physicians unless there's an emergency. If you have an HMO plan, you will need a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialist, but it usually comes with lower rates.
In this section, we look at Ambetter, which offers 191 HMO plans with lower-than-average rates at around $505 per month.
Monthly average cost
Here are the types of individual health insurance plans offered by Ambetter:
Ambetter offers the following perks to policyholders:
The average price is $408 monthly for a 30-year-old, $460 for a 40-year-old, and $642 for a 50-year-old.
TrySmartly provides resources to help you learn more about your insurance options and make an informed decision when selecting the best health insurance company. This can help you look for providers that offer comprehensive coverage within your budget. Navigate your health insurance options with ease–click to begin.
HSA (Health Savings Account) plans are tax-advantaged medical savings accounts for individuals enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). They allow individuals to set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses when their deductibles are too high.
Not all health insurance companies offer an HSA plan, but Aetna does. With an Aetna HSA, you can contribute pre-tax dollars, which can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses. The funds also roll over annually and can earn interest.
The IRS limits contributions to $3,850 yearly for self-only coverage and $7,750 for family coverage. Account holders over 55 can contribute an additional $1,000 annually. Aetna's HSA can also serve as a supplementary retirement account since, after age 65, you can withdraw the funds for any purpose without penalty. But non-medical withdrawals will be taxed.
Monthly average cost
Aetna offers the following types of health insurance:
Along with standard insurance plans, Aetna also provides the following benefits:
The average cost of health insurance is $421 monthly for a 30-year-old, $474 for a 40-year-old, and $662 for a 50-year-old.
Without the cushion of employer-sponsored insurance, self-employed individuals require private plans that are flexible, comprehensive, and cost-effective.
Meeting these demands, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) stands out for its range of specialized services and benefits.
Monthly average cost
UHC extends its network to 18 states in the U.S. It offers the following two plans for self-employed individuals and families:
Additional benefits and rewards include:
The average cost of UnitedHealthcare’s health insurance is about $403 monthly for a 30-year-old, $454 for a 40-year-old, and $634 for a 50-year-old.
As routine medical check-ups, treatments for age-related ailments, and preventive care become more frequent, the need for a reliable health insurance company grows. When searching for health insurance for seniors, Oscar Insurance Company stands out.
Monthly average cost
Oscar extends its coverage to 20 U.S. states. It offers the following three types of health insurance plans:
Oscar also offers two other benefits at no additional cost:
The average premium for seniors aged 60 is $855 monthly for the Bronze plan, $2,073 for the Silver plan, and $2,263 for the Gold plan.
The transition from adolescence to young adulthood brings several changes to college students, including getting their own insurance plan. Students have several options when looking for health insurance coverage.
They can stay on a parent’s plan if they are under 26.
They can enroll in a university-sponsored health care program. These plans vary by school and typically offer basic coverage options at affordable rates.
If you’re a student looking for more comprehensive coverage, you can opt to enroll in a plan offered by a private health insurance company.
With its national presence and emphasis on prevention and well-being, Blue Cross Blue Shield stands out as one of the best health insurance providers for college students.
Monthly average cost
$441
Blue Cross Blue Shield is accepted by 90% of all U.S. doctors and hospitals, which may benefit college students. Moreover, its coverage reaches all 50 states and Washington, D.C., allowing college students to move freely across the country and still maintain their coverage.
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the following types of health insurance:
Along with being cost-effective, BCBS also offers the following benefits:
The average cost of BCBS’s Silver Plan for a 21-year-old, which covers 70% of healthcare costs, is $441 monthly.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for individuals aged 65 and older, though it also covers some younger people with certain disabilities. Administered by the U.S. government, Medicare provides basic health coverage.
However, many beneficiaries opt for additional insurance to fill the coverage gaps and access additional services and benefits. One of these Medicare-centric companies is Humana.
Monthly average cost
Humana offers three main types of Medicare coverage:
Many reputable companies like AM Best, J.D. Power, and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) rate health insurance companies. These ratings are based on several factors, including customer satisfaction, financial strength of the company, and quality of care.
This information is publicly available, helping individuals make informed decisions when searching for some of the best health insurance.
In your journey of comparing and understanding the reliability of major health insurance companies, TrySmartly can be a valuable guide. We provide individuals with information that empowers them to make smarter decisions on their insurance needs.
This table summarizes how some of the best health insurance companies are rated in the U.S.:
| Insurance Company | AM Best Rating | J.D. Power Rating (out of 1,000) | NCQA Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna | A | 717 | 3.5 |
| UnitedHealthcare | A+ | 717 | 4 |
| Kaiser Permanente | Not rated | 749 | 4.5 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | A- | 722 | 4.5 |
| Humana | A- | 744 | 4 |
| Cigna | A | 714 | 4 |
Choosing the right health insurance company is a decision that shapes both your financial and physical well-being. With TrySmartly, you can access online resources that can help you make an informed decision on the right type of health insurance for you. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a health insurance provider:
Affordability: It’s always better to compare quotes from different providers to ensure you’re getting the best value for your price. Before choosing a health insurance provider, consider the monthly premiums, deductibles, and copays.
Type of Insurance Plan: Next, consider the type of insurance you want. There are four primary options: HMO, PPO, POS, and EPO, all of which differ in pricing and their approach to in-network and out-of-network providers. Opting for in-network providers typically comes with lower premiums and copays. You should also consider the metal tiers – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – as they differ in their premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Coverage Benefits: Some of the best healthcare insurance companies offer extra benefits, including reduced rates for mental health services or gym memberships. Look out for companies that offer perks that would be beneficial for you.
Reputation & Customer Experience: Ratings and customer reviews should also affect your decision. Check their responsiveness, support quality, and resource availability for members.
Long-Term Flexibility: Your health and insurance needs will evolve over time. Whether it’s due to changes in health, family size, or financial situation, ensure the health insurance provider you choose offers flexibility to adjust accordingly.
If there are still some gray areas, this FAQ section will clarify any questions you may have:
The right health insurance plan depends on factors like your medical needs, budget, preferred providers, and frequency of doctor visits. Also, assess monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, and health insurance provider networks.
Beyond standard medical coverage, many health insurance providers offer perks like telemedicine services, wellness programs, gym membership discounts, and incentives for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Review the benefits listed by the provider to ensure you’re maximizing your plan’s value.
No, there is currently no federal law requiring you to have health insurance. However, some states may have unique mandates, so it’s always better to check with your local regulations.
In the U.S., health insurance companies cater to diverse needs, offering a spectrum of coverage options. Making an informed choice becomes easier with platforms like TrySmartly that provide comprehensive information. Finding the right health insurance provider is easier than you think – start now.