BlueCross BlueShield vs UnitedHealthcare

McCall Martin
McCall Martin | Senior Editor

BlueCross BlueShield and UnitedHealthcare are well-known health insurers. Both companies offer plans in many parts of the United States. Plan availability will vary based on location.

BlueCross BlueShield operates through many subsidiaries, which makes it trickier to compare it to other health insurers generally.

However, the best company for you depends on the kind of plan you need and what kinds of plans are available in your area.

BlueCross BlueShield logo
#2 BlueCross BlueShield
7.9 Overall Score
3.1
star star star star_border star_border
(838)
UnitedHealthcare logo
#5 UnitedHealthcare
6.9 Overall Score
2.2
star star star_border star_border star_border
(560)

Overview

BlueCross BlueShield

Health Plan Options

Customer Service Options

Perks and Support Programs

Time in Business

Undisclosed

UnitedHealthcare

Undisclosed

Ratings

BlueCross BlueShield

Overall Score
7.9 of 10
Review Score
3.1
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Value for Money
3.5
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Quality of Product or Service
3.6
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Company Trustworthiness
3.6
star star star star_half star_border
Likely to Recommend
6.1 of 10

UnitedHealthcare

6.9 of 10
2.2
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3.0
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3.0
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2.9
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4.5 of 10

Reviews

BlueCross BlueShield

Number of Reviews
838
Review Breakdown
3.1
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1 star
21%
2 star
6%
3 star
8%
4 star
23%
5 star
43%

UnitedHealthcare

560
2.2
star star star_border star_border star_border
1 star
37%
2 star
6%
3 star
6%
4 star
19%
5 star
32%

Reviews for BlueCross BlueShield

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Stephanie Bloniarz

March 22nd, 2024

We have BCBS/Anthem through my husbands work. It's affordable and I never have to fight to get claims paid. The website is easy to navigate and any time I've had a question and have to call in, I've been treated very kindly and efficiently. Thank you, BCBS! A++++++++

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Jonathan Bennett

March 18th, 2024

DETAILS

Awful. They do not cover a dime of anything until the deductible has been met. My company used to have UHG and they would still cover most things. BCBS does not, so their high deductible plans are absolutely beyond worthless. Garbage insurance "provider".

Reviews for UnitedHealthcare

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Tana Tuggle

November 28th, 2023

DETAILS

I had United Healthcare for 5 years and I must say, I had nothing but good experiences with this company. I noticed when my primary care doctor would need authorization from the company to send me to a specialist, (nose, ear, throat doctor, pulmonary specialist etc.) I would get quick feedback, every specialist that I have seen, there was never a problem with my referrals. Since I had to see quite a few specialist, along with taking test constantly, I never had to cancel an appointment due to no referral from United HealthCare. Great Company!!!

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Tamara Elwood

March 21st, 2024

I have experienced nothing but problems with U H from the beginning and ‘I’ DID NOT CHOOSE them-was given them as I made no choice. Caresource was BEST-I am Divorced, Disabled and 63 with many physical problems. I was scheduled for surgery but there is NO HELP AVAILABLE TO ME From their‘Network’ for my AREA! ???WHAT??? NO HELP from ANYONE there-no return calls. Can’t even get food delivery for WEEKS! TERRIBLE! Seniors get screwed, Shameful. I have NO ONE to help! Disgusted. Absolutely disgusting. Negative 3⭐️

The Final Word

BlueCross BlueShield offers member discounts and rewards through Blue365®. Plan members of participating subsidiaries can receive discounts and rewards on products that encourage wellness, fitness, and nutrition.

BlueCross BlueShield also offers global health coverage to individuals, students, and businesses. UnitedHealthcare offers international health insurance as well; however, this insurance is geared for travelers. It is called international travelers insurance.

Some BlueCross BlueShield plans include access to a nationwide network, which is advantageous for people who travel frequently.

BlueCross BlueShield offers individual and family plans and employer-sponsored group plans.

BlueCross BlueShield also awards hospitals with either a Total Care or Blue Distinction® award. Health care providers must meet BlueCross BlueShield’s criteria that considers the quality and costs of their services.

UnitedHealthcare’s plans also vary by location. However, it does not have the subsidiaries like BlueCross BlueShield does.

UnitedHealthcare offers health insurance plans for individuals and families, Medicare, Medicaid, and non-traditional health plans, like short-term insurance, hospitalization insurance, critical illness insurance, and fixed indemnity health insurance.

UnitedHealthcare also offers student health plans. If you are a university student, these plans may be a good fit for your needs.

UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare plans are offered in partnership with the AARP. The AARP is committed to ensuring that seniors in the United States are taken care of, so this partnership shows UnitedHealthcare's interest in providing good Medicare plans to seniors.

UnitedHealthcare also offers group health plans for large and small businesses.

To compare plan offerings from each company, work with UnitedHealthcare and BlueCross BlueShield directly to learn more about what's available in your area.

Top Choice

BlueCross BlueShield Logo
BlueCross BlueShield

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