Aetna vs UnitedHealthcare

McCall Martin
McCall Martin | Senior Editor

Aetna and UnitedHealthcare are large health insurance companies that offer health plans in many parts of the United States. Both companies have a robust selection of health plans that can meet the needs of many individuals, families, and employers.

Aetna logo
#6 Aetna
6.7 Overall Score
2.1
star star star_border star_border star_border
(340)
UnitedHealthcare logo
#4 UnitedHealthcare
7.0 Overall Score
2.2
star star star_border star_border star_border
(558)

Overview

Aetna

Health Plan Options

Customer Service Options

Perks and Support Programs

Time in Business

Undisclosed

UnitedHealthcare

Undisclosed

Ratings

Aetna

Overall Score
6.7 of 10
Review Score
2.1
star star star_border star_border star_border
Value for Money
2.8
star star star star_border star_border
Quality of Product or Service
2.8
star star star star_border star_border
Company Trustworthiness
2.8
star star star star_border star_border
Likely to Recommend
3.6 of 10

UnitedHealthcare

7.0 of 10
2.2
star star star_border star_border star_border
3.0
star star star star_border star_border
3.0
star star star star_border star_border
2.9
star star star star_border star_border
4.5 of 10

Reviews

Aetna

Number of Reviews
340
Review Breakdown
2.1
star star star_border star_border star_border
1 star
41%
2 star
6%
3 star
8%
4 star
16%
5 star
28%

UnitedHealthcare

558
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 Aetna

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star_border

Amani Patel

February 10th, 2024

DETAILS

Has been a very good insurance company for my elderly family members. We have relied on Aetna for some time and can always rely on them to provide clear and quality service. They are good at communicating any time a problem does arise with insurance.

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

L H

January 26th, 2024

I am a provider and it is so hard to understand the customer service representatives who know nothing about everything when you call the provider service line.. They can only tell you what the screen tells them and nothing more or nothing less. God forbid if they tried to think on their own. Horrible provider service !!!! Please bring back this portion of your compnay to the USA!!!!

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

Aetna offers several kinds of plans for individuals and families. Offerings vary based on location, so enter your zip code on Aetna’s website to see options in your area.

Aetna members have access to an online member account, a mobile app, and Healthwise®. Healthwise® provides health education tools. Members also have access to join support groups.

Aetna offers case management support to members with chronic conditions.

Like Aetna, UnitedHealthcare offers health plans to individuals and families, including student health plans. UnitedHealthcare stands out from Aetna with its student health plans offering. If you’re a college student, a UnitedHealthcare student health plan could be a good fit for you.

UnitedHealthcare also offers non-traditional health plans, including short-term health plans and fixed indemnity plans. One of UnitedHealthcare’s short term health plans is Tri-Term Medical Insurance. It offers 36 months of short term insurance with some coverage for preventive care and prescriptions.

UnitedHealthcare’s hospital and doctor fixed indemnity plans can be used to supplement traditional health insurance plans. These plans provide a fixed cash benefit for health care services that the beneficiary can use to pay for medical expenses.

Aetna also offers group plans that employers can offer their employees. These include network only, network option, and indemnity plans. It also offers Medicare plans and other health plans designed for retirees.

Aetna’s plans also offer wellness programs for employees. These programs include help quitting smoking, women’s health, coaching, mindfulness programs, and more. Aetna members can also use GetActive!SM fitness and nutrition tracker and have access to a 24/7 nurse hotline called Informed Health®.

UnitedHealthcare also offers employer-sponsored plans to small and large businesses. For more information, employers should work with UnitedHealthcare to learn more.

If you need health coverage while living or traveling abroad, employers and individuals can find plans through Aetna. UnitedHealthcare also offers international health insurance for travelers called international travel insurance.

Both Aetna and UnitedHealthcare offer many kinds of health plans to fit the needs of employers and individuals and families. As typical with health insurance, you’ll need to contact each company for specific information about costs and plans available in your area.

Top Choice

UnitedHealthcare Logo
UnitedHealthcare

Other Featured Comparisons