Aetna vs UnitedHealthcare

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
6.2 Overall Score
2.5
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(345)
UnitedHealthcare logo
#7 UnitedHealthcare
6.0 Overall Score
2.3
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(564)

Overview

Aetna

Health Plan Options

Customer Service Options

Perks and Support Programs

Time in Business

Undisclosed

UnitedHealthcare

Undisclosed

Ratings

Aetna

Overall Score
6.2 of 10
Review Score
2.5
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Value for Money
2.8
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Quality of Product or Service
2.8
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Company Trustworthiness
2.8
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Likely to Recommend
3.6 of 10

UnitedHealthcare

6.0 of 10
2.3
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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

Aetna

Number of Reviews
345
Review Breakdown
2.5
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1 star
42%
2 star
6%
3 star
8%
4 star
16%
5 star
28%

UnitedHealthcare

564
2.3
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1 star
37%
2 star
6%
3 star
6%
4 star
19%
5 star
32%

Reviews for Aetna

Helpful Favorable Review

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Mary Robison

April 7th, 2024

They are my Medicare Advantage health insurance and I am very happy with them. They pay out quickly and in a timely manner. They are quick to get a response back to my doctors for approval for things.

Helpful Critical Review

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Mike Behr

August 14th, 2024

DETAILS

Under no circumstances should anyone even think about using this company. Customer Service, Prescription Pans and over all Management of this company are absolutely attrocias!! RUN AWAY.AND NEVER LOOK BACK....MUCH BETTER COMPANY'S AND PLANS AVAILABLE

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

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William Brooks

October 2nd, 2024

DETAILS

I am 71 and have COPD. United HealthCare violates patient rights to services. Congress has accused them of illegalities of Delay, Deny, Deceive. They made me wait a year extra to get oxygen therapy for my COPD. Their website is terrible. Customer Service Advocates have no authority to fix obvious misgivings and delay follow-ups or no follow-up at all. Medicare has fallen apart ... we need nationalized medicine to get rid of all the profiteering middlemen who don't want any lawful professional oversight. American healthcare ranks 79th in the world.

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

Aetna Logo
Aetna

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