BlueCross BlueShield vs Aetna

Kaitlyn Short
Kaitlyn Short | Senior Editor

BlueCross BlueShield and Aetna are large health insurers that offer plans in many parts of the United States. Unlike Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield operates through subsidiaries in each of the areas it serves.

Which company is best for you will vary based on plans offered in your area and what kind of plan you’re looking for.

BlueCross BlueShield logo
#5 BlueCross BlueShield
6.5 Overall Score
1.6
star star_half star_border star_border star_border
(859)
Aetna logo
#7 Aetna
6.0 Overall Score
2.9
star star star star_border star_border
(347)

Overview

BlueCross BlueShield

Health Plan Options

Customer Service Options

Perks and Support Programs

Time in Business

Undisclosed

Aetna

Undisclosed

Ratings

BlueCross BlueShield

Overall Score
6.5 of 10
Review Score
1.6
star star_half star_border star_border star_border
Value for Money
3.5
star star star star_half star_border
Quality of Product or Service
3.6
star star star star_half star_border
Company Trustworthiness
3.5
star star star star_half star_border
Likely to Recommend
6.0 of 10

Aetna

6.0 of 10
2.9
star star star star_border star_border
2.8
star star star star_border star_border
2.8
star star star star_border star_border
2.8
star star star star_border star_border
3.6 of 10

Reviews

BlueCross BlueShield

Number of Reviews
859
Review Breakdown
1.6
star star_half star_border star_border star_border
1 star
22%
2 star
6%
3 star
8%
4 star
22%
5 star
42%

Aetna

347
2.9
star star star star_border star_border
1 star
42%
2 star
6%
3 star
8%
4 star
16%
5 star
29%

Reviews for BlueCross BlueShield

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Tera Agee

November 9th, 2025

DETAILS

I paid claims for them for 30 years and found them to be completely reliable to their insureds, so when I became eligible for Medicare I chose them for mu supplement plan. Since the day I was insured, 02/01/2013, I have never paid a deductible or co-insurance amount. I only pay my premiums and I can go to any doctor or hospital at any time without referrals or pre-approvals. Choose Plan F - you'll be very happy!

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Larry Virtue

November 11th, 2025

DETAILS

They are charging me an out of network fee for a skin cancer surgery not available to me in-network. Denied my appeal to bill as tier 1. I received no upfront counseling that my bill would be 500% higher than I thought. They even identify the doctor as in-network.

Reviews for Aetna

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

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

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

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

The Final Word

BlueCross BlueShield offers plans with global coverage, nationwide coverage, individual and family health plans, and employer-sponsored health plans. It also offers Medicare.

With some of its plans, BlueCross BlueShield members can participate in Blue365® to earn rewards.

BlueCross BlueShield runs and institute called BCBS InstituteSM that works to eliminate health barriers, like access to nutritional food, transportation, and larger infrastructure issues.

Aetna also offers international health insurance plans, individual and family plans, and plans that employers can offer employees. Aetna members have access to helpful tools for managing their health care including a member account, mobile app, support groups, and health education resources through Healthwise®.

With some of its plans, Aetna offers disease management services to members with chronic conditions.

With Aetna’s employer plans, employees can participate in workplace wellness, mindfulness, GetActive!SM programs and more.

To learn more about what each company offers in your area, contact the companies directly or use their websites. Comparing these options by considering costs and coverage offered will help you know which company is a better fit for you.

Top Choice

BlueCross BlueShield Logo
BlueCross BlueShield

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