BlueCross BlueShield vs Aetna

McCall Martin
McCall Martin | 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
#3 BlueCross BlueShield
7.7 Overall Score
3.1
star star star star_border star_border
(840)
Aetna logo
#6 Aetna
6.2 Overall Score
2.3
star star star_half star_border star_border
(342)

Overview

BlueCross BlueShield

Health Plan Options

Customer Service Options

Perks and Support Programs

Time in Business

Undisclosed

Aetna

Undisclosed

Ratings

BlueCross BlueShield

Overall Score
7.7 of 10
Review Score
3.1
star star star 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
3.6
star star star star_half star_border
Likely to Recommend
6.0 of 10

Aetna

6.2 of 10
2.3
star star star_half star_border star_border
2.8
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2.8
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2.8
star star star star_border star_border
3.6 of 10

Reviews

BlueCross BlueShield

Number of Reviews
840
Review Breakdown
3.1
star star star star_border star_border
1 star
21%
2 star
6%
3 star
8%
4 star
23%
5 star
43%

Aetna

342
2.3
star star star_half star_border star_border
1 star
42%
2 star
6%
3 star
8%
4 star
16%
5 star
28%

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 star_border star_border star_border

Denis Kharin

October 28th, 2019

DETAILS

BCBS is very expensive insurance that dont covers what you might need. I found BCBS is also very basic insurance. 600$ a month is just to much for not covering a lot of stuff. Unfortunately my employee choose them, even 100$ that I contribute isn't wort what they covering. 2 stars just for the name.

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

Ruth Anne L. Phillips

April 23rd, 2024

DETAILS

I have had Aetna for over 2 years and they have refused to pay for my claims because they say I have "other insurance." I do not. My husband and I have called them many, many times where they reassue us that the problem has been resolved, but it has not. Bill collectors call and harrass me every single day. We pay thousands of dollars a year to this company and they readily accept our payments, but refuse to pay for covered claims. I'm sure that if the brain tumor doesn't kill me, Aetna will. They are shameless.

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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