BlueCross BlueShield vs Cigna

Kaitlyn Short
Kaitlyn Short | Senior Editor

BlueCross BlueShield and Cigna are well-known health insurers. Both offer insurance in many parts of the United States. Both companies have plans for individuals and families, Medicare, international health insurance, and plans for employers to offer employees. Health plan availability for both varies depending on your location.

Unlike Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield works through subsidiaries in the areas it offers health insurance. Because of the differences among its subsidiaries, it’s difficult to compare BlueCross BlueShield to other health insurers.

BlueCross BlueShield logo
#3 BlueCross BlueShield
7.4 Overall Score
2.3
star star star_half star_border star_border
(852)
Cigna logo
#11 Cigna
5.2 Overall Score
2.5
star star star_half star_border star_border
(344)

Overview

BlueCross BlueShield

Health Plan Options

Customer Service Options

Perks and Support Programs

Time in Business

Undisclosed

Cigna

Undisclosed

Ratings

BlueCross BlueShield

Overall Score
7.4 of 10
Review Score
2.3
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Value for Money
3.5
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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

Cigna

5.2 of 10
2.5
star star star_half star_border star_border
2.5
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2.4
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2.5
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2.8 of 10

Reviews

BlueCross BlueShield

Number of Reviews
852
Review Breakdown
2.3
star star star_half star_border star_border
1 star
21%
2 star
6%
3 star
8%
4 star
22%
5 star
42%

Cigna

344
2.5
star star star_half star_border star_border
1 star
50%
2 star
6%
3 star
8%
4 star
15%
5 star
21%

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

Jeff G

January 9th, 2025

DETAILS

This company is a shame. They recently began denying medically necessary care and requiring g prior authorization to their costumers for physical therapy and chiropractic services. Stay far away from these crooks. Each year they raise premiums and discover new ways to deny services to disrupt the doctor patient relationships.

Reviews for Cigna

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Heather H

April 27th, 2023

DETAILS

Cigna is an excellent company with decent in-network coverage as well as healthcare providers that widely accept Cigna. The transition my company made to Cigna coverage was exceptionally smooth and transparent.

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

hedgecutter

October 29th, 2024

DETAILS

They deny procedures more than any other insurance company I've had. My orthopedic surgeon said I needed an MRI since I can't move my shoulder without severe pain. The MRI request was denied claiming I needed physical therapy (PT) first. Did PT for 5 weeks and after no improvement, the physical therapist called to say no progress. Requested an MRI again and it was denied again. I'm elderly and trying to stay active, but they're basically stealing active months from my life. Very disappointing and will be dropping them asap.

The Final Word

BlueCross BlueShield and Cigna both offer rewards and discount programs with many of their plans.

BlueCross BlueShield’s program Blue365® offers discounts on products and services that support financial health, nutrition, fitness, and more. Blue365® is not available from all of BlueCross BlueShield’s subsidiaries. Check with your BlueCross BlueShield subsidiary to see if you’d have access to this program.

Cigna’s program Healthy Rewards® offers discounts on alternative medicine, vitamins, fitness, and more. It is included with most of Cigna’s health plans. Most of Cigna’s health plans also include Telehealth, which allows members to schedule virtual appointments with doctors. This feature makes it easy and quick to meet with a doctor for non-emergency situations.

BlueCross BlueShield stands out from Cigna because of its Total Care and Blue Distinction® ratings for health care providers and hospitals. These designations consider both the quality and cost of health services offered by providers and hospitals.

While Cigna and BlueCross BlueShield are fairly similar, the rewards programs offer different kinds of discounts. Learn more specifics on health plans offered by each company in your area and compare coverage and cost before enrolling in a health plan.

Top Choice

BlueCross BlueShield Logo
BlueCross BlueShield

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