BlueCross BlueShield vs UnitedHealthcare

BlueCross BlueShield and UnitedHealthcare are well-known health insurers. Both companies offer plans in many parts of the United States. Plan availability will vary based on location.

BlueCross BlueShield operates through many subsidiaries, which makes it trickier to compare it to other health insurers generally.

However, the best company for you depends on the kind of plan you need and what kinds of plans are available in your area.

BlueCross BlueShield logo
#4 BlueCross BlueShield
7.0 Overall Score
2.6
star star star_half star_border star_border
(848)
UnitedHealthcare logo
#6 UnitedHealthcare
6.2 Overall Score
2.5
star star star_half star_border star_border
(567)

Overview

BlueCross BlueShield

Health Plan Options

Customer Service Options

Perks and Support Programs

Time in Business

Undisclosed

UnitedHealthcare

Undisclosed

Ratings

BlueCross BlueShield

Overall Score
7.0 of 10
Review Score
2.6
star star star_half 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

UnitedHealthcare

6.2 of 10
2.5
star star star_half 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

BlueCross BlueShield

Number of Reviews
848
Review Breakdown
2.6
star star star_half star_border star_border
1 star
21%
2 star
6%
3 star
8%
4 star
22%
5 star
42%

UnitedHealthcare

567
2.5
star star star_half star_border star_border
1 star
37%
2 star
6%
3 star
6%
4 star
19%
5 star
32%

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

Denise Chisom

December 8th, 2024

DETAILS

This company is cheating people by charging and denying claims also I'm due a reimbursement for having medicare and bcbs is doing everything they can to make the clock run out on the time I have to submit my claim they keep giving me the run around about how to apply, then they stay my information is not in the system no matter how many times I have given it to them and they keep saying it takes few days to catch up IN THEIR OWN SYSTEM!!! We are down to a few weeks before they say I can't file for my reimbursement.

Reviews for UnitedHealthcare

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Willie Phillips

December 9th, 2024

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

Customer Review Video

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

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

BlueCross BlueShield offers member discounts and rewards through Blue365®. Plan members of participating subsidiaries can receive discounts and rewards on products that encourage wellness, fitness, and nutrition.

BlueCross BlueShield also offers global health coverage to individuals, students, and businesses. UnitedHealthcare offers international health insurance as well; however, this insurance is geared for travelers. It is called international travelers insurance.

Some BlueCross BlueShield plans include access to a nationwide network, which is advantageous for people who travel frequently.

BlueCross BlueShield offers individual and family plans and employer-sponsored group plans.

BlueCross BlueShield also awards hospitals with either a Total Care or Blue Distinction® award. Health care providers must meet BlueCross BlueShield’s criteria that considers the quality and costs of their services.

UnitedHealthcare’s plans also vary by location. However, it does not have the subsidiaries like BlueCross BlueShield does.

UnitedHealthcare offers health insurance plans for individuals and families, Medicare, Medicaid, and non-traditional health plans, like short-term insurance, hospitalization insurance, critical illness insurance, and fixed indemnity health insurance.

UnitedHealthcare also offers student health plans. If you are a university student, these plans may be a good fit for your needs.

UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare plans are offered in partnership with the AARP. The AARP is committed to ensuring that seniors in the United States are taken care of, so this partnership shows UnitedHealthcare's interest in providing good Medicare plans to seniors.

UnitedHealthcare also offers group health plans for large and small businesses.

To compare plan offerings from each company, work with UnitedHealthcare and BlueCross BlueShield directly to learn more about what's available in your area.

Top Choice

BlueCross BlueShield Logo
BlueCross BlueShield

Other Featured Comparisons