BlueCross BlueShield vs UnitedHealthcare

Kaitlyn Short
Kaitlyn Short | Senior Editor

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
#5 BlueCross BlueShield
7.0 Overall Score
2.0
star star star_border star_border star_border
(856)
UnitedHealthcare logo
#6 UnitedHealthcare
6.0 Overall Score
2.6
star star star_half star_border star_border
(569)

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
2.0
star star 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

UnitedHealthcare

6.0 of 10
2.6
star star star_half star_border star_border
3.0
star star star star_border star_border
3.0
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2.9
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4.5 of 10

Reviews

BlueCross BlueShield

Number of Reviews
856
Review Breakdown
2.0
star star star_border star_border star_border
1 star
21%
2 star
6%
3 star
8%
4 star
22%
5 star
42%

UnitedHealthcare

569
2.6
star star star_half star_border star_border
1 star
37%
2 star
6%
3 star
6%
4 star
18%
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 star_border star_border star_border

karen N

January 20th, 2025

DETAILS

I've built a trusting relationship with my healthcare team. That's difficult to do. Trusting a physician with my health and guiding my healthcare takes time, as it should. But, now, because BCBS is ending its contract, I have to start completely over. Healthcare insurance companies seem to care more about not paying than the care and wellbeing of its customers. It's sad that you care about money more than humankind. Do better.

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

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Norma Miles

March 11th, 2025

DETAILS

The absolute worst when it comes to customer service. It is outsourced and you get the runaround really bad. I have medical issues and I thought this was a big company but they’re not no wonder hospitals are dropping them.

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

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