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.
Overview
BlueCross BlueShield
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UnitedHealthcare
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Ratings
BlueCross BlueShield
UnitedHealthcare
Reviews
BlueCross BlueShield
Reviews
UnitedHealthcare
Reviews for BlueCross BlueShield
Helpful Favorable Review
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
Denis Kharin
October 28th, 2019
Quincy, MA
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 UnitedHealthcare
Helpful Favorable Review
Tana Tuggle
November 28th, 2023
Phoenix, AZ
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
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.
