Aetna vs Cigna

McCall Martin
McCall Martin | Senior Editor

Cigna and Aetna are reputable health insurance companies that offer Medicare. To view information specific to your area, you'll need to visit each company's site directly. Doing so will allow you to do a comparison based on your needs. We'll review some general differences between the two companies' Medicare options below.

Aetna logo
#7 Aetna
2.5 Overall Score
1.8
star star star_border star_border star_border
(37)
Cigna logo
#4 Cigna
3.9 Overall Score
3.3
star star star star_half star_border
(16)

Overview

Aetna

Policy Types

Customer Service Options

Purchase Process

Time in Business

Undisclosed

Cigna

Undisclosed

Ratings

Aetna

Overall Score
2.5 of 10
Review Score
1.8
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Value for Money
2.4
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Quality of Product or Service
2.2
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Company Trustworthiness
2.2
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Likely to Recommend
2.8 of 10

Cigna

3.9 of 10
3.3
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3.5
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3.3
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3.1
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6.2 of 10

Reviews

Aetna

Number of Reviews
37
Review Breakdown
1.8
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1 star
59%
2 star
5%
3 star
8%
4 star
8%
5 star
19%

Cigna

16
3.3
star star star star_half star_border
1 star
31%
2 star
0%
3 star
6%
4 star
31%
5 star
31%

Reviews for Aetna

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Joe Leahy

January 4th, 2022

DETAILS

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Review Source

Aetna is my Medicare supplement. I have had no issues with their handling of any medical visits or procedures. All claims seem to be handled in a timely manner and I receive a monthly activity statement of my benefits

Helpful Critical Review

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borzol

April 11th, 2024

DETAILS

Edited April 16th, 2024

My doctor sent the request for a prior authorization of LIDOCAINE 5% OINTMENT on 4/9/24. First time I’ve been told it can take up to 3 days. Next time I called on the fifth day and asked representative Angelica(?) to submit a grievance for such a service. She’s got disconnected. Representative Dan said the process can take up to 17 days. What kind of patients can be satisfied with such service waiting in pain for 17 days?!

Reviews for Cigna

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Brett Schiftner

December 30th, 2021

DETAILS

check_circle

Review Source

I have my medicare supplement with Cigna and haven't had any problems. I switched from another company when my rates kept going up and they were much more reasonable. I've never had a problem with a claim.

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Ralph McCarty

January 21st, 2022

DETAILS

You cant get a rep. on the phone who is in the USA; and no one can resolve any problems. They don't do what they say they will and their prescription coverage is pitiful. They are most definitely not worthy of being honest and helpful; and don't offer good coverage for the price we pay or is deducted from our SS monthly income. A real ripoff.

The Final Word

Medicare Advantage

While specific plan options and network structures may vary depending on your location, Cigna's plans offer team-based support. This support feature means that case managers and pharmacists work with doctors and specialists to ensure that you receive the best health plan. 

Cigna offers Advantage plans with in-network coverage (HMO) and a chronic special needs plan (C-SNP) designed for members with chronic illness.

Aetna's Medicare Advantage plans include perks like SilverSneakers® fitness membership, prescription home delivery, a 24-hour nurse hotline, and a Resources for Living® program that helps you find services in your community. These additional benefits make Aetna a nice choice for Medicare Advantage plans.

Aetna's has more variety than Cigna. Aetna's offerings include HMO plans, PPO plans with in- and out-of-network coverage, and Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) for individuals qualifying for Medicaid and Medicare. Aetna also offers an HMO-POS plan that offers some out-of-network coverage for some services. 

Prescription Drug Plans

Cigna offers limited general information about its plans. For specific information, you'll need to input your zip code to learn more about offerings in your area. However, Cigna's Prescription Drug Plans include participation in Cigna-HealthSpring Rx Healthy Rewards®. This program offers discounts on fitness, vision, hearing, weight, nutrition, alternative medicine, and more.

Aetna is more forthcoming with information about its plans. It offers two options with different levels of cost-sharing. Both plans offer home delivery for your prescriptions.

To determine which plan is best for you, you'll need to see what Cigna offers in your area and compare each plan's drug formulary, cost-sharing, and benefits to determine which plan is best for you. While Cigna's Prescription Drug Plans have nice benefits, you need to ensure that you're getting the coverage you need.

Medicare Supplement Insurance

To learn more about Cigna's Medigap plans, you need to call them. This process isn't as convenient as being able to view options online. 

In contrast, Aetna makes it easy to view the Medigap Plans it offers in your area after inputting your zip code online. While this process isn't as helpful for general information and comparisons, it is more convenient than making a phone call.

It's hard to say which insurer is best for Medicare because of the limited general information available. The best way to determine which company is best for you is to compare your options from each plan. As you make the comparison, keep in mind that Cigna has received higher star ratings from customers on Best Company. 

Top Choice

Cigna Logo
Cigna

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