Compare Health Insurance

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Contributor, Benzinga
February 27, 2022

Don’t let health insurance stress you out. Although there are plenty of options to choose from, we can help you narrow the list to find the right plan. 

Start with our guide to better understand your health insurance options

A List of Health Insurance Companies

Choosing a health insurance company can be the most difficult part of this process. Consider this list as your guide to the best health insurance companies out there. 

However, you should keep in mind that some companies only offer health insurance in certain states. You’ll need to get a quote to find out exactly what’s available in your area.

1. Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers health insurance nationwide through its network of community-based, locally-operated companies. This insurance company specifically calls out the coverage it provides to federal employees through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program. 

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association also has a National Labor Office that works to provide unionized workers, unionized retirees and their families with health care coverage. If you work or travel internationally, you can also consider Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage as your health care solution. 

Blue cross Blue Shield is likely available to you whether you purchase your health care independently or through your employer. If you’re eligible, you can even purchase a Medicare Advantage Plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Its wide range of coverage means that you’ll also have access to a wide range of participating providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, dentists and more. 

As a Blue Cross Blue Shield member, you may also be able to benefit from Blue365. This program offers access to exclusive discounts on health and wellness products and services to help you get the most from your health insurance, even outside of the doctor’s office.

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente offers connected care to its members. This insurance company strives to make your care experience and managing your health simple, no matter your circumstances. 

If you’re looking for a health insurance company that takes a preventative approach, Kaiser Permanente may be right for you. But Kaiser Permanente isn’t available everywhere. Be sure that it offers coverage where you live and check to see if doctors you use participate with the insurance company. 

If Kaiser Permanente is an option where you live, you’ll find it offers many perks. Kaiser Permanente has caregivers available by phone 24/7 to provide advice if you find yourself suddenly ill or injured. These caregivers can offer advice on treatment, or even help you find an urgent care center or doctor if you’ll need to be seen in person. 

Your membership also includes free access to a wellness coach by phone. The wellness coach can help you address any issues regarding your health, from improving your eating habits to support to quit smoking. 

Kaiser Permanente makes it easy to manage your health car. Through its app, you can make and cancel most routine appointments, view results from most health tests and screenings and even read your doctor’s notes. The app can also offer an estimated cost for most procedures to make it easy to plan for the costs of your health care. 

Cigna

Although it’s not available in all 50 states, Cigna is among the top choices for employer-sponsored health insurance plans. It actively works to help improve the overall wellness of employees and offers a health rewards program to provide members with discounts on several health and wellness products.

Cigna takes wellness further by offering health risk management services. You’ll benefit from 1-on-1 coaching from a Cigna Health Advisor who can guide you through lifestyle changes and help you cost-effective treatments for your health concerns. Other support offered by Cigna include a cancer support program, behavioral health programs, chronic care management and more.

UnitedHealthcare

Sometimes it can feel like health insurance plans are all neatly sorted into a few different boxes. There are employer-sponsored plans, individual plans and Marketplace plans. Fortunately, UnitedHealthcare recognizes there are other situations that may call for a specialized insurance plan. 

UnitedHealthcare offers health plans just for college students. These plans offer lower costs, coverage for on-campus health clinics and even telehealth services. This is a great option for students that may not have access to a family health insurance plan. 

UnitedHealthcare also offers plans for specific areas of coverage, such as accident insurance and hospital and doctor indemnity insurance.

Humana

Humana has something for everyone. It offers several forms of health insurance coverage, including Medicare, Medicaid, dental, vision and employer-sponsored plans. No matter which type of plan you choose, you can trust Humana to be there as a partner in supporting your health and overall wellbeing. 

As a Humana member, you can benefit from the numerous online resources that it offers. This starts with a guide to help you better understand the coverage that Humana offers and what is covered by your insurance plan. 

You’ll also have access to mobile apps that allow you to order prescriptions, check on your claims and even earn rewards. Humana’s unique calendar of events is another major member benefit. On most days, Humana offers a virtual wellness class to keep you engaged and motivated from home. Past classes have included strategies for managing your blood pressure and how to get better sleep. 

Aetna

If you qualify for Medicare, Aetna is a great insurance company to help you find the right Medicare solution for your needs. The Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are available at an affordable premium and offer a number of useful benefits. These plans are designed to complement your Original Medicare plan to expand the coverage that you receive. 

Aetna also offers other Medicare plans to further your coverage. Its Part D prescription drug plans offer coverage for your medications if it’s not included in your other Medicare plans. Aetna’s Medicare Supplement Insurance plans (also known as Medigap) offer coverage for health care services that aren’t covered by your Original Medicare plan. 

No matter which types of Medicare coverage you need, you can speak with an Aetna specialist by phone to help you find the appropriate solution.

Fidelis Care

Fidelis Care prioritizes its members and their understanding of health insurance. That’s why it offers the ability to reach out for assistance by phone, mail or at a local community office. This insurance company understands that changes in financial situations can arise. If you lose your health insurance due to a job loss or other eligibility reasons, you can trust that Fidelis Care will be there to help. 

Fidelis Care has also created virtual video resources to help answer questions about your health insurance. This includes videos about what you need to know if your income and/or eligibility changes. No matter what your circumstances are, Fidelis Care can help you find affordable health insurance for you and your family.

A List of Short-Term Health Insurance Options

If you’re in a transition phase between jobs or other situations, you may find yourself without health insurance coverage for a short period of time. Short-term health insurance can help by giving you coverage at a lower cost until you’re able to secure a more permanent health insurance plan.

Pivot Health

Pivot Health offers short-term health insurance that can last anywhere from 1 month to just under a year. You’ll benefit from the flexible coverage that allows you to choose your doctor with few restrictions. 

If you prefer, you can take advantage of Pivot Health’s video consultation services to give you quick access to a doctor who can help diagnose and provide prescriptions for minor ailments.

Pivot Health short-term medical plans also offer benefits. You’ll have access to discounted and prescriptions and discounted vision services with your short-term plan. 

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    Availability of plans and policy duration vary by state.

UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare short-term medical insurance plans can last anywhere from 30 days to several months. You can choose from a basic short-term insurance plan or an enhanced short-term insurance plan, depending on your state. 

The best thing about UnitedHealthcare’s short-term plans is the transparency. The company is clear its plans differ from traditional health insurance plans. 

For example, United Healthcare makes it clear that short-term insurance plans are not held to coverage requirements and do not need to cover preexisting conditions. It gives you the tools and resources you need when considering this insurance option to decide whether it’s the best choice for you and your family.

Medical Mutual

Medical Mutual offers short-term medical plans that can be active within 24 hours of submitting your application. You can choose from 6 different short-term plans to provide the level of coverage that you need until you’re able to get another health insurance plan. 

Medical Mutual’s short-term insurance plans offer a variety of services that are similar to those offered by the Affordable Care Act. This includes coverage for telehealth services and access to a large provider network to get you the care that you need. These plans also offer affordable monthly premiums for up to 364 days of coverage.

How to Choose Health Insurance

To choose the health insurance option that’s right for you, start by comparing quotes from several providers. Enter your ZIP code for a quick, free way to take the next step toward health insurance coverage today.

About Ashley Hart

Ashley Hart is a personal finance writer passionate about helping people feel empowered to take control of their finances. She has more than eight years of writing experience, focused on insurance.