BlueCross BlueShield vs Aetna

Kaitlyn Short
Kaitlyn Short | Senior Editor

BlueCross BlueShield and Aetna are large health insurers that offer plans in many parts of the United States. Unlike Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield operates through subsidiaries in each of the areas it serves.

Which company is best for you will vary based on plans offered in your area and what kind of plan you’re looking for.

BlueCross BlueShield logo
#1 BlueCross BlueShield
7.4 Overall Score
3.8
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(737)
Aetna logo
#6 Aetna
6.4 Overall Score
3.1
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(274)

Overview

BlueCross BlueShield

Health Plan Options

N/A

Customer Service Options

N/A

Perks and Support Programs

N/A

Time in Business

Undisclosed

Aetna

N/A

N/A

N/A

Undisclosed

Ratings

BlueCross BlueShield

Overall Score
7.4 of 10
Review Score
3.8
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Value for Money
3.6
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Quality of Product or Service
3.7
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Company Trustworthiness
3.7
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Likely to Recommend
6.5 of 10

Aetna

6.4 of 10
3.1
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3.0
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3.0
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3.0
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4.1 of 10

Reviews

BlueCross BlueShield

Number of Reviews
737
Review Breakdown
3.8
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1 star
16%
2 star
6%
3 star
9%
4 star
24%
5 star
45%

Aetna

274
3.1
star star star star_border star_border
1 star
34%
2 star
6%
3 star
9%
4 star
19%
5 star
32%

Reviews for BlueCross BlueShield

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Kaylee Lapinskie

March 14th, 2022

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Review Source

I have had BCBS for several years. I have always had a good experience with them. If there is a billing error with a provider they have been quick to respond. I have been fortunate that all of provider have been on their approved list.

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Allison Lessenger

April 14th, 2022

Worst insurance ever. When you try to call it takes days sometimes weeks to get ahold of anyone. I have waited on hold for over 40 minutes and the call just disconnects. They don’t approve most of the prescription I was on for years. Horrible service.

Reviews for Aetna

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star_border star_border

Kristen Parsons

January 13th, 2022

DETAILS

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Review Source

The network of Drs is the reason that I paid much more for Aetna than for other insurance providers. We had the dominant provider in our area which made finding specialists SO much easier when I had a very complicated medical diagnosis.

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

moishe7318

March 28th, 2022

DETAILS

Aetna has completely lost their way. Customer service and website are equally non-responsive. They used to be a good company. CVS has ruined their culture and their customer service effectiveness. I can't get a legitimate claim paid for the life of me.

The Final Word

BlueCross BlueShield offers plans with global coverage, nationwide coverage, individual and family health plans, and employer-sponsored health plans. It also offers Medicare.

With some of its plans, BlueCross BlueShield members can participate in Blue365® to earn rewards.

BlueCross BlueShield runs and institute called BCBS InstituteSM that works to eliminate health barriers, like access to nutritional food, transportation, and larger infrastructure issues.

Aetna also offers international health insurance plans, individual and family plans, and plans that employers can offer employees. Aetna members have access to helpful tools for managing their health care including a member account, mobile app, support groups, and health education resources through Healthwise®.

With some of its plans, Aetna offers disease management services to members with chronic conditions.

With Aetna’s employer plans, employees can participate in workplace wellness, mindfulness, GetActive!SM programs and more.

To learn more about what each company offers in your area, contact the companies directly or use their websites. Comparing these options by considering costs and coverage offered will help you know which company is a better fit for you.

Top Choice

BlueCross BlueShield Logo
BlueCross BlueShield

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