Aetna vs Blue Cross Blue Shield (The BCBS Aetna Showdown)

Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield are strong competitors in many different health insurance markets. If you are wondering if you should choose a BCBS health insurance plan or an Aetna health insurance plan then read on.

Let’s compare Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna’s health insurance plans and their operations as a whole to see which one might be the best choice for your health insurance needs.

One you have finished reading this Aetna BCBS comparison article then read the Aetna review article and the Blue Cross Blue Shield review article, consider leaving some reviews and ratings of your own, and then enter your zip to the right to start comparing free quotes from many other competing health insurance providers online.

Aetna vs. BCBS Network Size

The one major difference between Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield is that BCBS is not a nationwide company in the technical sense of the word. BCBS is comprised of dozens of smaller independent health insurance companies that pay a licensing fee to use the Blue Cross & Blue Shield trademark. For example, BCBS of FL could be totally different from BCBS of IL which is totally different from BCBS of TX and so on and so forth. Simply due to this business structure it is worth awarding the victory to Aetna in terms of network coverage because while there is certainly some reciprocal agreements in place between different BCBS licensees from state to state Aetna has the definite advantage with their nationwide network of Doctors and Hospitals.

Aetna Health Plans vs. Blue Cross Health Plans

Once again, there are differences from one Blue Cross Blue Shield to another but for the most part both Aetna and Blue Cross have very strong health insurance plans for both individuals and groups. The reason that each of them rate so high is that neither of the companies are known to offer the limited benefit indemnity plans that while low cost do NOT offer true major medical coverage. In the Blue Cross health insurance plans vs. Aetna health insurance plans section of this showdown it’s a tossup.

Overall Victory: Aetna or Blue Cross Blue Shield?

While both BCBS and Aetna are strong companies with great brand names and dependable plans the victory goes to the Aetna health insurance company. With a true nationwide network and strong health plans across the board Aetna offers a combination of coverage and selection that is hard to beat by Blue Cross Blue Shield or anyone else for that matter.

Of course, no one health insurance company is best for everyone as everyone’s individual situation is different so be sure to shop around and compare your options as you may just find that Blue Cross Blue Shield is better than Aetna for your particular situation (or another company all together).

Enter your zip code into the tool on the side of this page and start comparing health plan quotes from the best health insurance providers in your local area today!