Determining the “top” health insurance companies can depend on the criteria used, such as market share (based on enrollment or revenue) or customer satisfaction and quality ratings. Here are the top 10 health insurance companies in the US based on recent data, considering these different factors:
Top 10 Health Insurance Companies by Market Share (based on 2023 data):
Market share rankings indicate the size of the company based on metrics like premiums written or enrollment numbers.
- UnitedHealth Group (including UnitedHealthcare): Consistently the largest insurer by market share (around 15-16%) and revenue.
- Elevance Health (formerly Anthem): A major player, often ranking second or third (around 7-12% market share). Operates Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in several states.
- Centene Corp: A significant provider, particularly in government-sponsored programs like Medicaid and Medicare (around 7% market share).
- Humana: Holds a strong position, especially in the Medicare Advantage market (around 7% market share).
- CVS Health (including Aetna): A major insurer following the merger of CVS and Aetna (around 6-12% market share, varies by source).
- Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (Kaiser Permanente): A large integrated health system and non-profit insurer, known for high enrollment where available (around 6-7% market share).
- Health Care Services Corporation (HCSC): The largest customer-owned health insurer and operates Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in several states (around 4-7% market share).
- Cigna Health: A global health services company with significant US market presence (around 3-11% market share, varies by source).
- Molina Healthcare Inc.: Focuses primarily on government-sponsored healthcare programs (around 2% market share).
- GuideWell Mutual Holding (including Florida Blue): Operates Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and holds a notable market share (around 2% market share).
Top Health Insurance Companies by Recent Rankings (e.g., Customer Satisfaction, Affordability for 2025):
Rankings from organizations like Insure.com, Investopedia, and Forbes often assess factors like customer service, affordability, policy offerings, and complaint levels. Companies frequently appearing at the top of these 2025 lists include:
- Kaiser Permanente: Often ranked best overall, particularly for affordability and low complaints where available (operates in 8 states and DC).
- UnitedHealthcare: Frequently ranked highly, noted for wide availability (plans in many states) and low complaint levels.
- Aetna (CVS Health): Often recognized for low complaint levels and good options for managing chronic conditions.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS): Various BCBS-affiliated companies (like Elevance, HCSC, Highmark, Florida Blue) often rank well regionally or nationally, noted for large provider networks.
- Molina Healthcare: Often highlighted for affordability (lowest average premiums in some analyses), though sometimes receives more complaints.
- Highmark: A BCBS affiliate frequently recommended by customers.
It’s important to note that market share doesn’t always correlate directly with customer satisfaction. The best company for an individual depends on their specific needs, location, budget, and desired network of doctors and hospitals.