Aetna vs UnitedHealthcare
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top health insurance picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
Aetna
Ranked #4 of 15 in this directory
Major health insurer now part of CVS Health offering integrated care
UnitedHealthcare
Ranked #2 of 15 in this directory
The largest health insurer in the US serving employer and individual markets
Our pick: UnitedHealthcare. Our editors rank UnitedHealthcare higher overall in Health Insurance — but Aetna can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| Aetna | UnitedHealthcare | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Employer | Employer |
| Editorial rank | #4 of 15 | #2 of 15 |
Strengths
Aetna
- ✓Integration with CVS provides convenient pharmacy and clinic access
- ✓Strong Medicare Advantage offerings in many markets
- ✓Comprehensive wellness and disease management programs
- ✓Good digital tools through the Aetna Health app
- ✓Competitive pricing for employer-sponsored group plans
UnitedHealthcare
- ✓Largest provider network in the US with access to most doctors and hospitals
- ✓Comprehensive range of plan types from HMO to PPO to high-deductible
- ✓Strong digital tools including the myUHC app for claims and benefits management
- ✓Available in most states across marketplace, employer, and government programs
- ✓Integrated wellness programs and telehealth through Optum
Watch out for
Aetna
- !Provider network may be smaller than UnitedHealthcare or BCBS in some areas
- !CVS integration benefits are most valuable near CVS locations
- !Customer satisfaction scores are average compared to top-rated insurers
- !Some plans have restrictive referral requirements
UnitedHealthcare
- !Large size can result in bureaucratic claims processes
- !Customer service experiences are inconsistent across regions
- !Prior authorization requirements can delay care approvals
- !Premiums can be higher than regional competitors in some markets
Best use cases
Aetna
- →Employee whose company offers Aetna group health insurance
- →Senior near CVS locations who can benefit from MinuteClinic access
- →Employer wanting integrated health and pharmacy benefits for workers
UnitedHealthcare
- →Large employer seeking a national health plan with broad network coverage
- →Individual wanting access to the widest possible provider network
- →Medicare-eligible senior looking for Medicare Advantage options
About each tool
Aetna
Aetna, now a subsidiary of CVS Health, serves approximately 34 million medical members with a comprehensive range of health insurance products. The integration with CVS Health has enabled Aetna to offer unique benefits including MinuteClinic access, CVS pharmacy discounts, and HealthHUB locations that combine insurance services with clinical care. Aetna provides employer-sponsored, individual, Medicare, and Medicaid plans with a focus on whole-person health and affordability.
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is the largest health insurance company in the United States by enrollment, serving over 50 million members through employer-sponsored, individual, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. The company offers one of the broadest provider networks in the country and leverages its parent company UnitedHealth Group's technology and data capabilities to deliver integrated health services. UnitedHealthcare plans are available in most states through the ACA marketplace, and the company is a leading provider of employer-sponsored group health insurance.
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