Best Health Insurance Companies of 2025

If you’re looking for health insurance coverage that spans multiple states—or even nationwide—you’ll want a provider with a broad footprint. This 2026 roundup highlights the best health insurance companies that offer plans in all 50 states or at least 15 states, making them ideal for travelers, multi-state households, or anyone wanting wide-reaching coverage options.

For deeper insights, check out our health insurance company reviews.

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

Best Nationwide & Global Coverage
One of the most recognized insurance brands in the U.S., BCBS operates through 36 affiliates across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and D.C.

• Pros: Broad provider choice and strong member satisfaction, with coverage flexibility across states.
• Cons: Inconsistent service quality and benefit differences between local affiliates.
• Why it stands out: BCBS offers unmatched national reach and international emergency coverage, with comprehensive options for individuals, families, and retirees.

Learn more in our latest Blue Cross Blue Shield review.

Anthem

Best Customizable Medicare Advantage
A key BCBS affiliate offering ACA and Medicare Advantage plans with flexible add-on benefits in several major states.

• Pros: Plan customization and strong supplemental benefits that enhance value.

• Cons: Limited provider networks in some regions.

• Why it stands out: Highly customizable plans with strong behavioral health and supplemental benefits, plus affordability for low-income enrollees.

Learn more in our latest Anthem review.

WellCare

Best Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug and Special Needs Plans
A Centene company with strong national reach for Medicare Advantage and standalone prescription drug plans.

• Pro: Competitive drug coverage and specialized plans for complex health needs.
• Con: Lower customer service ratings than some larger carriers.
• Why it stands out: Excels at serving older adults and dual-eligible individuals with value-driven Medicare Advantage and Part D options.

Learn more in our latest WellCare review.

UnitedHealthcare (UHC)

Best Employer Plans with Global Access
A top-tier provider with ACA, Medicare, employer, and global coverage across 30+ states and 130+ countries.

• Pros: Expansive provider network and robust wellness/digital care tools.
• Cons: Higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs than some competitors.
• Why it stands out: Combines a vast provider network with powerful digital tools and international care options, ideal for professionals and large families.

Learn more in our latest UnitedHealthcare review.

Aetna

Best Medicare Advantage and Employer Plans
A CVS Health-owned insurer with strong national coverage for Medicare Advantage and group employer plans.

• Pros: CVS integration for simplified prescription access and wellness support.
• Cons: Limited availability in some rural areas.
• Why it stands out: Leverages CVS’s pharmacy integration and extensive wellness benefits for older adults and employer groups.

Learn more in our latest Aetna review.

Oscar Health

Best Digital Experience
A tech-driven insurer offering ACA and Medicare Advantage plans in 18 states.

• Pros: User-friendly digital platform and virtual-first care model earn high satisfaction.
• Cons: Smaller provider networks in some markets.
• Why it stands out: Intuitive app, virtual care model, and chronic condition support appeal to tech-savvy consumers seeking affordable plans.

Learn more in our latest Oscar Health review.

Ambetter Health

Best ACA Marketplace Plan Value
A Centene brand focused on affordable ACA plans in 29 states, often with wellness incentives and chronic care benefits.

• Pros: Affordable premiums and wellness reward programs that promote preventive care.
• Cons: Customer support and claims resolution can be slow or inconsistent.
• Why it stands out: Competitive pricing, low out-of-pocket costs, and rewards for wellness participation.

Learn more in our latest Ambetter review.

Molina Healthcare

Best Medicaid and Medicare Advantage D-SNP Plans
A key provider for low-income Americans, offering ACA and Medicare plans in 15+ states and Puerto Rico.

• Pros: Strong Medicaid integration and culturally competent care.
• Cons: Narrower provider networks than national competitors.
• Why it stands out: Specializes in serving Medicaid populations and dual-eligible individuals with integrated benefits.

Learn more in our latest Molina Healthcare review.

Humana

Best Medicare-Focused Coverage
A national leader in senior care, specializing in Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans in 48 states.

• Pro: Strong extras for Medicare Advantage, like dental, vision, and fitness benefits.
• Con: Higher copays for certain services compared to competitors.
• Why it stands out: Enhanced Medicare drug coverage and comprehensive extras tailored for retirees.

Learn more in our latest Humana review.

Cigna

Best for International Employees and Digital Tools
A global insurer offering digital-first care and expansive plan options in 15+ states.

• Pro: International coverage and highly rated virtual care experiences.
• Con: Limited ACA plan availability in select states.
• Why it stands out: Known for international portability, strong virtual care offerings, and standalone dental and drug plan options.

Learn more in our latest Cigna review.

Methodolgy 

This 2026 roundup highlights insurers offering plans in at least 15 states or nationwide, based on our in-depth carrier reviews. We evaluated each provider on coverage area, plan variety, benefits, network accessibility, affordability, customization, digital innovation, care quality, and consumer transparency.

Ratings provide insight into a company’s financial strength and its reputation with customers. To evaluate insurers’ financial strength ratings, we checked with credit rating provider AM Best. For insight into customer service, we looked to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA — a health plan accreditation company), the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), and rating company J.D. Power. We turned to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index to understand customer complaints.

Bottom Line

These carriers deliver consistent access, digital tools, and coverage options across large parts of the U.S. For travelers, families, and professionals in multiple states, these are the top insurers to consider in 2026.

Need help comparing policies? Use HealthcareInsider’s tools to find the best match for your state and lifestyle.

FAQs

When looking for health insurance coverage, check out the company’s background to get an idea of its priorities. Also, look at its financial and customer satisfaction ratings to see what others think of the insurer. Then make sure the company offers the type of coverage that you need.

How Should You Shop for Health Insurance?

When shopping for a health policy, there are several factors to consider. Your location matters, as health plan offerings differ by state and region. Also, think about how often you intend to use healthcare services. If you have a chronic condition and visit the doctor regularly, you’d likely need a different type of plan than if you only had preventive care appointments. Finally, look at the financial and customer satisfaction ratings to determine the strength of the insurer.

When Can You Buy Health Insurance?

Typically, you can buy a health insurance plan during the open enrollment period, which takes place in the fall, generally between November 1 and January 15. You may also be able to buy health insurance when you have a qualifying life event — for example, if you have a baby or get married or divorced.

How Does Health Insurance Work?

Health insurance works by allowing you to budget for medical expenses so you don’t have to pay the entire cost out of your own pocket if a medical emergency occurs. You (or your employer) have a set amount to pay either monthly or when you access services through health insurance, and the health insurer pays the rest for covered services. By knowing how much you would be responsible for when accessing health services, you can be more financially prepared when you need care.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?

Health insurance consists of several different costs. A health insurance premium is an amount you pay your insurance provider each month, whether you go to the doctor or not. A deductible is the amount you pay when you receive covered healthcare services before your insurance kicks in. High-deductible plans require you to pay a higher deductible than other types of plans. Coinsurance is a percentage of covered health services that you must pay for while the insurer pays the rest. A copayment is a set amount you pay for covered services once your deductible has been reached.

Health Plan Terms

• Coinsurance: Coinsurance is the amount you pay for covered healthcare after you pay your deductible. For example, if a company calls for 20% coinsurance on $100, you would pay $20 to the doctor, while the insurance company pays the other $80.
• Deductible: A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before the health insurance company begins to cover claims.
• EPO: Exclusive provider organization, which allows you to choose your providers within a specific network. You can do so without choosing a primary care physician. However, you may not be able to use the insurance policy with out-of-network providers.
• HMO: Health maintenance organization, which is a managed care organization that negotiates with healthcare providers for lower prices. Often, HMOs restrict which providers you can use, while you may be assigned primary care doctors, as well as specialists.
• In-network: Providers who are part of your health insurance company’s network. These providers are cheaper because the providers agree to lower rates with your insurer.
• Out-of-network: Healthcare providers that aren’t in your insurance company’s network. You may have to pay more out of pocket if you go out-of-network, or the insurer may not cover any of your costs if you don’t choose an in-network provider.
• PPO: Preferred provider organization, which is a type of plan where you can choose your providers within a network. Usually need to choose a primary care physician. It offers a little more flexibility than an HMO, and you might still be able to see out-of-network providers (at a higher rate).

The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HealthCareInsider.com or HealthCare, Inc.