Top 15 Health Insurance Companies in the USA

Note (September 2026): Several facts in the original article were out of date or wrong. Anthem is now Elevance Health, Cigna sold its Medicare business to HCSC in 2025, Centene and UnitedHealth Group have sold major overseas units, and Harvard Pilgrim is headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts (New England is a region, not a state).

The largest health insurance companies in the USA include UnitedHealth Group (UnitedHealthcare), Elevance Health (formerly Anthem), CVS Health’s Aetna, The Cigna Group, Centene, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) and Molina Healthcare, alongside the 33 independent Blue Cross Blue Shield companies. UnitedHealth Group is the biggest, with 2025 revenue of $447.6 billion.

Key Takeaways

• UnitedHealth Group is the largest US health insurer, with $447.6 billion in 2025 revenue and more than 50 million people insured, according to Wikipedia.
• Several names on older lists have changed hands: Anthem became Elevance Health in June 2022, Aetna has belonged to CVS Health since November 2018, and WellCare has been part of Centene since January 2020.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield is not one insurer. It is a federation of 33 independent, locally operated companies, including Elevance’s Anthem plans, HCSC, Highmark and Independence Blue Cross.
• Regional nonprofits such as Kaiser Permanente, HealthPartners, CDPHP and Harvard Pilgrim (Point32Health) matter as much as national brands in their home markets.
• The right insurer depends on your area: networks, premiums and plan availability vary by state and county, so compare plans during open enrollment (November 1 to January 15 on HealthCare.gov).

There are several private healthcare insurance experts in the US. However, as noted by the Insurance Information Institute, life/annuity and property/casualty insurers also issue similar coverage, which is typically referred to as accident and health insurance.

Health Insurance Companies In USA – List of Top Health Insurance Companies In USA

Direct written premiums for accident and health insurance were reported to have risen from $680 billion in 2011 to $1.25 trillion in 2020, an increase of about 84%; these historical totals could not be re-checked against a current public source in September 2026. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) figures cited when this article was first published, the top 10 insurers wrote 55.3% of the overall US market. The market remains concentrated: Wikipedia’s article on US health insurance reports that the top 10 insurers accounted for about 53% of revenue as of 2018. Although that is not surprising given that health insurance is one of the most popular types of insurance, this is definitely a sizable figure.

Here is a list of 15 major health insurance companies and health plans in the US market, from national giants to regional nonprofits. The order is not a strict ranking; a comparison table with verified figures follows the list.

UnitedHealth Group (UnitedHealthcare)

The main competencies of UnitedHealth Group, a diverse health and wellness firm, are clinical knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and health and data information.

Through two unique platforms, UnitedHealth Group provides customers and consumers with services, overwhelmingly in the US (it has sold major international units, including its Brazil operations in February 2024, so the older figure of more than 130 countries no longer applies): UnitedHealthcare offers health insurance coverage and benefits services, while Optum offers informational and technologically enhanced health services. Earlier versions of this article said the company conducts almost 1.1 trillion transactions annually and invests more than $4 billion in technology and innovation; those figures were not re-verified in September 2026. UnitedHealth Group says it serves about 151 million people with nearly 400,000 team members, and Wikipedia reports 2025 revenue of $447.6 billion, more than 50 million people insured and headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Elevance Health (formerly Anthem Inc.)

Health benefits provider Anthem, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing people’s lives, strengthening communities, and streamlining the healthcare system. Anthem, Inc. changed its corporate name to Elevance Health, Inc. on June 28, 2022, and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Elevance Health says it serves more than 100 million people through its businesses; Wikipedia reports 46.8 million health plan members as of 2022, revenue of $197.6 billion in 2025 and Blue Cross Blue Shield licenses in 15 states. It strives to be the most creative, beneficial, and open-minded partner.

A variety of HMOs, PPOs, network-based dental products, hybrid and speciality products, and health plan services have been developed by the group’s associated health plans that combine appealing features for consumers with efficient cost-control strategies. To suit their unique needs, both individual members and corporate groups can choose between basic and comprehensive plans. Flexible spending accounts and COBRA administration are only two of the many associated specialty products and additional services offered.

Kaiser Foundation

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. is the health plan arm of Kaiser Permanente, an integrated system of health plans, hospitals and physician groups that Wikipedia describes as a mix of for-profit and not-for-profit entities. The company provides services in dermatology, oncology, allergy, audiology, cardiology, hospice, dermatology, occupational therapy, pain management, pediatric rehabilitation, and pharmacy. Kaiser Permanente, headquartered in Oakland, California, served about 13.1 million members in 2025 in eight states (California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia and Washington) and the District of Columbia, with 2025 revenue of $127.7 billion, according to Wikipedia. In April 2023 Kaiser announced it would acquire Geisinger Health System and run it under a new organization, Risant Health.

Centene Corp

Fortune 500 firm Centene Corporation, headquartered in Clayton, Missouri, is a diversified healthcare company, now focused on the US, that offers a range of services to healthcare programs sponsored by government with an emphasis on the uninsured and underinsured. Centene reports about 25.9 million managed care members across all 50 states (company website, September 2026) and 2025 revenue of $194.8 billion. Centene no longer has the overseas markets mentioned in earlier versions of this article: it sold its UK business Circle Health to PureHealth in August 2023 and Operose Health in December 2023. Centene also owns WellCare (acquired January 2020), Health Net (March 2016) and Magellan Health (January 2022).

A variety of health insurance options are offered by Centene, which also manages local health programs. Additionally, it enters into agreements with other healthcare and business organizations to provide specialty services, such as care management software, correctional healthcare services, in-home healthcare services, managed vision, specialty pharmacy, and telehealth services. These services range from behavioral health, dental benefits, life and health, and pharmacy benefits management.

CVS

The mission of CVS Health, a leader in healthcare innovation, is to assist individuals in achieving better health. It pioneers a new approach to complete health through its health plans, services, and community pharmacists. CVS Health, headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, has owned Aetna since November 28, 2018, so Aetna (listed separately below) is part of CVS Health rather than an independent insurer. CVS Health reported revenue of about $402 billion for 2025.

With about 9,135 retail pharmacy locations as of 2024 (down from over 9,900 when this article was first written), more than 1,100 MinuteClinic walk-in clinics, a pharmacy benefits manager with about 100 million plan members, a diversified healthcare benefits company with about 23.4 million medical members, a senior medical care business serving over one million patients annually, extending their specialty pharmacy services, and a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription medicine plan, CVS has a wide range of services.

Humana

The cultural tenet of Humana is to support members in achieving their optimal health by offering individualized, straightforward, healthcare experiences. Humana develops cutting-edge tools and solutions to assist people in living a healthy life on their own terms- when and when they need it. This is done in recognition of the fact that each person’s, family’s, and community’s healthcare needs continue to grow. Humana, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, reported revenue of about $118 billion in 2024. In February 2023 Humana announced it was exiting the employer-based commercial group insurance market, and Wikipedia, citing KFF, reports that in 2026 Humana was the second-largest Medicare Advantage parent organization by enrollment.

HCSC

Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), headquartered in Chicago, is a customer-owned health insurer organized as a Mutual Legal Reserve Company. HCSC reports more than 34,000 employees and says about 27 million people are served through its health benefit products (September 2026), up from roughly 16 million members at the end of 2019. It operates the Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in five states (Illinois, New Mexico, Montana, Texas, and Oklahoma).

Through its affiliates and subsidiaries, including Dearborn Group, HCSC Insurance Service Company, Dental Network of America, Medecision, Prime Therapeutics, Availity, and TriWest Healthcare Alliance, HCSC provides a comprehensive range of life and health insurance products as well as related services. As of 2026, Wikipedia lists HCSC’s subsidiaries as CareAllies, Dearborn Group, Luminare Health and Medecision; the other names above are not listed there as subsidiaries. In a deal that closed on March 19, 2025, HCSC bought Cigna’s Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, supplemental benefits and CareAllies businesses.

Molina Healthcare, Inc.

For eligible people and families, Molina Healthcare, a Fortune 500 firm, exclusively concentrates on government-sponsored healthcare programs. The business has agreements with state governments and acts as a health plan, offering people and families a wide range of high-quality healthcare services.

California, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, New York, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, South Carolina, Utah, Wisconsin, Washington, and Puerto Rico are among the states where Molina offers health insurance. The business also provides a Medicare product, and many states have chosen it to participate in dual demonstration programs to coordinate treatment for those who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. Molina Healthcare is headquartered in Long Beach, California, and reported 2025 revenue of $45.4 billion. According to Wikipedia, Molina offers Medicare plans in Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin; state Medicaid contracts change over time, so check Molina’s site for your state.

Cigna Health

The Cigna Group (renamed from Cigna Corporation on February 13, 2023) is a multinational health company headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, operating in more than 30 countries, with 2025 revenue of about $274.9 billion. Much of that revenue comes from Evernorth, its health services business, which includes Express Scripts. Healthcare insurance for individuals and families, dental insurance plans and overseas health insurance have been among its insurance plans. Cigna no longer owns its Medicare plans: its Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, supplemental benefits and CareAllies businesses were sold to Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) in a deal that closed on March 19, 2025.

Independence Health Group

Independence Health Group, with its corporate headquarters in Philadelphia, and its affiliates serve millions of people nationwide; Wikipedia puts the figure at about seven million, and the figure of more than 10 million people in 27 states and the District of Columbia given in earlier versions of this article could not be verified. Its subsidiary Independence Blue Cross serves Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania. Southeast Pennsylvania is home to a fourth of its client base. The business offers services to a range of employer types, including small and midsize businesses and multinational firms.

Commercial, Medicare and Medicaid coverage, pharmacy benefits management, workers’ compensation, and third-party benefits administration are a few of the services the insurer provides. The business holds a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association independent license.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

One of the more well-known health insurance providers in the nation is Blue Cross Blue Shield. Blue Cross Blue Shield companies covered more than 115 million people in the US as of 2022, according to Wikipedia, which is consistent with the often-quoted figure of about one in three Americans. Blue Cross Blue Shield is not a single insurer: it is a federation of 33 independent, locally operated companies, including CareFirst, Highmark, Independence, Wellmark, Elevance Health’s Anthem plans and HCSC. Earlier versions of this article said Blue Cross Blue Shield has contracts with over 90% of American hospitals; that figure could not be re-verified in September 2026, so check your local Blue plan’s provider directory. In October 2024 the Blue Cross Blue Shield companies agreed to pay $2.8 billion to settle a class-action antitrust lawsuit brought by healthcare providers, which Wikipedia describes as the largest healthcare antitrust settlement to date.

Capital District Physician’s Health Plan

Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan (CDPHP) is a physician-founded health plan based in Latham, New York; its 15-member board of directors includes eight physicians. CDPHP lists 29 New York counties in its service area, including Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Dutchess, Orange and Ulster. The membership figure of about 500,000 given in earlier versions of this article could not be re-verified in September 2026. Plans that cover vision care, dental work, prescription medicines, and preventative medical services are available from Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan.

Harvard Pilgrim

The nonprofit organization is headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts; New England is a region of six states, not a state. The five states in which Harvard Pilgrim operates are Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Harvard Pilgrim houses the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, which Wikipedia describes as the only appointing department of a US medical school (Harvard Medical School) housed within a health plan. Harvard Pilgrim combined with Tufts Health Plan on January 1, 2021, under a new parent company, Point32Health, which served about 2.4 million members at the time of the merger, according to Wikipedia. The figures of over 3 million clients and over 250 workers given in earlier versions of this article could not be verified.

HealthPartners

HealthPartners, based in Bloomington, Minnesota, began in 1957 as Group Health, a nonprofit consumer-governed health plan, and merged with MedCenters Health Plan in 1992 to form HealthPartners. It is now a nonprofit, integrated health system with more than 90 clinics and hospitals. HealthPartners says it offers health insurance in five states and has about 1.6 million insured members and 28,000 colleagues. Earlier versions of this article listed Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota and Illinois for its Medicare plans; check HealthPartners’ current Medicare service area for your county. People with diabetes should compare insulin costs in each plan’s drug list. For Medicare enrollees, Medicare.gov states that a one-month supply of each Part B- or Part D-covered insulin product costs no more than $35, with no deductible for insulin.

Aetna

Aetna, founded in 1853 and headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, is a health insurance provider that has been a subsidiary of CVS Health since November 28, 2018; earlier versions of this article said it operated in over 37 states. This business provides prescription drug coverage; the availability of specific Aetna plans varies by state and county, so check the plans offered for your ZIP code. Aetna’s products include dental, behavioral health, long-term care and disability plans alongside medical coverage, according to Wikipedia.

Largest Health Insurance Companies in the USA Compared

The table below summarizes the companies on this list with figures verified in September 2026. Revenue for the biggest groups includes pharmacy benefit, pharmacy retail and care-delivery businesses, so it is not the same as health insurance premiums alone.

Which US Health Insurers Have Been Renamed or Acquired?

Older lists of top US health insurance companies often name businesses that have since been renamed, merged or sold. The main changes are:

• Anthem to Elevance Health: Anthem, Inc. changed its corporate name to Elevance Health, Inc. on June 28, 2022.
• Aetna and CVS Health: CVS Health completed its acquisition of Aetna on November 28, 2018.
• WellCare and Centene: Centene completed its purchase of WellCare in January 2020.
• Cigna’s Medicare business and HCSC: Cigna sold its Medicare Advantage, Part D, supplemental benefits and CareAllies businesses to HCSC in a deal that closed on March 19, 2025. The parent company has been called The Cigna Group since February 13, 2023.
• Harvard Pilgrim and Tufts Health Plan: the two nonprofits combined under Point32Health on January 1, 2021.
• CareSource and Common Ground: CareSource, a nonprofit based in Dayton, Ohio, acquired Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative in January 2025.

How Do You Choose a Health Insurance Company in the USA?

The best health insurance company for one person can be a poor fit for another, because networks, premiums and plan availability differ by state and county. The steps below are general information, not personal financial advice.

1. Start with how you are eligible. Employer coverage, Medicare, Medicaid and Marketplace plans each have different rules and insurers.
2. Check the enrollment window. HealthCare.gov open enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15, and December 15 is the last day to enroll or change plans for coverage starting January 1. Outside that window, a qualifying life event such as moving, losing coverage, marriage or having a baby can open a special enrollment period. Medicaid and CHIP applications are accepted at any time.
3. Confirm the network. Search each insurer’s provider directory for your doctors, hospitals and pharmacy before comparing prices.
4. Compare total yearly cost, not just the premium. Add premiums to the deductible, copays, coinsurance and the out-of-pocket maximum. According to HealthCare.gov, Marketplace out-of-pocket maximums are $10,600 for an individual and $21,200 for a family in 2026, rising to $12,000 and $24,000 in 2027.
5. Check prescription coverage. Look up each medicine in the plan’s drug list; Medicare enrollees pay no more than $35 for a one-month supply of each covered insulin product.
6. Check the insurer’s record. Read the consumer information published by your state insurance department and recent reviews of the plan before enrolling.

Nonprofit vs For-Profit Health Insurers

US health insurers fall into two broad groups. Publicly traded for-profit companies such as UnitedHealth Group, Elevance Health, CVS Health (Aetna), The Cigna Group, Centene, Humana and Molina Healthcare answer to shareholders. Nonprofit and member-owned organizations such as HealthPartners, Harvard Pilgrim (Point32Health), CareSource and Highmark, and the customer-owned mutual HCSC, do not have outside shareholders. Wikipedia describes Kaiser Permanente as a mix of for-profit and not-for-profit entities.

Neither model guarantees lower prices or better service. Compare the specific plans available in your area on network, total cost and coverage rules.

Related Reading

• largest healthcare companies in the USA
• top hospitals in the US
• international health insurance companies
• benefits of having a health insurance plan
• how data analytics shapes health insurance pricing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the top 15 health insurance companies in the USA?

A1: The top 15 health insurance companies in the USA, based on factors like market share and customer satisfaction, include:

• UnitedHealth Group
• Anthem, Inc.
• Aetna
• Cigna
• Humana
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
• Kaiser Permanente
• Molina Healthcare
• Centene Corporation
• Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC)
• CVS Health
• WellCare Health Plans (part of Centene since January 2020)
• Highmark
• Independence Blue Cross
• CareSource

Please note that rankings and inclusion can vary depending on different criteria and sources. Some names overlap: Aetna is owned by CVS Health, WellCare is part of Centene, Anthem is now Elevance Health, and Highmark and Independence Blue Cross are independent Blue Cross Blue Shield companies based in Pennsylvania.

Q2: How can I choose the right health insurance company for myself?

A2: When choosing a health insurance company, consider the following factors:

• Coverage: Ensure that the company offers the specific coverage you need, including doctors, hospitals, medications, and treatments.
• Network: Check if the company has a network of healthcare providers in your area, including preferred doctors and hospitals.
• Cost: Evaluate the premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance to determine affordability.
• Customer Service: Look for reviews and ratings on the company’s customer service to ensure prompt and helpful assistance.
• Reputation: Research the company’s reputation, financial stability, and customer satisfaction ratings to gauge reliability.

Q3: What is the difference between an HMO and a PPO health insurance plan?

A3: HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) are two common types of health insurance plans:

• HMO: HMO plans typically require you to choose a primary care physician (PCP) who coordinates your healthcare. You need a referral from your PCP to see specialists. Out-of-network services are generally not covered, except in emergencies.
• PPO: PPO plans offer more flexibility and allow you to see any healthcare provider without a referral. You can visit both in-network and out-of-network doctors. However, out-of-network services usually cost more in terms of deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

Q4: How does health insurance coverage work in the USA?

A4: Health insurance coverage in the USA typically involves the following:

• Premium: You pay a regular premium (monthly or annually) to the insurance company to maintain your coverage.
• Deductible: Before your insurance coverage kicks in, you must pay a certain amount out of pocket called a deductible.
• Copayment/Coinsurance: After meeting the deductible, you may need to pay a copayment (a fixed amount) or coinsurance (a percentage of the cost) for each medical service.
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Once you reach a certain out-of-pocket maximum, the insurance company covers 100% of the remaining costs for the covered services within the policy’s limits.
• Covered Services: Health insurance typically covers various medical services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, preventive care, and certain treatments.

Q5: Can I purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company?

A5: Yes, it is possible to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company. Some insurance companies offer individual or family plans directly to consumers. However, it’s advisable to compare different insurance options, including those available through government marketplaces or employers, to ensure you find the most suitable coverage at the best price.

List of Top Pharmaceutical Companies In USA.

What is the largest health insurance company in the USA?

UnitedHealth Group is the largest health insurance company in the USA. According to Wikipedia, UnitedHealth Group reported 2025 revenue of $447.6 billion and insures more than 50 million people through UnitedHealthcare, while its Optum business provides pharmacy, data and care services.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield one company?

No. Blue Cross Blue Shield is a federation of 33 independent, locally operated companies that license the Blue Cross and Blue Shield names, including Elevance Health’s Anthem plans, HCSC, Highmark and Independence Blue Cross. Together they covered more than 115 million people in the US as of 2022.

Is Aetna owned by CVS Health?

Yes. CVS Health completed its acquisition of Aetna on November 28, 2018, so Aetna health plans are part of CVS Health. Aetna, founded in 1853, is still headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut.

What happened to Anthem health insurance?

Anthem, Inc. changed its corporate name to Elevance Health, Inc. on June 28, 2022. Elevance Health is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, holds Blue Cross Blue Shield licenses in 15 states and reported revenue of $197.6 billion in 2025.

When can I buy health insurance in the USA?

Marketplace health insurance can be bought during open enrollment, which runs from November 1 to January 15 on HealthCare.gov; enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. A qualifying life event can open a special enrollment period at other times, and Medicaid and CHIP accept applications all year.

What is the maximum out-of-pocket cost for a Marketplace plan?

According to HealthCare.gov, the out-of-pocket maximum for a Marketplace plan is $10,600 for an individual and $21,200 for a family in 2026, and $12,000 and $24,000 in 2027.

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