Cigna is a health insurance provider that currently offers health insurance in 12 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. This is augmented by Medicare Advantage plans in 17 states and Medicare prescription drug plans in all 50 states. Cigna boasts around 13 million policyholders and is our pick for telehealth from our guide to the best health insurance companies, which includes companies likes Aetna and Kaiser Permanente.
It employs over 35,000 people worldwide and has an annual revenue of around $32 billion. Its healthcare network embraces over 1 million healthcare professionals and institutions globally, and 68,000 pharmacies in the United States. Although the modern-day company was formed in 1982 from the merger of INA Corporation and Connecticut General Corporation, the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CG) was originally founded in 1865.
Within the United States, Cigna’s preferred provider network encompasses around half a million participating physicians. Company policy means that although referrals are not necessary to see an out-of-network provider, customers can obviously receive greater savings by using an in-network provider.
Cigna is generally well regarded by its customers in the states where the company is active, with average-priced premiums and a comprehensive range of services and benefits. However, as with all health insurance providers, experiences can differ regionally and locally, so it pays to research the options within a specific area for potential new customers.
Most customers will begin the quotation process at Cigna's main website, which gives a clear overview of their services and products, and links potential customers to their regional and state-specific providers.
The quotation and claims processes stand up well in terms of clarity and ease with its competitors, too.
Cigna review: How much does it cost?
- Policies quoted were around average for the coverage they offered
- Cigna offered a good comparative analysis of the various plans
- Website and app both straightforward and equally user-friendly
Sample quote for family: A man and a woman aged 35 with two kids aged 3 and 7: $1,165/month
Sample quote for a married couple: Aged 45-50, no pre-existing conditions: $720/month
Sample quote for an individual man or woman: Aged 45-50, no pre-existing conditions: $445/month
Quotes for health insurance policies vary dramatically depending on requirements and geographic locations, but overall, quotes for Cigna were around the average price.
Cigna offered a good comparative analysis of the various plans and packages it offers, and within the quotes listed, it was clear what customers could expect for their money. Some of the plans are listed in easy-to-compare Bronze, Silver and Gold packages, with deductible and coverage variations within these general frameworks. The website and mobile app were both straightforward and equally user-friendly.
Cigna review: Products
- Individual and family health insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- Nationwide pharmacy plans
- Short-term health insurance
- Global individual and group plans
Cigna plans are widely accepted at hospitals and doctor's offices across their coverage regions and states. Coverage options range from Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) to Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). PPO plans generally offer coverage for out-of-network providers, while HMO plans only offer out-of-network coverage in emergency situations. For dental and vision insurance, the Cigna plans include access to a network of approved dentists across its serviced regions.
Other resources available to Cigna customers when they enrol through the website cigna.com include the ability to view and pay bills online, view the real-time status of any claims made, and the ability to search and find local healthcare providers.
Cigna review: Telehealth access and support
- Can talk direct with a healthcare professional
- Two telehealth options
- Prescriptions can be sent directly to a local pharmacy
Telehealth is the use of computers and mobile devices that give customers access to healthcare over an internet connection 24/7. Eligible Cigna customers can connect 24/7 with board-certified doctors, licensed clinicians, or nurses through online video chat or phone. There are two telehealth options: talking to a nurse if the customer isn’t sure what kind of care they need (the nurse can help point them in the right direction) or an online doctor visit for minor conditions – if necessary, prescriptions can be sent directly from these online visits to a local pharmacy.
Cigna review: Bronze, Silver and Gold plans
- Three types of plan
- Very easy to compare levels of coverage
- None of them have maximum annual limits on a number of services covered
Some of Cigna’s plans are batched together under Bronze, Silver and Gold plans. These are very easy to compare levels of coverage, with out-of-pocket limits, deductibles, and other variables within the general health insurance arena. A notable feature of all the plans offered with Cigna is that none of them have maximum annual limits on a number of services they cover.
Cigna review: Usability and user reviews
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Cigna operates a national call center, available 24/7
- Easy to locate the online help and customer service sections
Cigna has a very good overall customer service record. Multiple ratings websites record an impressive overall consumer satisfaction rating. Cigna operates a national call center, which is available to its customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. J.D. Power & Associates has awarded the call center its highest ranking for four consecutive years.
Cigna has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, with a good record of addressing customer complaints. Its financial clout, as measured by Standard and Poors, Fitch and Moody’s, is ranked as very strong overall.
The Cigna main website is as straightforward and intuitive to use as any of its peers, and customers are given a good range of policy options when submitting a query for a quote. As is the industry standard, quotes do require a certain amount of personal information to be submitted, but this is nothing unusual.
It’s easy to locate the online help and customer service sections on the website, and customers can search for and download most of the forms they might need for any aspect of their healthcare insurance.
Should I choose Cigna?
Cigna performs well when compared to many of its competitors, with average premiums, clear and intuitive websites and apps and a good range of added benefits, particularly its commitment to telehealth. The lack of complete nationwide coverage could be a drawback for some people. However, Cigna performs well in the states in which it has a presence and has a consistently high level of customer satisfaction, making it worth considering for potential customers in those regions. Its financial health is similarly reassuring.
As well as our guide to the best health insurance companies, we also look at how to choose a health insurance plan. You might also want to look at something more specific when it comes to health cover, in which case you'll find our guides to the best dental insurance and best vision insurance useful. Looking further ahead and we rate the best life insurance options and best Medicare Part D plans.
