Key takeaways
Aetna ranks #5 for affordability among major health insurance carriers, with average rates of $228 monthly.
— QuoteYeti editorial team
- 02 Customer experience ranks #5 based on J.D. Power scores, NAIC complaint data, and online sentiment.
- 03 Coverage breadth scores #4 — see the coverage section below for which add-ons set Aetna apart.
Aetna ratings
How much does Aetna cost?
Aetna health insurance costs members $228 monthly on average, or $2,736 annually — Varies by plan compared to the national average. Actual rates vary significantly based on your profile, location, and coverage selections. Use the cost-by-category table below to see how Aetna typically prices different member profiles.
Avg monthly
$228
Avg annual
$2,736
vs. national avg
Varies by plan
Rates by category
| Category | Minimum coverage | Full coverage | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-risk members | $194 | $228 | #5 |
| Average members | $228 | $262 | #5 |
| Higher-risk members | $319 | $365 | #6 |
Aetna earns #5 overall in our health rankings — the kind of performance that rewards a closer look, not a coin flip.
Aetna reputation
Aetna ranks #5 in QuoteYeti's customer experience study for health insurance. The score blends J.D. Power survey data, NAIC complaint ratios (0.85 versus an industry-wide 1.00 average), and member sentiment from public review sources. Customer feedback is mixed; some praise specific service areas while others report frustration with claims complexity.
Step 01
Buying process
Buying coverage from Aetna has been generally adequate, though not without friction for most members. The quoting process is primarily online with phone support available for complex situations.
Step 02
Policy management
Day-to-day policy management at Aetna varies in quality — the mobile experience is reasonable, but complex changes often require phone or agent support. Members typically rate the digital experience as competent if not standout.
Step 03
Claims experience
Claims handling at Aetna performs at or slightly above the industry standard. For straightforward claims (windshield repairs, minor incidents), most members report fast resolution. Complex claims requiring extensive investigation can take longer.
Independent industry ratings
Independent ratings from major financial-strength and customer-satisfaction agencies:
| Source | Score | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best Financial Strength 1 A.M. Best Insurance-industry credit rating agency since 1899. A++ is the highest financial-strength grade. | A (Excellent) | Excellent ability to meet financial obligations |
| S&P Global Financial Strength 2 S&P Global Standard & Poor's Global Ratings. Insurance financial-strength grades from AAA (strongest) to D. | A | Strong capacity to meet financial commitments |
| J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction 3 J.D. Power Consumer satisfaction surveys with 12,000+ policyholders annually. Scores run 0–1000; above 800 is considered excellent. | 692/1,000 | Below industry average |
| NAIC Complaint Ratio 4 NAIC National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Their complaint index is 1.0 = average; lower is better. | 0.85 | Near the expected level of complaints |
Aetna discounts
Aetna offers 2 discounts to help reduce your premium:
| Discount | Average savings | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Subsidy Eligibility | Variable | ACA marketplace subsidies based on household income |
| CVS HealthHUB Discount | Variable | Members access discounts at CVS HealthHUB and MinuteClinic |
Aetna coverage options
Aetna offers a comprehensive coverage menu typical of major health insurance carriers, with several add-ons that set it apart from competitors. The table below details the main add-ons available.
| Add-on coverage | What it covers | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| CVS MinuteClinic Access | Walk-in visits at MinuteClinic locations | Often low or no copay for Aetna members |
| Behavioral Health | Mental health and substance abuse coverage | Strong network of mental health providers |
| Aetna Better Health (Medicaid) | Managed Medicaid in participating states | Available in select states |
Pros and cons
Ordered by impact. The top item in each column is the one we'd weight heaviest in a recommendation.
What's working
- Top pro CVS-affiliated — discounts at CVS HealthHUB locations
- Strong national provider network
- Comprehensive plan options across employer and individual markets
- MinuteClinic visits at low or no cost for many plans
- Strong behavioral health network
What's not
- Top con Customer satisfaction scores below industry leaders
- Plan structures can be complex with many add-ons
- Provider network varies significantly by region
- Less innovative than tech-first competitors
Our verdict
The bottom line
Aetna earns an overall score of 4.2/5 in QuoteYeti's health insurance provider rankings. The carrier ranks #5 nationally, with particular strength in specific specialty areas.
Aetna is best suited for members who want a balance of price and service from an established carrier. Customer satisfaction scores below industry leaders is the most common drawback to weigh against the strengths.
As always, compare quotes from multiple insurers before committing. The right carrier depends on your specific profile — driving record, claims history, location, and coverage needs all shift the math.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aetna a good health insurance company?
Aetna is a legitimate health insurance carrier with a financial-strength rating of A (Excellent). It ranks #5 overall and #5 in affordability in QuoteYeti's editorial comparison of major health insurance providers.
How much does Aetna health insurance cost?
Aetna averages $228 monthly ($2,736 annually) — Varies by plan versus the national average. Your actual rate depends on your profile, location, and coverage choices. Use the cost-by-category table above to see how Aetna typically prices different members.
What discounts does Aetna offer?
Aetna offers 2 primary discounts, including Subsidy Eligibility, CVS HealthHUB Discount. See the full discount table above for eligibility and average savings.
Does Aetna have good claims handling?
Aetna's NAIC complaint ratio is 0.85 (1.00 is the industry average, so lower is better). This is at or near the industry average. J.D. Power claims scores rate 692/1,000.
Should I choose Aetna or a competitor?
Aetna is strongest for members who want established carrier reliability. Compare quotes from at least three carriers — Aetna's rates and offerings vary significantly based on your specific profile, and the carrier that fits best can differ for members in different situations.
How we rated Aetna
QuoteYeti's health insurance rankings are designed to surface where each carrier actually wins and loses. We don't accept payment for ranking placement, and our methodology is published in full so you can audit how we reach our conclusions.
60%
Cost
We compare quotes across multiple members profiles, measuring how competitively each carrier prices its policies against local and national competitors. Data is normalized to comparable coverage levels.
30%
Customer satisfaction
We analyze customer feedback from J.D. Power member studies, NAIC complaint ratios, AM Best ratings, and public review sources to assess overall service quality and claims handling.
10%
Coverage breadth
We evaluate each carrier's coverage menu, scoring the variety of available endorsements, unique features, and gap-filling options.