Key takeaways
Blue Cross Blue Shield ranks #5 for affordability among major health insurance carriers, with average rates of $245 monthly.
— QuoteYeti editorial team
- 02 Customer experience ranks #3 based on J.D. Power scores, NAIC complaint data, and online sentiment.
- 03 Coverage breadth scores #1 — see the coverage section below for which add-ons set Blue Cross Blue Shield apart.
Blue Cross Blue Shield ratings
How much does Blue Cross Blue Shield cost?
Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance costs members $245 monthly on average, or $2,940 annually — Varies by state 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 Blue Cross Blue Shield typically prices different member profiles.
Avg monthly
$245
Avg annual
$2,940
vs. national avg
Varies by state
Rates by category
| Category | Minimum coverage | Full coverage | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-risk members | $208 | $245 | #5 |
| Average members | $245 | $282 | #5 |
| Higher-risk members | $343 | $392 | #6 |
Blue Cross Blue Shield earns #2 overall in our health rankings — the kind of performance that rewards a closer look, not a coin flip.
Blue Cross Blue Shield reputation
Blue Cross Blue Shield ranks #3 in QuoteYeti's customer experience study for health insurance. The score blends J.D. Power survey data, NAIC complaint ratios (0.62 versus an industry-wide 1.00 average), and member sentiment from public review sources. Customers consistently praise Blue Cross Blue Shield for responsive service and smooth claims experiences.
Step 01
Buying process
Buying coverage from Blue Cross Blue Shield is a strong experience 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 Blue Cross Blue Shield is straightforward, with self-service through both the mobile app and web portal. Members typically rate the digital experience as competent if not standout.
Step 03
Claims experience
Claims handling at Blue Cross Blue Shield 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 (varies by state plan) | 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+ (varies) | 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. | 744/1,000 | Near industry average |
| NAIC Complaint Ratio 4 NAIC National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Their complaint index is 1.0 = average; lower is better. | 0.62 | Substantially fewer complaints than expected for company size |
Blue Cross Blue Shield discounts
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers 2 discounts to help reduce your premium:
| Discount | Average savings | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Subsidy Eligibility | Variable | ACA marketplace subsidies based on household income |
| Wellness Programs | Variable | Many state plans offer wellness incentives |
Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage options
Blue Cross Blue Shield 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 |
|---|---|---|
| BlueCard Coverage | Access to in-network rates anywhere in the US | Critical for travelers and snowbirds |
| Medicare Advantage | BCBS-branded Medicare Advantage plans | Often top-rated in J.D. Power Medicare satisfaction |
| Wellness Programs | Gym discounts, smoking cessation, and weight loss programs | Varies by state plan |
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 Largest provider network in the US — accepted nearly everywhere
- BlueCard® program provides coverage when traveling out-of-state
- Strong J.D. Power member satisfaction scores
- Wide variety of plan types (HMO, PPO, EPO, POS)
- State-level plans provide deep local expertise
What's not
- Top con Coverage and rates vary significantly by state-level plan
- Customer experience varies by regional Blue Cross provider
- Higher base rates than some marketplace-only carriers
- Less innovation than tech-first carriers like Oscar
Our verdict
The bottom line
Blue Cross Blue Shield earns an overall score of 4.4/5 in QuoteYeti's health insurance provider rankings. The carrier ranks #2 nationally, with particular strength in customer experience.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is best suited for members who want a balance of price and service from an established carrier. Coverage and rates vary significantly by state-level plan 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 Blue Cross Blue Shield a good health insurance company?
Blue Cross Blue Shield is a legitimate health insurance carrier with a financial-strength rating of A (varies by state plan). It ranks #2 overall and #5 in affordability in QuoteYeti's editorial comparison of major health insurance providers.
How much does Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance cost?
Blue Cross Blue Shield averages $245 monthly ($2,940 annually) — Varies by state 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 Blue Cross Blue Shield typically prices different members.
What discounts does Blue Cross Blue Shield offer?
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers 2 primary discounts, including Subsidy Eligibility, Wellness Programs. See the full discount table above for eligibility and average savings.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield have good claims handling?
Blue Cross Blue Shield's NAIC complaint ratio is 0.62 (1.00 is the industry average, so lower is better). This is at or near the industry average. J.D. Power claims scores rate 744/1,000.
Should I choose Blue Cross Blue Shield or a competitor?
Blue Cross Blue Shield is strongest for members who want established carrier reliability. Compare quotes from at least three carriers — Blue Cross Blue Shield'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 Blue Cross Blue Shield
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.