Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Review
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is usually a great choice for health insurance. But rates and customer service depend heavily on where you live.
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Editor's Rating
Blue Cross Blue Shield lets you choose from a large number of doctors, but it's often expensive.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) makes it easy and convenient to find covered medical care. It's one of the biggest health insurance companies in the country.
Customer service ratings often differ by region because BCBS is a group of independently operated regional companies.
Pros and cons
Pros
About 85% of doctors and hospitals take BCBS plans
Coverage is high quality
Available in almost every state
Plans usually come with extra perks
Cons
Plans are often expensive
Customer service depends on where you live
Is Blue Cross Blue Shield good?
Overall, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a good insurance company.
About 85% of doctors and hospitals in the nation accept BCBS insurance, which means it's easier for you to go to the medical offices you want to.
Blue Cross Blue Shield also generally has good customer service, although the quality of the service you'll get can depend on what BCBS company is in your area. Some BCBS companies are known for excellent service, while customers aren't as happy with the service from other Blue Cross Blue Shield companies.
BCBS is one of the largest health insurance companies in the nation and sells individual and family policies, group health insurance, Medicare coverage, dental insurance and vision insurance.
How much does Blue Cross Blue Shield cost per month?
A Silver plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield costs $793 per month nationally, on average, for a 40-year-old.
That's slightly higher than the national average of $752 per month for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan.
But rates depend heavily on where you live and your personal details. In Vermont, for example, a Silver plan from BCBS costs $1,319 per month, on average. But in New Hampshire, you'll pay an average of $444 per month for a Silver plan from BCBS. Blue Cross Blue Shield's average rates are more expensive than average in about two-thirds of the states where it sells plans.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield costs by state
State | BCBS cost | State cost | % diff. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $667 | $691 | -3.5% |
| Alaska | $1,028 | $1,037 | -0.8% |
| Arizona | $835 | $685 | 22.0% |
| Arkansas | $783 | $823 | -4.9% |
| California | $796 | $728 | 9.2% |
Average monthly rates are for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan.
Blue Cross Blue Shield subsidiaries typically operate in a specific region, which can include one or more states. In some cases, multiple BCBS companies operate in a single state, and sometimes a single BCBS company offers coverage in several states. Coverage isn't always available statewide. Some BCBS entities may only offer policies in a few counties.
State | BCBS company |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama |
| Alaska | Premera Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alaska |
| Arizona | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield |
| California | Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of California |
Blue Cross Blue Shield price vs. other companies
Blue Cross Blue Shield has average rates compared to other major health insurance companies.
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Keep in mind, your rates depend on where you live, the plan tier you choose, how many people you have on your plan and more.
Cost of BCBS vs. competitors
Company | Average cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Permanente | $595 |
| Oscar | $673 |
| Ambetter | $710 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $793 |
| Cigna | $795 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $819 |
Average monthly rates are for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan.
Blue Cross Blue Shield cost by plan tier
Blue Cross Blue Shield's rates for most plan tiers are fairly average.
However, Platinum plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield are much more expensive than the national average.
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers all five plan tiers, although specific plan availability depends on where you live. Plans with less coverage cost less but generally make you pay more when you get medical care.
Blue Cross Blue Shield rates by plan tier
Plan tier | BCBS cost | National average |
|---|---|---|
| Catastrophic | $505 | $434 |
| Bronze | $587 | $573 |
| Silver | $793 | $752 |
| Gold | $835 | $793 |
| Platinum | $1,523 | $1,012 |
Average monthly rates are for a 40-year-old. Rates are averages for states where data on each plan tier is available.
However, if you have a low income, you might be able to get a cheaper price on a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum plan through a health insurance marketplace. That's because you could get premium tax credits, also called subsidies. You can't use subsidies on Catastrophic plans, though.
How to pick a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan
Try to match your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan to how much health care you need.
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a lot of different plans and plan types. You can break the shopping process down into smaller steps to make it easier to pick a plan that works for you.
Decide what plan tier is right for you. If you go to the doctor often or think you'll need expensive medical care, choose a Gold or Platinum plan. If you're young or generally healthy, and you can afford to pay for a larger part of your health care bills, go with Bronze. Silver plans are generally a good starting point. But stay away from Catastrophic plans unless you can't afford anything else.
Pick a network type. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers several plan types, including both HMO (health maintenance organization) and PPO (preferred provider organization) plans. HMOs are usually cheaper, but you have to stay within a strict network of doctors to have coverage, and you have to get a referral to see a specialist. PPOs cost more each month, but they let you see any doctor and still have some coverage. Plus, you can see a specialist without a referral.
If you have a tight budget, choose an HMO. Just make sure all your doctors are within the plan's network.
If you want the flexibility to see any doctor, pick a PPO. You'll usually pay more each month, but you'll get a plan that makes it easier to get medical care.
Compare plans on HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace site. Once you know what plan tier and network type you want, use the filters on HealthCare.gov or your state's marketplace site to compare Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in your area. Look at each plan's rate, deductible, copays and coinsurance and coverage details.
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Other Blue Cross Blue Shield plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield also sells group health insurance, vision and dental coverage.
Each BCBS company controls its plan offerings, which means that options will depend on where you live and what company is in your area.
Medicare
BCBS offers Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. On average, a BCBS Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage costs $48 per month, while a Part D plan costs $119 per month.
Blue Cross Blue Shield also sells Medicare Supplement plans. Plan G from BCBS costs $189 per month.
Member resources and unique benefits
Most Blue Cross Blue Shield companies offer a variety of member benefits, but those will change with the BCBS affiliate in your area. Some of the more common member benefits are:
- A 24/7 nurse line
- Blue365 for discounts on health and fitness clubs, weight loss programs and other health-related products
- Telemedicine
- A mobile app and a separate member website
- International coverage for those who work, travel or live abroad
Blue Cross Blue Shield reviews and customer complaints
Blue Cross plan quality and customer service vary widely depending on where you live.
Remember, Blue Cross Blue Shield isn't a single company. It's a collection of independently owned subsidiaries. In some areas, BCBS has very good customer service, while in other places it has below-average ratings.
For example, in Georgia, Blue Cross Blue Shield gets more than three times as many complaints as an average health insurance company its size. However, BCBS of Illinois gets very few complaints about its health insurance plans.
Before you buy a plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield, make sure you research the company that operates in your area.
What actual customers say about Blue Cross Blue Shield
ValuePenguin's experts researched Reddit threads to find out what actual Blue Cross Blue Shield members say about their plans.
What customers like
- The network makes it easy to get care. Customers like how easy it is to find a doctor or hospital that takes Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance. Most doctors and hospitals accept the plans as payment, which means you can get medical care at almost any medical office and have coverage.
- You have nationwide coverage. BCBS customers like that you can use most plans across the country, because the network is so big. This is especially helpful if you travel. If you get sick or injured, having a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan makes it easier to find a local doctor.
- The company offers lots of plans. People like how many plans and options Blue Cross Blue Shield offers. You can usually find a plan that fits your needs, whether you need a lot of medical care or only routine visits.
What customers complain about
- Frequent claim denials. Many Reddit users complain that Blue Cross Blue Shield has denied their claims and refused to pay for medical care. While this could be true in some cases, it could also be customers not understanding their coverage. For example, health insurance never covers optional procedures like cosmetic surgery. If you get medical care that your plan doesn't cover, your insurance won't pay for it. Complaints about claim denials are fairly common across most companies.
- Bad customer service. Some Reddit users complain about the customer service they get with BCBS. They cite long hold times, confusing phone systems and unhelpful representatives. But other users note that customer service depends on the Blue Cross Blue Shield company in your area. Some companies have better service than others.
- Poor value for the money. BCBS plans can be expensive, which leads some Reddit users to say they don't feel like the plans are worth it.
When looking at reviews, remember that your experience won't be exactly the same as viewers. Many people have Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage and have very few complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blue Cross Blue Shield good insurance?
Blue Cross Blue Shield is a good choice for many people. The company has a large network of doctors and offers member benefits, including a nurse line and telemedicine options, all of which can make finding a doctor easier. Because the company is split into independent regional subsidiaries, customer service and quality ratings vary, so you may want to research the BCBS company in your area.
Is Anthem the same as BCBS?
Anthem is part of the BCBS family of companies. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the BCBS company in several states, although it isn't available everywhere.
Is Blue Cross Blue Shield expensive?
Compared to other major health insurance companies, Blue Cross Blue Shield is relatively expensive. The average monthly cost of a Silver plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield is $793 per month for a 40-year-old. The national average for the same coverage is $752. Blue Cross Blue Shield is more expensive than average in about two-thirds of states where it sells plans.
What are the cons of Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Blue Cross Blue Shield tends to be expensive. However, the extra cost might be worth it if you need frequent medical care and want the flexibility to choose your doctors from a large network. The customer service you get from BCBS also depends on the company in your area. Some areas of the country have a BCBS company with great service, while BCBS companies in other areas tend to have low customer satisfaction.
Why do people like Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Blue Cross Blue Shield has one of the biggest doctor networks in the country, which means most doctors and hospitals accept its coverage. This makes it easier to get covered medical care compared to a smaller health insurance company. Most BCBS plans also come with good perks, like a 24/7 nurse line or discounts on health products.
Methodology
The average cost for a Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plan in 2026 is from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state marketplace websites. Rates are averages for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan, unless another age or plan tier is specifically noted.
Rates for Bronze plans include regular and Expanded Bronze plans for 2024, 2025 and 2026, when the plans are available. Your costs and plan options will vary; plans aren't always available in all parts of a state or county.
Medicare Advantage and Part D rates
The average cost of a Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plan is based on data from Medicare.gov and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and includes drug coverage. Employer-sponsored plans, Medicare savings account (MSA) plans, PACE plans, Part-B-only plans, prepayment plans (HCPPs), sanctioned plans and special needs plans are not included in average rates. Rates for Part D plans are also from CMS. Averages for both Medicare Advantage and Part D are grouped by consumer brand and include company subsidiaries.
Medicare Supplement rates
Medicare Supplement rates are for the 2026 plan year and from actuarial data for private insurance companies. Rates are for a 65-year-old woman who does not smoke and who signed up for a plan when she was first eligible. No medical underwriting was factored into the rates.
Insurance Writer
Cate Deventer is a ValuePenguin writer who specializes in health insurance, Medicare, auto and home insurance. She's been a licensed insurance agent since 2011.
She started her insurance career working as a customer service agent for State Farm. She later moved to an independent agency, where she worked with several insurance companies and hundreds of clients. She quoted policies, filed claims and answered insurance questions. In 2021, she pivoted her career and began writing about insurance for Bankrate. She moved to ValuePenguin in 2023 and began writing about health insurance and Medicare.
Cate has a passion for helping readers choose insurance to fit their needs. She enjoys knowing that her research and knowledge help people choose insurance products that make a positive difference in their lives.
How insurance helped Cate
Cate used her health insurance knowledge to navigate a surgery in 2023. Understanding how her policy worked let her focus on recovery instead of worrying about bills.
Expertise
- Health insurance
- Medicare & Medicaid
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Life insurance
Credentials
- Licensed Life, Accident & Health Insurance Agent
- Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Referenced by
- CBS
- NBC
- Wall Street Journal
Education
- BA, Theatre, Purdue University
- BA, English, Indiana University
Editorial note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
