Humana vs. Cigna

Sometimes the best coverage at the best price doesn’t tell the whole story about an insurance company.

If you’re trying to decide between Humana and Cigna for your health care needs – and if you’re considering enrolling in a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans – check out our comparison below that highlights some of the other key differences between each insurance carrier.

Humana is one of the most popular insurance companies in the country. Nearly 1 out of every 5 Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan beneficiaries is enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan.

Cigna accounted for 2% of all Medicare Advantage enrollment in America in 2023. 

Humana vs. Cigna: Types of Insurance Plans Offered

Cigna offers several types of Medicare insurance plans, including Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans in certain parts of the country. Cigna also sells individual and group health insurance plans, standalone dental and vision plans and more.

Humana also offers each type of Medicare plan listed above in many parts of the country. The company doesn't, however, offer quite as many group or individual non-Medicare health insurance plans as Cigna.

Cigna vs. Humana: Areas Served

Both companies have near-nationwide service areas. Humana has a presence in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and Humana Medicare Advantage plans are sold in 90% of U.S. counties.

Cigna sells Medicare Part D and Medicare Supplement Insurance in parts of nearly every state, while Cigna Medicare Advantage plans can be found in 28 states.

Cigna vs. Humana: Provider Access

Cigna has a national network of participating providers.

Humana also has large provider networks, with more than 592,000 network providers according to Doctor.com. Humana has one of the largest pharmacy networks in the U.S. thanks to several partnerships with major chain retailers.

Individual plan networks, availability and coverage can vary from one plan and one area to another. Be sure to check with your doctor or health care provider to find out what insurance plans they accept. You can also work with a licensed insurance agent to find out if your doctor is in a plan network before enrolling in the plan.

Financial Ratings for Cigna vs. Humana

Cigna financial ratings are hard to beat, with “A” ratings from A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s to go along with an "A+" from Fitch Ratings and “A2” from Moody’s. 

Humana also earns impressive financial ratings, with a “BBB-” from A.M. Best, “BBB” from Fitch Ratings, “BBB+” from Standard & Poor’s and “Baa3” from Moody’s.

Medicare Star Ratings

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Stars are used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to indicate various measures of plan quality, with five stars being the highest score.

In 2022, 42% of Cigna members were enrolled in a five-star plan and the company boasts an overall average of 4.15 stars.  

Humana offers high-quality plans as well, with more than 9 out of 10 Medicare Advantage members being enrolled in a plan rated 4 stars or more.¹

Customer Experience

Both Cigna and Humana offer a strong customer experience by making it easy to look up providers online and further manage benefits through a members-only portal and mobile apps.

The Cigna help center features a 24-hour assistance line. Humana also offers extensive customer support, including live support on Twitter.  

Cigna vs. Humana: The Verdict

Cigna has earned stronger financial ratings and Medicare Star Ratings than Humana. Humana, however, offers Medicare Advantage plans in more parts of the country than Cigna.

The most important difference between these carriers will be the benefits and prices offered in your specific area. Working with a licensed insurance agent is a great way to review your different plan options and arrive at a decision that’s best for your needs.