Cigna vs Aetna
Cigna
Global health service company offering insurance, supplemental coverage, and wellness programs across 200+ countries.
Individuals and families seeking global health coverage, expatriates, employer-sponsored groups, and those who value independence and diverse plan options.
Aetna
Diversified health insurer with CVS Health integration covering employer, individual, Medicare and Medicaid
US-based consumers who frequent CVS pharmacies, value integrated healthcare delivery, prefer one-stop shopping for medical/dental/vision, and live in areas with strong CVS/MinuteClinic presence.
Short Answer
Both are major health insurers, but Cigna operates in 200+ countries with stronger international coverage, while Aetna (owned by CVS Health since 2018) excels in integrated healthcare through CVS pharmacies and clinics. Choice depends on whether you prioritize global reach or domestic pharmacy/clinic integration.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedBoth Cigna and Aetna are reputable insurers serving millions of Americans, each with distinct advantages. Cigna excels for those needing international coverage or preferring an independent insurer, while Aetna is ideal for consumers who benefit from integrated CVS pharmacy and clinic services. Your choice should depend on whether you prioritize global reach, domestic convenience, or specific healthcare provider preferences.
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Choose Cigna if
Individuals and families seeking global health coverage, expatriates, employer-sponsored groups, and those who value independence and diverse plan options.
Choose Aetna if
US-based consumers who frequent CVS pharmacies, value integrated healthcare delivery, prefer one-stop shopping for medical/dental/vision, and live in areas with strong CVS/MinuteClinic presence.
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Key Differences at a Glance
Key Facts & Figures
| Metric | Cigna | Aetna | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded Year | 1792 | 1853 | -3% |
| US Member Base(millions) | 17 million | 23 million | -26% |
| Countries with Operations(countries) | 200+ | Primarily US only | +19900% |
| J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction (2025)(score) | 76 | 74 | +3% |
| Plan Types Offered(count) | HMO, PPO, CDHP, Life, Disability (5+) | HMO, PPO, CDHP, Dental, Vision (5) | — |
| Average Individual Plan Deductible(USD) | $1,500 | $1,450 | +3% |
| Total Enrollment(millions) | 47 million members | 47 million members | — |
| Average Individual Premium(USD/year) | $7,100 | $7,100 | — |
| Retail Clinic Locations(locations) | 11,000+ CVS MinuteClinic | 11,000+ CVS MinuteClinic | — |
| Total Medical Membership(millions) | 23.4 million | 23.4 million | — |
| Medicare Advantage Enrollees(millions) | 2.5 million | 2.5 million | — |
| Average Premium Increase(percent) | 5.8% annually | 5.8% annually | — |
| Pharmacy Network Size(locations) | 98,000+ (incl. CVS stores) | 98,000+ (incl. CVS stores) | — |
| States with Coverage(count) | 50 states | 50 states | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(Percentage) | 3.7 stars | 3.7 stars | — |
| Average Out-of-Pocket Maximum(USD per year) | $6,900 (individual) | $6,900 (individual) | — |
All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated Jun 2026.
Key Differences
Cigna
Independent publicly-traded company🏆
Aetna
Subsidiary of CVS Health (acquired 2018)
Cigna
Operations in 200+ countries and territories🏆
Aetna
Primarily US-based with limited international options
Cigna
Partnerships with various healthcare providers
Aetna
Direct integration with CVS pharmacies and MinuteClinic urgent care🏆
Cigna
Approximately 17 million members
Aetna
Approximately 23 million members🏆
Cigna
HMO, PPO, CDHP, life and disability insurance
Aetna
HMO, PPO, CDHP, dental, vision integrated with CVS services🏆
Cigna
J.D. Power 2025: 76 (above average)🏆
Aetna
J.D. Power 2025: 74 (average)
Cigna
Cigna.com app with telemedicine, wellness tracking
Aetna
CVS Health app with pharmacy integration and MinuteClinic booking
Cigna
Mid-range pricing, competitive deductibles
Aetna
Competitive pricing with CVS discount programs
Full Comparison
| Attribute |  Cigna |  Aetna |
|---|---|---|
| Founded Year | 1792 | 1853 |
| US Member Base(millions) | 17 million | 23 million |
| Countries with Operations(countries) | 200+ | Primarily US only |
| J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction (2025)(score) | 76 | 74 |
| Pharmacy Network Integration | Partner networks (non-exclusive) | Direct CVS/Walgreens integration |
| Plan Types Offered(count) | HMO, PPO, CDHP, Life, Disability (5+) | HMO, PPO, CDHP, Dental, Vision (5) |
| Telemedicine Availability | 24/7 virtual care included in most plans | 24/7 virtual care + MinuteClinic in-person options |
| Average Individual Plan Deductible(USD) | $1,500 | $1,450 |
| Average Individual Premium(USD/year) | $7,100 | — |
| Total Enrollment(millions) | 47 million members | — |
| Provider Network Size | 1.2 million | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(relative ranking) | 7.5 | — |
| Retail Clinic Locations(locations) | 11,000+ CVS MinuteClinic | — |
| Digital Health Integration | Aetna app, CVS pharmacy integration, telehealth | — |
| Geographic Coverage(states) | 49 states + DC (limited in some regions) | — |
| Pharmacy Cost Management | Direct CVS control, typically lower copays | — |
| Total Medical Membership(millions) | 23.4 million | — |
| Medicare Advantage Enrollees(millions) | 2.5 million | — |
| Annual Revenue(billions USD) | $156.8B (CVS Health) | — |
| Average Premium Increase(percent) | 5.8% annually | — |
| Pharmacy Network Size(locations) | 98,000+ (incl. CVS stores) | — |
| States with Coverage(count) | 50 states | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(Percentage) | 3.7 stars | — |
| Average Out-of-Pocket Maximum(USD per year) | $6,900 (individual) | — |
CignaAetnaVisual Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes
Pros & Cons
Cigna
Pros
- Extensive international coverage for expatriates and travelers
- Higher customer satisfaction scores (J.D. Power 76/100)
- Diverse plan options including life and disability insurance
- Strong employer benefits and group coverage offerings
- Flexible network options (HMO, PPO, CDHP) for different needs
Cons
- Less integrated with retail pharmacy services
- Smaller US member base compared to competitors
Aetna
Pros
- Seamless integration with CVS pharmacies and MinuteClinic urgent care centers
- Larger US member base (23 million) with extensive network
- Coordinated care through CVS Health ecosystem reduces friction
- Competitive pricing with additional CVS discount programs
- All-in-one platform for medical, dental, and vision coverage
Cons
- Limited international coverage options
- Customer service ratings slightly below Cigna
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Aetna is a subsidiary of CVS Health Corporation (acquired in 2018), while Cigna remains an independent, publicly-traded company. However, both are major health insurers competing in the US market.
Resources & Learn More
Dive deeper with these curated resources
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