What is the Most Popular Health Insurance? A Complete Guide to Top Options in 2025

When it comes to protecting your health and finances, choosing the right insurance plan is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Many people wonder: “What is the most popular health insurance?” The answer matters because popularity often reflects trust, affordability, and satisfaction among millions of policyholders across the United States, including right here in Ohio.

While the most popular plan may not always be the best fit for everyone, looking at the top-rated and widely used insurance providers helps narrow down your choices. In 2025, the U.S. health insurance market continues to be dominated by a few major players, offering a mix of affordability, wide provider networks, and comprehensive coverage.

This guide explores the most common health insurance plans, the providers with the largest health insurance market share in 2025, and the best options for individuals, families, seniors, and low-income households.

Understanding Health Insurance Popularity

So, what makes a health insurance plan “popular”?

A plan becomes widely used when it meets the needs of a large number of Americans across various income levels and health conditions. Factors that influence popularity include:

• Affordability: People are naturally drawn to the best affordable health insurance plans that balance cost and coverage.

• Provider Network: Plans with larger hospital and doctor networks are considered the most common health insurance plans.

• Coverage Benefits: Preventive care, mental health support, prescriptions, and emergency services.

• Customer Satisfaction: High ratings and trustworthiness make companies the most trusted health insurance companies.

In the U.S., some of the most used health insurance in the US comes from employer-sponsored coverage, Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA marketplace plans.

Top Popular Health Insurance Providers in the U.S. (2025)

The U.S. health insurance industry is concentrated around a handful of providers that serve millions of people. Below are the most popular private health insurance companies and their health insurance market share in 2025:

1. UnitedHealthcare (UHC)

• Known as the most trusted health insurance company for broad access.

• Offers Medicare Advantage, ACA marketplace plans, and employer coverage.

• Popular in Ohio for its large hospital and doctor network.

2. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

• A collection of independent companies serving all 50 states.

• One of the most common health insurance plans through employers and individuals.

• Widely used in Ohio under “Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.”

3. Kaiser Permanente

• Serves mostly western states but remains one of the top-rated health insurance providers.

• High member satisfaction, integrated hospital + insurance system.

4. Aetna (CVS Health)

• Offers best affordable health insurance plans via the ACA marketplace.

• CVS pharmacy integration makes prescriptions easy to manage.

• Good for individuals and families looking for cost-effective coverage.

5. Cigna

• Known for global coverage and strong employer-based insurance.

• A good option for popular private health insurance companies.

6. Humana

• Leading provider of Medicare Advantage, making it the best health insurance coverage for seniors.

• Not as strong in the individual ACA market but a trusted senior-focused insurer.

Most Popular Health Insurance by Category

1. Best Health Insurance for Individuals and Families

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem in Ohio): Offers wide coverage and affordable ACA marketplace plans.

• Aetna & Cigna: Popular for individuals seeking best affordable health insurance plans with flexible premiums.

• UnitedHealthcare: Strong family coverage options with wellness benefits.

2. Best Health Insurance Coverage for Seniors (65+)

• Humana & UnitedHealthcare: Top providers for Medicare Advantage in Ohio and nationwide.

• Aetna: Affordable Medicare supplement options.

• Kaiser Permanente (where available): Highly rated for senior care.

3. Health Insurance Options for Low-Income Individuals

• Medicaid (Ohio Medicaid): Covers low-income families, children, and disabled individuals.

• ACA Marketplace Subsidized Plans: Help reduce premium costs for qualified households.

• CareSource (Ohio-based): Popular Medicaid-managed care organization offering coverage to thousands of Ohio residents.

4. Popular Private Health Insurance Companies

• UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield are the most popular nationwide.

• In Ohio, Anthem (BCBS) and CareSource dominate the health insurance market share 2025.

Factors That Make a Health Insurance Plan Popular

Why do some companies consistently remain leaders in the industry?

1. Affordability – Plans that balance premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs are seen as the best affordable health insurance plans.

2. Network Size – Wide hospital and doctor networks create trust and popularity.

3. Customer Satisfaction – Companies with strong support and easy claim processes become the most trusted health insurance companies.

4. Coverage Flexibility – Popular insurers offer different tiers (bronze, silver, gold, platinum) under ACA.

5. Wellness & Preventive Benefits – Extra perks like fitness discounts and telehealth boost usage.

How to Choose the Right Health Insurance for You

Even though you may want the most used health insurance in the US, the best plan depends on your personal needs. Consider:

• Location (Ohio plans): Check which providers have strong networks in your area.

• Health Needs: Do you need frequent prescriptions, specialists, or maternity care?

• Family Size: Larger families may benefit from plans with lower deductibles.

• Budget: Compare top-rated health insurance providers on monthly premiums vs. out-of-pocket expenses.

Tip: Use Healthcare.gov or Ohio Department of Insurance resources to compare local options.

Conclusion

So, what is the most popular health insurance in 2025? UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Humana remain leaders nationwide, while Ohio residents often rely on Anthem BCBS and CareSource.

But remember: the most popular health insurance isn’t always the best for your specific situation. Always compare premiums, networks, and coverage options before enrolling.

👉 Take action: Visit Healthcare.gov or your local Ohio insurance marketplace to compare plans today and find the right fit for your family.

FAQs

1. What is the most popular health insurance in the U.S. in 2025?

UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Humana lead the U.S. in enrollment and popularity.

2. Which health insurance is most commonly used in Ohio?

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and CareSource are among the most common in Ohio.

3. What is the best affordable health insurance plan in 2025?

Aetna and Cigna offer affordable marketplace plans, while Medicaid serves low-income residents.

4. Who provides the best health insurance coverage for seniors?

Humana and UnitedHealthcare are top choices for Medicare Advantage.

5. Which companies are the most trusted health insurance providers?

Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Kaiser Permanente consistently rank high in trust.

6. What factors should I consider before choosing a plan?

Look at affordability, network size, coverage benefits, and customer satisfaction.

7. Can low-income Ohio residents get free or reduced health insurance?

Yes, through Medicaid or ACA subsidies. CareSource is a popular managed care provider in Ohio.