Aetna Insurance Review 2026Consumers who want integrated CVS pharmacy and retail-clinic access alongside broad Medicare Advantage options
Aetna is a major American health insurance provider headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, and has operated as a subsidiary of CVS Health since its 2018 acquisition. The company offers medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage across employer-sponsored, individual, Medicare, and Medicaid segments. Integration with CVS Health's retail pharmacies and MinuteClinic locations is a defining feature of its current model.
Aetna at a Glance
Founded
1853
Headquarters
Hartford, CT
AM Best (financial strength)
A
J.D. Power (satisfaction, approx.)
729
Coverage & Products
- ✓Employer and group health plans
- ✓Individual and family health plans
- ✓Medicare Advantage plans
- ✓Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plans
- ✓Medicaid and dual-eligible managed care
- ✓Dental insurance
- ✓Vision insurance
- ✓Behavioral and mental health coverage
Plan Features
Pros
- +Large national provider and pharmacy network
- +Strong integration with CVS Health retail clinics and pharmacies
- +Wide selection of Medicare Advantage plans in many markets
- +Robust digital tools, telehealth, and member app
- +Long-established brand with a lengthy operating history
Cons
- −Plan availability and pricing vary significantly by state and county
- −Individual ACA marketplace footprint is narrower than some competitors
- −Prior-authorization and referral requirements can feel burdensome
- −Customer-service experiences are inconsistent, as is common across large insurers
Aetna — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aetna a financially strong insurance company?
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Aetna carries an A.M. Best financial-strength rating of A. A.M. Best ratings measure an insurer's ability to meet its ongoing policyholder obligations; ratings of A- and above are considered "excellent" or "superior." This reflects claims-paying ability, not price or customer service.
How is Aetna's complaint record?
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The NAIC Complaint Index is published primarily for property-and-casualty lines; for Aetna, check the NAIC Consumer Insurance Search and your state department of insurance for complaint data specific to the product and state you're considering.
How do I get a quote or contact Aetna?
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You can request a quote or reach Aetna at aetna.com or by phone at 1-800-872-3862. Rates depend heavily on your individual profile (location, age, history, coverage), so compare at least three quotes before deciding.
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Jennifer Walsh
Editorial Lead, Health & Medicare
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed June 2026
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