For most people, health is one of the major areas of expense. This is why buying health insurance plans is one of the most prudent decision anyone can make to have a stable financial life. After all, nothing is more precious than our health. However, buying health insurance coverage is not an easy task.

With a plethora of insurance providers and coverage options available out there, it can be quite a confusing and often daunting process. How can one sift through the multitude of pricing plans, policy offerings, and coverage benefits offered by each health insurance provider? Moreover, every person has different requirements and budget. Thus, there can be no cookie-cutter solution to finding the right health insurance plan. To make the process easy, here is a list of some of the popular and top health insurance companies you should know about.

1. Blue Cross Blue Shield
Known to be one of the largest health insurance provider networks in the nation, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) was founded in 1929. It comprises of 36 independent and locally operated companies. Based on location, consumers can look for individual and family coverage as well as employer health insurance programs provided by a local BCBS provider. Additionally, BCBS also offers helpful resources to pick the right Medicare coverage.

Along with this, individuals also have access to global coverage. Whether they permanently reside outside the country or are on short-term or long-term travel, individuals can purchase a Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Insurance plan. Moreover, individuals or groups can enroll as BCBS members and get access to special member services and exclusive discounts on health and wellness services and products. Members receive a member ID card that can be used across all the 50 states to get the best insurance coverage benefits.

2. HealthCare.com
An aggregator website, HealthCare.com helps consumers shop for and compare health insurance coverage. With some of the best health insurance companies included in its listings, the website pulls up quotes for various types for coverage. Consumers can find everything from individual to family plans as well as health insurance plans for seniors. Additionally, the website listings also include Obamacare plans as well as Medicare plans, short-term health insurance plans, and Small Business Health Option Programs (SOAPs).

Consumers simply have to enter their zip code and few other essential details about themselves such as date of birth; HealthCare.com will narrow down the best coverage options available based on specific preferences and budget.

Moreover, the website has guides and articles on various topics such as premiums, copayments, deductibles, tax penalty, Medigap, and everything related to health insurance. HealthCare.com also includes a FAQs section to help consumers understand the most suitable insurance plans for them and ease through the process of buying the right insurance.

3. UnitedHealthcare
For those looking for the best online care, UnitedHealthcare is one of the best options. This health insurance provider offers coverage for individuals, families, as well as Medicare. Additionally, it also offers group health insurance plans for employers. UnitedHealthcare also offers short-term insurance, dental insurance plans, and supplemental plans such as accident insurance, vision insurance, critical illness insurance, student health insurance, hospitalization insurance, term life insurance, global travel insurance, hospital, and doctor insurance. Getting coverage is quite simple; consumers only need to give a few essential details and UnitedHealthcare will provide a few quotes. Once the coverage has been applied to, consumers can start making the payments and even add supplemental plans.

The company not only offers health insurance plans but also provides access to online care. This includes online ordering of prescriptions, connecting with nurses for help, setting up appointments with doctors, filing claims, and participating in online wellness programs. However, online care tools are only available to UnitedHealthcare members.

4. Aetna
One of the largest health insurers in the country, Aetna has been known for providing the best employer-based plans. The company offers group health insurance plans to organization with 2 to more than 5,000 employees across multiple sectors such as tech, hospitality, labor, and public sector. The plans include health plans, dental plans, vision plans, pharmacy plans, behavioral health plans, and health and wellness programs. Additionally, Aetna Medicare plans also include Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Prescription Drug plans or Plan D. An alternative to Original Medicare, the Medicare Advantage Plan is commonly known as HMO or PPO plan; these plans may cover additional services such as dental care or wellness programs.

Some of these plans also include prescription medicine coverage. On the other hand, Medicare Prescription Drug plans help to cover only prescription medicine costs. These plans have been designed for people who have the Original Medicare plan. Another option offered by Aetna is Medicare Supplement Insurance plan or Medigap. This works alongside Original Medicare coverage and helps to pay some of the costs not covered by Original Medicare. This may include deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment. This plan also allows consumers to add a prescription drug plan.