Picking the right group insurance plan for your small business is a big decision. It’s not just about keeping your team covered—it’s about finding the right balance between cost, coverage, and flexibility. With so many insurance providers on the market, each offering different plans and benefits, it can be hard to know where to start.
Whether you’re offering group insurance for the first time or looking to improve your existing plan, it’s important to understand what each provider offers—and what they don’t. Some plans are better for budget-conscious employers, while others offer wider provider networks or better employee perks. But every small business is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best group health insurance providers for small businesses, highlighting the advantages and potential drawbacks of each. We’ll also explain how Taylor Benefits Insurance can help you compare and customize the right plan for your team.
Blue Cross Shield is a nationwide health insurance firm that provides individual, family, and business health policies. It is one of the most important health insurance companies in the United States. It is a well-established name, especially for businesses based in California. Their wide network and reliable service make them a strong choice for companies that value coverage quality and network access. However, they may not be the most budget-friendly for every business
The PPO, or Preferred Provider Organization, is the most popular Blue Cross Shield group health insurance plan. You can see any doctor that takes Blue Cross Shield, but you’ll pay less if you go to one of their network doctors.
The HMO, or Health Maintenance Organization, is another Blue Cross Shield plan. With an HMO, you must see doctors who are part of the HMO network and seeing a specialist will almost certainly require a referral from your primary care physician.
UnitedHealthcare is one of the country’s largest small business health insurance providers. It provides people, families, and corporations with a comprehensive range of health insurance products and services. UnitedHealthcare offers a nationwide network of over 1.3 million doctors and hospitals.
Humana is a large health insurance firm that provides a wide range of health insurance options, including workplace health benefits insurance. Small businesses and their employees can benefit from group health insurance, which helps shield them from the high costs of medical treatment. Humana offers a variety of corporate health insurance plans from which to choose, depending on your company’s needs.
One of Humana’s best features is that they provide a wide range of services and tools to assist small businesses. They have a Business Solutions Center online tool that will assist you in finding the best health insurance plan for your company. The Business Solutions Center contains a lot of information on group health insurance plans to make an educated decision about which plan is best for your company.
Humana also offers many groups health insurance plan reductions. If you join up for a Humana health insurance plan, for example, you may be eligible for a premium discount. Humana also provides discounts to small firms that offer health insurance to their workers.
Humana health insurance providers are an excellent option for looking for a respectable and trustworthy health insurance company. They provide a choice of programs and services to small businesses, allowing you to select the best option for your company. Furthermore, Humana offers group health insurance discounts to help you save money on your premiums.
One disadvantage of Humana insurance is that it can be quite costly. Furthermore, some customers have complained that customer care is not always as quick as they would want. Finally, some consumers have complained about the claims process, claiming that it is difficult for them to get their claims validated. Despite these flaws, many people believe Humana provides good value for money and is a responsible insurer.
Aetna is one of the country’s largest health insurance firms. It provides a wide range of health insurance alternatives, including group and individual plans. Dental, vision, and life insurance are all available through Aetna.
Aetna’s individual health insurance plans are for people who do not have access to group health insurance through their employment. Medical bills, prescription medicines, health savings accounts, and preventive care are all covered under these policies. Individual health insurance plans from Aetna are available in various tiers for small business owners, including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Aetna’s dental health insurance plans are meant to cover the costs of standard dental care, including cleanings and x-rays. Major dental procedures such as crowns and bridges are also covered under these policies. For a small company owner, Aetna’s dental plans come in various categories, including Basic, Preferred, and Premier.
Life insurance from Aetna is meant to safeguard your loved ones financially in the event of your death. These group health plans provide coverage for a set number of years, such as 10, 20, or 30. Life insurance from Aetna is available in a variety of forms, including Term, Whole Life, and Universal Life.
Aetna insurance has various advantages, including:
One of the drawbacks of Aetna insurance is that it can be costly. This is especially true if you need to buy insurance for your entire family. Furthermore, Aetna does not provide as much coverage as some of the other insurance providers. They may not cover preventative care or mental health services, for example.
The Kaiser Permanente Corporation offers Kaiser Permanente insurance, which is a sort of health insurance. The business is active in eight states and the District of Columbia. It is one of the major managed care companies in the country.
Cigna is one of the country’s largest health insurance companies. Individuals, families, and organizations can choose from a selection of health insurance plans offered by the corporation. Cigna offers some foreign plans for those who need coverage while traveling or living abroad.
Cigna provides its subscribers with various advantages, including access to a network of doctors and hospitals, prescription drug coverage, and savings on health and wellness products and services. The business also offers a variety of programs that may be tailored to match the specific demands of any person or family.
Cigna does have some disadvantages, such as being a for-profit corporation. This indicates that the company’s principal purpose is to make money rather than give the best possible coverage to its customers. Cigna’s premiums are also frequently higher than those of other health insurance companies.
Cigna may be a suitable option for you if you seek a health insurance plan with extensive coverage and a large range of features. If you’re concerned about the company’s business motive, you should look for another provider.
Oscar Health is a newer player with a modern approach. It’s perfect for startups or tech-driven businesses that value convenience and online-first service. If you’re in a state where they operate and want basic, easy-to-manage coverage, Oscar is worth considering.
Best for: Tech-savvy startups and businesses seeking simplicity
Pros:
Easy-to-use digital tools for employers and employees
Affordable plan options for small teams
Offers virtual care with no additional cost
Modern user experience and strong mobile support
Cons:
Still expanding—limited availability in some states
Smaller provider network than larger insurers
Fewer plan types compared to legacy providers
Provider | Strengths | Drawbacks | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Blue Shield | Broad networks, strong support | Higher premiums | CA-based businesses |
Aetna | Flexible plans, HSA compatibility | Varies by region | Growing businesses |
UnitedHealthcare | Large network, full benefits suite | Higher cost, not ideal for tiny teams | Medium-sized businesses |
Kaiser Permanente | Integrated care, affordable HMOs | Regional, limited flexibility | Health-focused regional teams |
Humana | Great value, wellness add-ons | Not available nationwide | Budget-minded small businesses |
Cigna | Strong flexibility, international access | Premium cost, more complex setup | Global-facing businesses |
Oscar Health | User-friendly digital platform | Limited availability and networks | Startups and tech companies |
When comparing group insurance plans, here are a few important questions to ask:
How many employees do you have? Some providers require a minimum of 5 employees.
What’s your monthly budget for premiums?
Do your employees want more flexibility or lower costs?
Is your business limited to one state or spread across many?
Do you want to include dental, vision, or life insurance in your package?
This is where Taylor Benefits Insurance can help. We work with all the top providers mentioned above—and many others—to build customized health insurance packages for small businesses.
We understand that no two businesses are the same. Whether you’re a five-person startup or a 45-person retail chain, we help you:
✅ Compare plans from multiple top-rated providers
✅ Get clear answers on pricing, networks, and coverage
✅ Understand your compliance requirements under the ACA
✅ Customize your employee benefits package
✅ Handle renewals, plan changes, and employee onboarding
We’re not tied to any single insurance company. Our goal is to help you find the plan that offers the best value for your business and your employees—without overpaying or dealing with confusing insurance language.
Choosing the best group insurance for your small business starts with knowing your options. Providers like Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and others all bring something different to the table. The key is finding a plan that matches your goals, budget, and your employees’ needs.
Don’t try to figure it all out on your own. With expert guidance from Taylor Benefits Insurance, you can build a group insurance plan that keeps your team healthy, happy, and protected—while also making smart business sense.
📞 Ready to compare group plans and get a custom quote?
Contact Taylor Benefits Insurance today to find the perfect health insurance solution for your small business.
We’re ready to help! Call today: 800-903-6066