The 5 Biggest Health Insurance Providers in Florida

There is well over 100 insurance companies in Florida which provide health insurance to either individuals or businesses. In fact, in a report put together by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation for the 2009 calendar year, there was a total of 139 different providers listed. Which of these insurance companies are the biggest, and by choosing the biggest providers, are you assured of getting great Florida insurance at great prices?

1. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Florida: Out of all of the insurance companies in Florida, Blue Cross & Blue Shield is the biggest health insurance provider. They hold a 27.14% market share in the state, and earned direct premiums of nearly $4 billion, while covering over 1.1 million people.
2. United Healthcare Insurance: United Healthcare Insurance is number 2 on this list, with a 15.39% market share, $2.2 billion of premiums and 690,000 lives covered.
3. Aetna Health: Aetna is next on the list of the biggest insurance companies in Florida, with a 13.66% market share. What's interesting is that they make almost as much as United Healthcare in premiums, with $1.9 billion, but they cover only half as many people, 387,000.
4. Avmed: All of the companies take a substantial drop off in market share after the top 3. Avmed is next up, with a 5% market share, $726 million in premiums earned, and 189,000 lives covered.
5. United Healthcare of Florida: Listed separately then United Healthcare Insurance, the Florida branch has a 4.56% market share and $654 million of premiums while protecting about 127,000 people.

Now that you know the biggest insurance companies in Florida, it's time to ask whether or not you should just immediately go with the big guys at the top of this list. First, it must be said that the biggest companies typically get there with good reason - by providing affordable and high quality protection.
That doesn't mean that the number 1 or number 2 company is going to get you the lowest price, or the best coverage, for your own unique needs, wants and circumstances. It's important to be able to shop around and compare what's available to you, and you don't want to make any assumptions before you can see for yourself the differences and what will be most beneficial for you.
Working with Florida insurance specialists is a great way to get this done, as they'll shop around and do the legwork for you, and will find a match that's perfect for your budget and desired level of protection. The biggest insurance companies in Florida are there for a reason, but don't blindly choose one over the other.