The modern workplace is rapidly evolving, with remote work becoming increasingly common. In 2023, 12.7% of full-time employees in the United States worked from home, and this number is expected to continue to grow. This shift towards remote work necessitates a reassessment of employee benefits, particularly health insurance coverage. Traditional health insurance plans may not be suitable for a geographically dispersed workforce with diverse healthcare needs.

Finding health insurance plans that offer flexibility, comprehensive coverage, and access to a broad network of providers is crucial. Furthermore, the rise of digital nomadism and international remote work adds another layer of complexity. Companies like SafetyWing offer global health insurance specifically designed for remote workers and digital nomads, catering to their unique needs and providing coverage across borders.

This article examines the top 10 health insurance providers for remote employees of US companies, ranking them based on the benefits offered, network coverage, and cost. The analysis considers various factors, including telehealth options, mental health coverage, preventive care benefits, and customer satisfaction ratings.

Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for Remote Employees

Here's a list of the top 10 health insurance providers for remote employees, ranked based on a comprehensive assessment of their offerings:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield: With its vast network of providers and extensive coverage, Blue Cross Blue Shield is an excellent option for remote employees. They offer various network options to cater to different needs and budgets, from broad PPO networks to localized options with potential cost savings. They also offer various plans with different cost-sharing options, including no deductible and no coinsurance.
• Aetna: Aetna offers a variety of health insurance plans, including dental, vision, and other plans, to meet the needs of individuals and families, employers, healthcare providers, and insurance agents/brokers. Aetna's plans are particularly well-suited for expatriates and international professionals, offering global medical insurance plans for those working and living outside their home country for extended periods.
• UnitedHealthcare: UnitedHealthcare offers a wide range of plans with a whole-person approach to health with benefits like wellness programs, behavioral health support, and care management services. They also offer a reimagined health plan with clear, upfront pricing called the Surest health plan, providing greater transparency and predictability for employers and employees.
• Cigna: While Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans to meet the needs of individuals and families, employers, healthcare providers, and insurance agents/brokers, they also offer specialized global insurance plans for remote workers. These plans cater to the unique needs of remote employees, including those who travel frequently or work internationally.
• Humana: Humana offers a variety of health insurance plans, including dental, vision, and other plans, to meet the needs of individuals and families, employers, healthcare providers, and insurance agents/brokers. While some Humana plans offer no-cost services for behavioral health care when using Doctor on Demand, this benefit may not be available in all plans.
• Kaiser Permanente: Kaiser Permanente offers a variety of health insurance plans, including dental, vision, and other plans, to meet the needs of individuals and families, employers, healthcare providers, and insurance agents/brokers.
• Molina Healthcare: Molina Healthcare offers a variety of health insurance plans, including dental, vision, and other plans, to meet the needs of individuals and families, employers, healthcare providers, and insurance agents/brokers.
• Anthem: Anthem offers a variety of health insurance plans, including dental, vision, and other plans, to meet the needs of individuals and families, employers, healthcare providers, and insurance agents/brokers.
• CVS Health: CVS Health offers a variety of health insurance plans, including dental, vision, and other plans, to meet the needs of individuals and families, employers, healthcare providers, and insurance agents/brokers.
• Centene: Centene offers a variety of health insurance plans, including dental, vision, and other plans, to meet the needs of individuals and families, employers, healthcare providers, and insurance agents/brokers.

Benefits Offered

When choosing a health insurance plan for remote employees, it's essential to consider the benefits offered. Here's a closer look at some of the critical benefits to consider:

Telehealth Options

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for remote employees who may not have easy access to in-person care. Many health insurance providers now offer telehealth services, allowing employees to consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals remotely.

• Aetna: Offers telehealth services through Teladoc Health, allowing members to connect with providers via phone or video.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield: Offers Virtual Connect, an enhanced virtual care benefit embedded in all fully insured Large Group plans and select Individual and Small Group ACA plan offerings.
• Cigna: Provides access to virtual care through national telehealth providers as part of your plan.
• UnitedHealthcare: Offers 24/7 Virtual Visits, allowing members to connect with a provider for a wide range of urgent, non-emergency medical conditions.
• Humana: Offers telehealth services through Doctor on Demand, with no-cost services for primary care, urgent care, and behavioral health care.
• Kaiser Permanente: Offers a virtual-first approach to care with its Virtual Complete® plan, providing employees with several ways to access high-quality virtual care for many health conditions.
• Molina Healthcare: Offers telehealth appointments for members to talk with their doctor virtually by telephone or video.
• Anthem: Offers virtual care through the Sydney Health app, allowing members to communicate with care providers, browse relevant resources, view claims, and access medical records.
• CVS Health: Offers CVS Health® Virtual Primary Care ™, a new virtual care offering that provides primary care, 24/7 on-demand care, and scheduled mental health services.
• Centene: Offers telehealth services through various telehealth vendors, including Teladoc.

Mental Health Coverage

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and it's crucial to ensure that remote employees have access to adequate mental health coverage. Many health insurance providers offer mental health benefits, including coverage for therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care.

• Aetna: Offers a range of mental health virtual care options, including counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield: Offers $0 mental health visits through CloseKnit, a virtual care practice.
• Cigna: Has a large network of behavioral clinicians, self-service digital tools, and employee assistance programs that promote mental health.
• UnitedHealthcare: Offers virtual therapy, allowing members to talk to a psychiatrist or therapist from home.
• Humana: Offers no-cost services for behavioral health care when using Doctor on Demand.
• Kaiser Permanente: Offers $0 virtual care for mental health services.
• Molina Healthcare: Offers mental health services, including psychiatrist services, psychologist services, and mental health rehabilitative services.
• Anthem: Offers virtual visits with in-network licensed psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists for medication management.
• CVS Health: Offers scheduled mental health services through CVS Health® Virtual Primary Care ™.
• Centene: Offers behavioral health management through Cenpatico®, a subsidiary that provides comprehensive managed behavioral healthcare services.

Preventive Care Benefits

Preventive care is essential for maintaining good health and detecting potential health issues early on. Many health insurance providers offer preventive care benefits, including coverage for routine checkups, screenings, and immunizations.

• Aetna: Covers preventive care, including routine checkups, screenings, and immunizations, at no cost when using in-network providers.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield: Offers $0 PCP visits through CloseKnit, a virtual care practice, which can be used for preventive care.
• Cigna: Offers preventive care services, including screenings and immunizations, at no cost when using in-network providers.
• UnitedHealthcare: Offers preventive care services, including annual wellness visits, through 24/7 Virtual Visits and virtual primary care.
• Humana: Offers preventive care services, including screenings and immunizations, at no cost when using in-network providers.
• Kaiser Permanente: Offers $0 preventive care, including routine physicals, screenings, and immunizations.
• Molina Healthcare: Offers a variety of preventive care services, including breast cancer screening, immunizations, and pregnancy care.
• Anthem: Covers preventive care at no cost when members see a doctor in their plan's network.
• CVS Health: Offers preventive care services, including screenings and immunizations, through MinuteClinic®.
• Centene: Covers preventive services at no cost sharing for members, including those recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

Supplemental Insurance

Supplemental insurance can provide additional coverage for specific health needs or situations, such as critical illness, accident, or hospital indemnity. This can be particularly beneficial for remote employees who may have higher out-of-pocket costs with certain health plans.

Network Coverage

Network coverage is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a health insurance plan, especially for remote employees who may live in different areas. A broader network means more flexibility and choice for employees when seeking care.

• Aetna: Nationwide network includes doctors, hospitals, and specialists across the United States.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield: Nation's largest PPO network spans every ZIP code in the U.S., with over 1.8 million unique, in-network providers.
• Cigna: Large, national network available through its Open Access Plus (OAP) plan.
• UnitedHealthcare: National network includes over 1.3 million physicians and care professionals and 6,500 hospitals and care facilities nationwide.
• Humana: Nationwide network includes doctors, hospitals, and specialists across the United States.
• Kaiser Permanente: Regional with out-of-area coverage. Available in eight states and Washington D.C., with out-of-area coverage through partnerships with PHCS, MultiPlan, and the Cigna PPO Networks.
• Molina Healthcare: Regional network available in 36 counties throughout Wisconsin.
• Anthem: Network type varies by plan. Offers broad PPO networks, narrow networks, and high-performance networks.
• CVS Health: Network type varies by plan. Includes MinuteClinic® locations and in-network providers through Aetna.
• Centene: Network type varies by plan and program. Has networks in various states.

Cost

The cost of health insurance is a significant consideration for both employers and employees. When comparing plans, it's essential to consider monthly premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums.

• Aetna: Offers a variety of plans with different cost-sharing options, including high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) that can be paired with a health savings account (HSA).
• Blue Cross Blue Shield: Offers a variety of plans with different cost-sharing options, including plans with no deductible and no coinsurance.
• Cigna: Offers a variety of plans with different cost-sharing options, including high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) that can be paired with a health savings account (HSA).
• UnitedHealthcare: Offers a variety of plans with different cost-sharing options, including open access plans, high-deductible plans, and preferred provider plans.
• Humana: Offers a variety of plans with different cost-sharing options, including $0 monthly premium plans.
• Kaiser Permanente: Offers a variety of plans with different cost-sharing options, including virtual-first plans with $0 virtual care.
• Molina Healthcare: Offers a variety of plans with different cost-sharing options, including plans with no monthly premiums and low or no copays for most services.
• Anthem: Offers a variety of plans with different cost-sharing options, including virtual-first plans with lower monthly premiums.
• CVS Health: Offers a variety of plans with different cost-sharing options, including plans with $0 copays for certain services.
• Centene: Offers a variety of plans with different cost-sharing options, including plans with $0 monthly premiums and low or no copays for most services.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plan

While the top 10 list and plan comparison provide a good starting point, choosing the best health insurance plan for your remote employees requires considering their specific needs and circumstances. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Employee Location: Where your employees live can significantly impact their access to in-network providers and the cost of care. Consider plans with broad network coverage and out-of-area benefits if your employees are spread across different states.
• Age and Health Status: Younger and healthier employees may prefer high-deductible health plans with lower premiums, while older employees or those with chronic conditions may need more comprehensive coverage with lower out-of-pocket costs.
• Family Size: If your employees have families, consider plans with family coverage options and dependent care benefits.
• Travel Frequency: For employees who travel frequently, consider plans with travel insurance or international coverage options.

Alternative Health Insurance Options

In addition to traditional health insurance plans, there are alternative options that may be suitable for remote employees:

Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs)

HRAs are employer-funded health benefits that allow you to reimburse employees tax-free for health insurance premiums and qualified out-of-pocket medical costs. This can be a flexible and cost-effective solution for remote teams, as it allows employees to choose individual health insurance policies that best meet their needs.

Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs)

PEOs are companies that provide a range of HR services, including access to health insurance and other benefits, for small businesses with remote employees. This can be a good option for businesses that want to outsource their HR functions and offer competitive benefits packages to their remote workforce.

Conclusion

Choosing the best health insurance plan for remote employees requires careful consideration of several factors, including benefits offered, network coverage, cost, and employee needs. By evaluating the top 10 providers and their offerings, employers can make informed decisions that meet the unique needs of their remote workforce.

It's essential to prioritize plans that offer flexibility, comprehensive coverage, and access to a broad network of providers, while also considering the cost-effectiveness of the plan for both the employer and employees.

For businesses with a predominantly young and healthy workforce, high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) paired with a health savings account (HSA) may be a cost-effective option. On the other hand, businesses with employees located in various states should prioritize plans with broad network coverage and out-of-area benefits.

For companies with employees who travel frequently or work internationally, global health insurance options like those offered by SafetyWing or Aetna International may be more suitable.

Ultimately, the best approach is to assess the specific needs and preferences of your remote employees and choose a plan that provides the right balance of coverage, flexibility, and affordability.