What is Cigna? A Complete Review for 2026
If you are shopping for health insurance or starting a new job, you have likely seen the name Cigna. It is one of the "Big Five" health insurers in the United States, but it is also much more than just an insurance company.
With over 180 million customer relationships worldwide, Cigna is a massive global health service company. But is it the right choice for you?
In this guide, we will break down exactly what Cigna is, how its coverage works in 2026, and the one major benefit that sets it apart from competitors.
1. How Cigna is Structured (The "Two Arms")
To understand Cigna, you have to realize it isn't just one business. It operates in two main divisions:
Cigna Healthcare: This is the insurance side. It provides medical, dental, and behavioral health plans to individuals and employers. If you have a Cigna ID card, this is who you deal with.
Evernorth Health Services: This is the "pharmacy and care" side. Even if you don't have Cigna insurance, you might use Evernorth for prescription delivery or specialty care without realizing it.
Why does this matter? Because this combination means Cigna owns the insurance and the pharmacy benefits manager (PBM), which often streamlines prescription approvals compared to smaller insurers.
2. Types of Plans They Offer
Cigna is unique because it focuses heavily on Employer and International plans rather than just individual marketplace plans.
Employer-Sponsored Plans: Most members get Cigna through their job. These are typically HMO or PPO plans with a nationwide network of doctors.
Medicare Advantage: For those over 65, Cigna offers competitive Medicare plans, though in 2025-2026 they have streamlined their focus to specific high-performing regions.
Global Health Benefits: (The Standout Feature) Cigna is widely considered the best choice for expats and digital nomads. If you travel frequently, Cigna Global offers plans that cover you in over 200 countries—something mostly local insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield struggle to match.
3. The Big Question: Does Cigna Cover Weight Loss Drugs?
Since weight loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound are the hot topic of 2026, you probably want to know Cigna's stance.
The answer is: It depends on your specific plan.
Unlike some insurers that have issued blanket bans, Cigna generally does cover GLP-1 weight loss drugs, but they have strict "Prior Authorization" rules.
The Requirement: You typically need a BMI over 30 (or over 27 with a condition like diabetes).
The Catch: You may need to prove you have tried diet and exercise for at least 3 to 6 months before they will approve the expensive medication.
Pro Tip: If you have Cigna, log into the myCigna app and check your "Drug List" (Formulary). Look for "Tier 2" or "Tier 3" drugs to see your copay price.
4. Pros and Cons of Cigna
| Pros | Cons |
| Global Reach: Excellent for travelers and expats. | Limited Individual Plans: Harder to find on the public marketplace (ACA) in some states. |
| Integrated Pharmacy: Prescriptions often process faster due to Evernorth. | Prior Authorization: Strict approval process for expensive tests/drugs. |
| Telehealth: 24/7 access to doctors is included in almost all plans. | Network Gaps: Rural coverage can be spotty compared to Blue Cross. |
5. Final Verdict: Is Cigna Good?
Cigna is a top-tier choice if you want reliability and mobility. They are financially stable and have one of the largest networks of doctors in the world.
Choose Cigna if: You travel often, you work for a large company, or you need integrated dental and medical care.
Look elsewhere if: You live in a very rural area or are looking for the absolute cheapest "catastrophic" coverage on the state exchange.
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