How to Choose a Health Insurance Agent
If you're looking for an insurance policy in California, selecting the most appropriate health insurance agent can have a huge impact on the quality of the plan you ultimately end up with. Why? Buying health insurance is an investment that your family will count on for years to come. There are so many aspects to learn about like policies, plans and how rates are determined that it can be overwhelming. Having a knowledgeable and licensed health insurance agent helping you navigate all the information might save you time and money. Here are some basics you should know before deciding if you want to work with a health insurance agent and, if so, how to choose one who will best meet your needs.
What is a Health Insurance Agent?
Of course, you know that a health insurance agent sell you a policy. However, there are different types of agents you can choose from, and they all have a different set of interests. First of all, you need to be aware that a health insurance agent is not working for you. They are paid commission from one or more companies that they get a commission from. So you'll want to do your best to work with an agent you trust. Second, some agents are only able to sell policies from one specific company. This means that they will have extensive and in-depth knowledge about the available options for that one insurer only. Your other option is to work with an independent agent who is able to sell policies from a number of different insurance companies. While their knowledge may not be as in-depth, they can present you with more possibilities which might help you find a better rate or more appropriate benefits for your specific needs.
Find a Licensed Health Insurance Agent
Now matter what type of agent you decide to work with, it's imperative that they are licensed to sell health insurance in the state of California. You can find this out by going to the state sponsored site at http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0070-check-license-status/index.cfm and typing in either their license number or name. Consider this a critical first step before working with anyone.
Do I Really Need a Health Insurance Agent?
Frankly, you can get a insurance policy with minimal help from any health insurance agent. You can go directly through a company website and only talk to the assigned agent at the end of the process. The benefit to that route is that you don't have to go through the hassle of feeling like someone is pressuring you to buy anything. The downside is that you might not learn about available discounts or better options that a licensed health insurance agent can tell you about. Here's a sensible way to proceed. Ask friends and family for recommendations on health insurance agents they know and trust. Do your own online research too, so you have a basic idea of what you need and the available options. Use a health insurance agent as your first line of defense to educate you in available policies, rates and plan that will meet your needs.