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- An insurance agent and a broker are not the same thing
- Finding health insurance is easier with an agent
- You can save hundreds of dollars of money working with an agent rather than finding insurance yourself
- An agent will consider your budget and medical needs when suggesting a health care plan
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If you are shopping for health insurance, it’s important to understand the process and what you are buying. In the health insurance industry, agents and brokers are known as producers.
Agents and brokers also don’t do the same thing. Instead, an agent works with primarily one company and a broker sells many plans from different companies.
Now that you know how a professional can help you purchase insurance, it’s time to talk about where to find a health insurance agent. No matter how big or small your town is, there are likely local agents available.
Adding to it the easy to access agents available online and there is non-reason anyone should ever purchase insurance without the aid of a professional. Look for agents in the following areas:
- Community
- Family or friend’s agent
- Check with car and home insurance agent
- Onine recommendations
You can kickstart your search for health insurance on your own by entering your zip code on our site and getting free quotes from your state’s top providers!
Different Ways to Find a Health Insurance Agent
It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for a policy from a state or federally-based program, you are entitled to use an agent or broker. Even if you are an employer looking for insurance for your employees or looking for private insurance, an agent can help you find a great deal.
A broker or agent will work on your behalf to find a policy that meets your needs both financially and to cover your healthcare needs. In the private marketplace, there are many options to find a health insurance agent. The hard part is finding the right agent for you.
Ask for Referrals from Family and Friends
If you’re overwhelmed at where to start, you can get referrals from family and friends. Most often, the best referrals are the ones that come directly from people you already trust. These individuals can tell you who they work with for insurance, and you can find out for yourself if the agent will work for you.
Look for Reviews Online
After you’ve gathered a few referrals, it’s time to do your own research. Look up reviews for the agents that were given to you. When you find reviews, it’s important to read more than one. Before you make your final decision, you need to read at least a few reviews.
Decide What Type of Agent You Need
While researching your options, you’ll have to decide whether you want a local agent or if you are okay with working with an online health insurance agent. There are pros and cons to both choices. So, it really boils down to what is right for you.
A local agent will have an office you can visit. The office will likely have set hours and can provide you with face to face contact.
An online insurance agent will also be easy to reach, but you likely won’t have an office to drop in, if you wanted to. However, it’s worth noting there probably won’t be very many reasons to drop by an agent’s office. With email, scanning possibilities, and much more there’s almost no reason you’d have to have face to face contact with an agent.
Don’t Accept an Agent Assigned to You
When you contact an insurance agent, you don’t have to accept them as your agent. You’re free to contact as many professionals as you wish. Don’t be afraid to check agent’s credentials and the firm they represent as well. Make sure the agent you choose looks for the best deal for you.
You want to make sure that your chosen coverage meets your budget and protects you from financial strain if you get sick or have an accident. You’ll want to make sure that you understand deductibles, who is in your network, and what to expect from the coverage you choose.
Now that you know how to find a health insurance agent or broker, you have the tools you need to buy the best coverage possible. Choosing an agent you trust who will help you find the right plan for you and your family is the best way to make sure you are protected and covered.
Find health insurance solo by comparing free quotes using the zip code box below!
[su_spoiler title=”References:” icon=”caret-square” style=”fancy” open=”yes”]
- https://www.nahu.org/media/tools/publications/brochures/BMDConsumerPaperFINAL.pdf
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/agent/
- http://www.bankrate.com/finance/insurance/health-insurance-sherpa-agent-or-broker-1.aspx
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/provide-shop-coverage/using-insurance-agents-and-brokers/
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