Buying Individual health insurance can be very frustrating. It is not simple. A wide array of plans, prices combined with underwriting that is very different carrier to carrier, makes buying health insurance on your own very tough. A good broker can help you navigate individual considerations.

• Use a skilled broker/agent that has access to more than one plan - Pardon the self serving advice. Brokers are licensed agents within each state. A broker, like us, knows your local marketplace. They will listen to your needs and wants and then make a recommendation of a carrier and plan. If the broker gives you more than 2-3 quotes, you aren't getting what you need. A broker should help narrow your decision process. If you wanted 10-20 quotes, it's easier to use an online service. Brokers should have access to several carriers and should explain why they are recommending a certain plan and benefits. Agents/Brokers do not charge for their services, they are compensated by the insurance carrier.
• Tell the broker/agent about your health - You need to give the expert the opportunity to find the right plan for you. Withholding information may cause the broker to make a bad recommendation. Each carrier has different underwriting guides for existing health issues. Give your professional a chance to help you.

Once you have found the right plan design, here is what you can expect:

• You will fill out and submit application with detailed questions about your health history, medications, or needed treatment along with a deposit premium. Some carriers do charge a non refundable application fee.
• Some carriers will do a telephone interview to clarify information submitted on the application.
• Some carriers want to see that you have seen a doctor in the past 2 years. If you have not seen a doctor in the past 24 months, (or women without pap smears in past 18 months) may have to get a check up or paramedic exam before coverage is issued.
• Depending on your health, the insurance carrier may request medical records from your physician before rendering an underwriting opinion.
  If you are in excellent health, the process of getting insurance takes about 2 weeks from the time you return your application until approval. If additional information is needed, average turnaround time is about 6 weeks. If you are on any medications, count on records being obtained.

Give us a call at 877-559-8100 to let us assist you.