If you buy health insurance through an agent, do you pay more?

Question

Or does the health insurance pay the agents a commission?

Answer 1

The insurance company pays a commission.

You do not pay more, by using an agent.

Answer 2

The price is the same the commission the agent gets paid is built into the price.

Answer 3

You can't purchase health insurance without an agent. Even if you use a website and never see or speak to one, you still used an agent.

Answer 4

You don’t pay more when you buy through an agent.  Since rates are filed with and regulated by your state department of insurance, everyone is required by law to offer the same health plan at the same price.  Agent commissions are built into all monthly health insurance premiums.  When you buy a plan directly through the insurance company, the insurance company retains that commission for themselves.

The value of shopping through an agent is that it allows you to get a real sense of the range of options available in your market.  Rather than showing you the plans offered by just one insurance company, a good agent can show you the options offered through a number of insurance companies in your area.  An online health insurance agency like the one I work for, eHealthInsurance.com, can provide you with multiple insurance companies and dozens of plans to choose from.  eHealthInsurance also lets you compare plan rates and benefits for yourself and apply for coverage online.  

The bottom line is – don’t think you’re doing yourself any favors by shopping or buying directly from the insurance company.  A good agent can provide you with personalized help and unbiased advice and can continue to serve as your advocate with the health insurance company even after you buy – at no additional cost to you.  

-Amir M, licensed agent

Answer 5

The premium is exactly the same whether you use an agent or not. There are hundreds of health plans available; the advantage of using an agent, especially an independent agent that works with all the major companies in your area, is not having to spend several weeks learning and comparing the plans. The agent can make sure you get the plan that you need and that you understand the plan that you got.

Answer 6

My agent said the answer to this question is no.  This was a question that I also wanted to know.  He told me that if insurance companies were selling direct to the public cheaper than through an agent it would be discounting and that is against the law.

Answer 7

no,not at all, whatever cover u want that premium will come to ur receipt, so please dont pay , if they ask for that

Answer 8

Go ahead use an agent, you will be happier than if you shop online. Agents get paid from the insurance company that they place you with, NOT from you.