Fitness Quotes

Health insurance quotes--do they vary from agent to agent or are they pretty much apples for apples?

I got a quote for a BCBS policy, should I shop around?

Public Comments

1. Yes definately shop around. BCBS is a general type of agent, they try and cater to everybody - which isn't possible. There are certain comapanies that cater to older people, people with alot of health problems, things like that. When it comes to health insurance, it's always a good idea to shop around.
2. BCBS has a whole bunch of different policies in each state. But if you go to five different agents, for the exact same plan, you should get the exact same quote. The difference is all in the coverage.
3. You should only be shopping around for a broker and they're the ones that bring you the plans. The broker will help you find the plan, inform you during underwriting, help you with issues with the company, and help you find a new plan when the time comes. Insurance is a regulated industry so the prices are fixed whether you're buying health insurance direct, through an agent or through a broker. The DIFFERENCE is the service you receive and no customer service rep at a company is going to have as much knowledge as a seasoned veteran with many, many years of experience. In other words, by going direct to the company you're actually putting yourself at a disadvantage. Company to company they will differ and BCBS is a different company state to state (for the most part). Some places it's competitive and others it's not. A broker can show you them and compare them along side of others. I use the pricing tool on my home page with my clients because it shows them most every plan (most every good plan) available to them. Find a broker and they'll help you find the plan.
4. Your quote really depends on many factors, including: ** deductible you choose ** medical history ** what "bells and whistles" you tack on (vision, dental, etc.) The quote will vary from company to company, but the real factor will be you, and how you have used your insurance in the past. If you are coming from a group plan, there should be some privacy about your medical history. But if you are choosing a personal policy, all your medical history has been recorded and greatly affects your personal insurance policy quote. So - coming up with a plan on HOW you will use your insurance, and WHAT is your medical history, will be your first steps before you talk to insurance. You learn how to obtain your medical history at: http://www.health-insurance-low-cost.net/Medical-History.htm.
5. All agents and companies have the same premium prices they are set by the government. However, two carriers such as Aetna or BCBS might have the same type of plans with very different prices.