The first step to becoming a health insurance agent is to get licensed.
We recommend taking the classroom course instead of online if at all possible.
We also strongly recommend ordering a practice CD.
This will be invaluable since you can run some trial exams to test your knowledge.
Do not schedule the exam until you can score at least 90% on your practice exam.
You state's department of insurance will provide information on how to become licensed in the "producer" or "agent" section.
In many states you will need a sponsor to obtain your license.
If you're going to be independent some states may waive the sponsorship requirement, however if you need a sponsor you can contact us at the information below and we can put you in touch with a local agency.
Once you've passed, the next step is to obtain contracts.
Unlike life insurance that has many "career shops" there are not many captive health insurance outfits that will offer training and support.
Those that do exist typically offer reduced commission and limited product offerings.
We recommend getting appointed with all the carriers in your state that offer major medical.
You can obtain a list of carriers in your state from your department of insurance.
The process of getting appointed is simple.
You'll fill out contracting paperwork and pay your state's appointment fee.
Please make sure you're getting the best deal possible regarding commissions.
Commissions, in most cases, is negotiable.
You'll want to contact a few agencies and make sure you're getting top commission possible.
If you run into an agency that offers reduced commissions because "you're new" simply move on and continue to shop.
Many agents will give new agents top commissions.
Another tip: Do not pay any kind of agency fee.
There are no legitimate fees to sign on with any agency.
That being said, some agencies take advantage of new agents and attempt to charge a fee which is typically from $200 to $300.
One very little known fact is once you sign appointment paperwork you're typically trapped in that contract.
The only way out in most cases is to stop writing business through those carriers for a six month period of time.
Do your homework first before you sign any paperwork.
If you're going to become an independent health insurance agent you can absolutely work out of your house.
You will not need much to get off the ground.
A computer, phone and website are your main tools.
One of the more attractive benefits of selling health insurance is the ability to buy leads and working with people who have expressed an interest in obtaining health insurance.
Simply put - no cold calling!