A health insurance agent can help you acquire health plans that meet your needs. A good agent is licensed and knowledgeable about health coverage in your area. Unfortunately, some agents are more knowledgeable and personable than others. When people choose an insurance professional that doesn’t meet their needs, they often wonder, “Can I change my health insurance agent?”
Changing your agent is simple, but timing is crucial. This article is meant to guide you through the process and answer your questions. There are currently 881,500 licensed agencies and brokers working in the US. In addition, as of 2021, totals show 911,400 life and health insurance agents and 628,600 property/casualty insurance agents. Viable options are available for those seeking a new agent.
Can I change my health insurance company before renewal? Can I switch health insurance with no waiting period? And, should I buy health insurance through an agent or online? Can I change my health insurance agent without being penalized? Let’s address these questions and more in this article.
Top Reasons for Changing Health Insurance Agent
People decide to change their health insurance agent for a variety of reasons. Many people who have a bad experience with an agent ask, “Should I buy health insurance through an agent or online?” After a bad experience, working with a professional may not seem worth it.
In 2021, 7.9% of full-time, year-round workers had public health insurance. This is up 1.8 percentage points from 2020. Among less than full-time, year-round workers, the percentage with public coverage increased by 1.6 percentage points to 22.6% during this period. That being said, many individuals choose to change insurers or agents as their needs expand and change.
Being disappointed with poor or incomplete service can be frustrating, but don’t lose hope. Changing your agent rather than trying to navigate by yourself is worth the risk. Learn more about the benefits of using an agent here.
Poor Customer Service
When working with a professional to find the right health insurance plan, the last thing you want is poor customer service. A big part of an agent's job is to build and maintain a positive relationship with their clients. If you feel neglected or manipulated in some way, they aren’t doing their job. If you feel heard and respected, the thought, “Can I change my health insurance agent?” should never enter your mind.
Since agents are paid by an insurance company rather than by clients, poor agents may neglect you until it’s time to make money. A good health insurance agent takes the time to understand your needs, meets those needs, and keeps in touch with you afterward. If you ask your agent a question like, “Can I change my health insurance company before renewal?” and they ignore it, they likely don’t have your best interest in mind.
Schedule Mismatch
A common reason a client decides to change insurance agents is scheduling and availability. For instance, if you have a question like, “Is it possible to switch health insurance with no waiting period?” or “Can I change my health insurance company before renewal?”, your agent should be available promptly.
Living without quality health insurance is a vulnerable thing. A good agent is a professional that helps you feel safe. If a particular agent (whether or not it’s their fault) cannot make time for you, asking yourself, “Can I change my health insurance agent?” is a valid question.
Personality Differences
Not every agent and client is a good match. One major reason people decide to change insurance agents is that they don’t get along with them. Communicating effectively with your agent is vital to acquiring quality healthcare. If you don’t connect with your agent, don’t worry. There are other options to choose from.
Settling In A New State
Every health insurance agent must be licensed in a particular state. This causes many individuals to switch agents after moving to a new area. Each insurance professional is trained to have expertise in specific plans based in specific regions. This is to ensure that they have extensive knowledge about the health plans that you are eligible for.
The next section of this article will show you how to switch agents.
How Can I Change My Health Insurance Agent?
Now that we have answered the question, “Can I change my health insurance agent?”, it’s time to show you how to do it. The first step is finding agents in your area. Go to your insurance carrier’s website and seek out the “Find An Agent” link. Put in your address and explore your options.
To learn more about what health insurance agents have to offer, check out this article.
When Can I Change My Health Insurance Agent?
Timing matters when it comes to changing your health insurance agent. You can change your agent at the time of renewal. When it’s time to renew your policy, write a letter and send it to your insurer along with your renewal check.
Is There a Penalty When I Change My Health Insurance Agent?
There is no penalty for changing your agent. As the previous section of this article stated, sometimes, a professional relationship between a client and a professional doesn’t match. Penalties aren’t necessary because agents get paid when they sell a health plan by the insurance companies, not by you.
Is There a Waiting Time Period When Changing My Health Insurance Agent?
There is no set waiting period when clients want to change health insurance agents. Much like when clients ask, “Is it possible to switch health insurance with no waiting period?”, there isn’t a direct and clear answer. Different insurers have different policies. If you can find an available agent quickly, the waiting period will likely be shorter.
Advantages of Getting Health Insurance Through An Agent
Many insurance shoppers wonder, “Should I buy health insurance through an agent or online?”. There are distinct advantages to working with an agent. They are trained and skilled at finding the most affordable and comprehensive coverage in the market. Having an insurance professional guide you through the tedious and complicated world of health insurance can save you significant money and time.
If you want to discover qualified licensed agents, get a quote from one of our experienced candidates today.
Here are some of the advantages insurance agents have to offer.
Health Insurance Agents Have Free Service
Insurance agents work directly for insurance companies. They are compensated whenever they sell a health plan from their company, not by the clients they serve. This means that their services are completely free to you, their customer.
Health Insurance Agents Can Give You Personalized Options
As licensed professionals, agents are legally allowed to give you personalized health insurance options. Their insider knowledge allows them to find the best plans for you. Being able to work with someone who knows the ins and outs of available plans is a major asset.
Health Insurance Agents Provide After-Sales Services
After a sale, an agent is still required to serve you. If you have questions or concerns, want to change your plan, need financial assistance, or need help with a claim, an agent is there for you.
Things You Should Look For In Your New Health Insurance Agent
When seeking a new insurance agent, honesty and reliability are key. If you were to ask an agent a question like, “Can I change my health insurance company before renewal?”, they should answer directly and honestly. This is true even if it doesn’t help them make a sale.
A quality agent should have your back and make themselves available to you when you need it. For more reasons why health insurance agents are beneficial when seeking a health plan, check out this article. They don’t try to sell hard. Instead, they provide you with the best option for your needs and budget. A good agent knows how important good quality, affordable healthcare is to their clients. They should not push them to buy a plan for selfish reasons.
After receiving payment, they continue to assist you with implementation. A good agent isn’t done with their job after helping you acquire your plan. They should stay connected afterward and maintain the relationship.
They have consistent after-sales initiatives. A good agent doesn’t only answer questions if you initiate. They will also check in periodically to make sure everything is in order. If a new plan becomes available that may benefit the client, they will reach out.
FAQs About Changing Health Insurance
Can I change my health insurance policy agent?
Yes, you can change your health insurance policy agent.
How do I remove an agent from my health insurance?
You can change your agent by sending a letter to your insurer at the time of renewal. This letter states that you would like to make a change in plan type or agent.
Is it good to change the health insurance company?
If your company is no longer meeting your needs, changing your company and plan is worth considering.
Are You Looking for a Qualified Insurance Agent?
Many people wonder, “Should I buy health insurance through an agent or online?” Working with a quality insurance agent can help you find the perfect, affordable health plan for you.
When an agent is no longer serving you, changing professionals is simple. Make sure to wait until your policy renewal is due before changing agents.
Looking to change your agent? Explore our qualified candidates today.