There are many benefits to working with a broker.  They work with multiple providers, giving you a wide range of plans to choose from, so you can select the one that’s right for you and your family.  Some insurance carriers offer plans they don’t sell directly to the public.  To get access to these plans, you must work with an insurance broker.

Brokers understand how insurance works, and they are familiar with the details of the plans available in the marketplace.  They can help you help you assess your needs, review the plan options with you, answer questions you have and make recommendations about the plans that will meet your needs.  But how do you know which health insurance broker to choose?

Referrals

One of the best ways to find a quality provider for any service is to ask people you know and trust for referrals.  Choosing a health insurance broker is no exception.  Talk to your friends and family.  Find out if they can recommend a broker they trust that can assess your needs and help you in your search for an insurance plan.  Working with a broker that’s been referred to you provides an added level of comfort because they were able to help someone you know.

Reputation

If you’re unable to get a referral from your friends or family, look for a broker that has a good reputation in the industry.  In today’s information age, it’s not too difficult to find out what people are saying about different businesses, including insurance brokers.  Read reviews; check out social media; ask to speak to current customers.  Do what you can to get a sense of how they operate and whether or not people are satisfied with their service.  When choosing a health insurance broker, it’s critical to select a reputable company that conducts business in an ethical manner.  You want to work with a company that will look out for your best interest and not just their bottom line.

Professional Associations

Another way to find a broker is through professional associations.  Many brokers are members of associations related to the insurance industry.   Check out these associations for a list of brokers you can contact.  Use the list as a starting point.  You will still want to conduct your due diligence to ensure you select a broker you feel comfortable working with that has a good reputation.

Service Level

Before you make your selection when choosing a health insurance broker, find out what service level you will receive.  Some companies assign a dedicated representative to handle each account, so they become familiar with you and your situation.  Other brokers don’t.  When you work with a company that does not use this type of service model, you will speak with whoever is available when you call.