Any tips dealing with health insurance agents

[cheskakim]

I had that happen when searching for group insurance for a small business. The agent barely listened to what we needed and kept steering us to their "recommended package",  which turned out to be the most expensive. What really helped was getting a few quotes directly from company websites and being super upfront with agents that I was comparing options. Independent brokers can be way more transparent, but it matters to check that they represent multiple carriers. For this reason, I later went with Taylor Benefits Insurance Agency since they worked closely with us to match our coverage to our real needs, not just what made the biggest commission.

[Liverpool Lou]

On 2/12/2025 at 4:26 AM, global expat said:

are brokers commission driven too? They might give us plans that will give them commission. 

Of course, they are, how do you think that they make a living?  Would ypu pay them a fee for their advice?

[Liverpool Lou]

On 2/12/2025 at 9:40 AM, baansgr said:

Go direct.ro the insurance company and buy the plan you want however, keep in mind the agent will still get his 30% commission regardless....and yes this is the way it works 

That is not the way that it works - if you buy directly from the insurer there is no agent to be paid but the premium will be the same, there is no discount for not using a broker.

[Liverpool Lou]

On 2/14/2025 at 11:41 AM, newbee2022 said:

Go always to the insurer's website. Agent's income is created by commissions. Better to sign without any agent directly with the insurance company 

No, it is not better, the premiums will be the same, agent or no agent.

[Liverpool Lou]

On 2/14/2025 at 4:52 PM, scottiejohn said:

Another, maybe strange question to some, is to ask that Agent what other agencies in the local area that he recommends and can you quote him to them!

Ridiculous suggestion.

[scubascuba3]

I see it on Facebook when noobs on a group ask for health insurance advice the sharks start circling, no way will they be honest

[newbee2022]

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

No, it is not better, the premiums will be the same, agent or no agent.

Better for you to read twice before posting.

Again you're wrong..

Where did I say something about premiums and agents?

[JoePai]

10 hours ago, cheskakim said:

I had that happen when searching for group insurance for a small business. The agent barely listened to what we needed and kept steering us to their "recommended package",  which turned out to be the most expensive. What really helped was getting a few quotes directly from company websites and being super upfront with agents that I was comparing options. Independent brokers can be way more transparent, but it matters to check that they represent multiple carriers. For this reason, I later went with Taylor Benefits Insurance Agency since they worked closely with us to match our coverage to our real needs, not just what made the biggest commission.

But Taylor's have nothing to do with Thailand ?

[Liverpool Lou]

10 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

12 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

No, it is not better, the premiums will be the same, agent or no agent.

Better for you to read twice before posting.

Again you're wrong..

Where did I say something about premiums and agents?

What other way could it be  better to go direct, then?  I am not wrong about premiums/agents.

[newbee2022]

6 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

What other way could it be  better to go direct, then?  I am not wrong about premiums/agents.

You're totally wrong as always:

If there are no agents then there are no payments to them, right?

If there are no offices then no costs for rent, right?

If there is only one head office, less costs, right?

If there are less costs then the premiums can be lower compared to others, right?

This you can see in Europe with MANY direct insurances.

Got it?