Buying Individual health insurance can be very frustrating.  A wide array of plans, prices combined with underwriting that is very different carrier to carrier, makes buying health insurance on your own very tough.  A good agent can help you navigate individual considerations. 

Once we have helped tailor the right plan for you, the process is as follows. 

• You will fill out and submit application with detailed questions about your health history, medications, or needed treatment along with a deposit premium.  Some carriers do charge a non refundable application fee.  
• Some carriers will do a telephone interview to clarify information submitted on the application.
• Some carriers want to see that you have seen a doctor in the past 2 years. If you have not seen a doctor in the past 24 months, (or women without pap smears in past 18 months) may have to get a check up or paramedic exam before coverage is issued. 
• Depending on your health, the insurance carrier may request medical records from your physician before rendering an underwriting opinion.

If you are in excellent health, the process of getting insurance takes about 2 weeks from the time you return your application until approval. If additional information is needed, average turnaround time is about 6 weeks.  If you are on any medications, count on records being obtained. 

It’s best to discuss any health issues with your agent BEFORE you apply.