Exploring Difference Between Health Insurance Broker & Agent

Are you in search of an affordable health insurance? 

Have you been considering multiple health insurance aspects for days, but not able to make a firm decision? 

Are you finally thinking to avail some help? 

Do you want to go with a health insurance agent or a health insurance broker?

Wait, do you consider both agent and broker to be the same? If so, you are at mistake. 

HEALTH INSURANCE BROKER AND HEALTH INSURACE AGENT ARE DIFFERENT!

Though health insurance brokers and health insurance agents act as middlemen between the health insurance company and people looking for health insurance, the fact is that both are quite different. 

Let’s explore health insurance broker and health insurance agent one by one! 

What is a health insurance broker?

A health insurance broker is one who represents the health insurance buyer. He or she provides the customer with a comparative analysis of different health insurance policies so as to help the customer buy the best one according to their medical and financial needs.

A broker claims to act in the interest of the customer. Brokers share a legal relationship based on trust with their customers. However, the customers have complete right to drag their broker to court in case there are any disputes. 

Health insurance industry experts, health insurance brokers hold expertise in finding the best policy for one’s medical needs at an affordable price. Also supportive in managing an insurance plan, brokers help in any issue with a claim, coverage eligibility, etc. 

What is a health insurance agent?

A health insurance agent is one who represents insurance companies. While captive agents represent a single insurer, independent agents represent multiple insurers. Insurance agents are allowed to sell policies on behalf of insurance companies that have granted it an appointment (contractual agreement that specifies the kinds of products the agency will sell and the commission the insurance company will pay for each). 

Licensed and trained by the IRDAI, insurance agents are not accountable, in the sense that they cannot be dragged to court if there are any disputes. The insurance company is the one to encounter and handle legal troubles. Note that in case of any wrongdoings, the agent can get his or her license canceled.  

In the agreement made between the insurer and the agency, the latter is provided with commission for each product that is sold as per the product list. 

The difference between broker and agent?

While an agent may not reveal or emphasise the drawbacks of a product, a broker provides an honest assessment and comparison of all health insurance policies in the market.

While agents may have little or no contact with the TPAs or Third Party Administrators, brokers possess huge contact with TPAs across the country. 

While agents not may be able to escalate a customer’s issue due to limited exposure, brokers can do so. 

While agents, in most of the cases, provide only health insurance services, brokers offer wellness programmes, check-ups, and other services related to health insurance. 

While agents may not hold specialization in the said field, brokers hold specialization in the health insurance field as the brokerage firms sell health insurance policies primarily. 

While agents do not have to negotiate on behalf of customers and present their case as it is in case of disputes, brokers are masters of negotiation due to their enhanced health insurance knowledge base, thereby helping in resolving outstanding issues. 

While agents succeed in providing personalised service to customers, brokers are more professional and work by function of organization. 

Which one to choose?

Opting for a health insurance broker or health insurance agent depends on your specific medical and financial needs. 

If you require any particular kind of coverage, choosing broker would be a great choice. However, if you are clear of the insurance company you want to buy from, selecting an agent can be a choice. 

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Conclusion 

When making a choice between broker and agent, make it a point to be clear of your requirements in the first place. Do remember to read the differences between the two to have a clear understanding in your mind. 

For more about the best health insurance companies and affordable health insurance policies, visit our website.