Online Insurance Shopping: Finding Health Insurance on the Web

Online Insurance Shopping: Finding Health Insurance on the Web With more and more consumers turning to the Internet to locate goods and services, it's no wonder that online health insurance shopping is gaining popularity, too. If you're thinking about shopping for health insurance online, you're not alone. And, while shopping online can save you time and money, there are a few factors to consider to ensure a positive shopping experience. Knowing What You Need Do you know what kind of health insurance plan you need? Do you know what features or benefits you'd like to have in your policy? Knowing what you need before you begin shopping can save you a lot of time. If you're not sure what kind of policy you need, try contacting your state's Division of Insurance (DOI). The DOI exists to protect and educate consumers on insurance matters; you can contact them by phone or visit them on the Web to find the information you need about health insurance plans in your area. Remember, the more you know, the more educated your health insurance decisions will be! Choosing a Reputable Company When you open your Web browser and enter your search terms, you'll undoubtedly get multiple options in return. But which of these companies is right for you? Weed out the good companies (and Web sites) from the bad and: Get the Facts. You can investigate online insurance companies and referral services by visiting the sites of AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB); obtaining information about the company's financial standings and customer service ratings will help you determine if consumers have had good experiences in the past--and whether the company is doing well enough to be there future. Consumer hint: most BBB-approved companies will display the BBB logo on their Web pages. Verify Security Measures. With the increased usability of the Internet also comes an increased risk for fraudulent activities. While this scares many insurance shoppers from using the Web, shopping within sites that are technologically secure drastically reduces those risks. If a company's Web site is secure, they'll most likely include a clickable logo on their landing page, detailing the site's security certification or "seal of approval". Still not convinced? The company's security policy should be located within the site; reputable companies will use the latest technology to protect your information and will never give or sell your email address for spamming or other marketing purposes. When it comes to Web site security, the bottom line is this: if you don't like what you see, move on to another site! Read Testimonials. What do other consumers have to say about their experience with the company? Check out the site's customer testimonials to see what other health insurance shoppers liked about the service. Can't find any? Might be a good indication that positive feedback has been scarce--in general, companies display positive comments with pride! Understanding the Process Different companies will operate accordingly. One company might give you one health insurance quote, while another might give you five. Generally speaking, companies that provide multiple quotes are more efficient for the consumer--rather than applying for quotes on five different Web sites or calling five different insurers, you can obtain multiple quotes quickly and find the cheapest health insurance. But, when it comes to obtaining health quotes online, it's all about preference. If you'd prefer to obtain one quote at a time, you will find company sites than can deliver exactly that. Go with your Gut When it comes to shopping for health insurance online, educating yourself on insurance and researching potential insurers will help you make the best purchasing decision possible. Get started today by identifying what you need out of a health insurance policy, and set your sights on finding it. And as always, shop online with care by verifying the legitimacy and security of any Web site before submitting your business! _________________________________________________________________ ___ About InsureMe InsureMe, an Englewood, Colorado-based company, links agents nationwide with consumers shopping for insurance. Specializing in auto, home, life, long-term care and health insurance quotes, the InsureMe network provides thousands of agents with insurance leads every year. For more information, visit www.InsureMe.com.