| Most people buy health insurance through an | | | | insurance companies? |
| employer. In Tennessee your employer selects | | | | |
| the insurance company and plans available for | | | | Tennessee and North Carolina have several |
| you. There are several reasons people choose | | | | different insurance companies available. An |
| their own insurance. The self-employed, | | | | independent insurance agent is an agent who |
| part-time employees, and employees of | | | | has access to different insurance companies. |
| companies that do not provide insurance. | | | | This type of agent can compare plans and |
| Also, many people have learned it is | | | | premiums for you in order for you to make an |
| sometimes cheaper to provide their family | | | | informed decision. An independent agent can |
| with a separate policy through a private | | | | advise you of the different underwriting |
| insurance company while the employee stays on | | | | rules for each company. It does not cost you |
| the company policy. | | | | extra to use an independent insurance agent |
| | | | and the benefits of their knowledge can save |
| So how do you choose which company is best | | | | you time and often save you money. |
| for you? You can go online and find several | | | | |
| insurance web sites. This takes time and a | | | | Insurance companies vary in underwriting |
| lot of research on company ratings and plans | | | | guidelines such as weight and health |
| and benefits. Many times you can call an | | | | conditions. One company may not accept a |
| insurance company and talk to an agent who | | | | certain health condition, but another may. An |
| will explain benefits and quotes to you. | | | | insurance company may have different weight |
| These agents are called captive agents | | | | chart guides. An independent agent can |
| because they only work for one insurance | | | | research your options and find the company |
| company. But how do you compare different | | | | best for your situation. |