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