The first thing a person does when they must seek health insurance is to compare quotes to find an affordable and practical plan for their individual health care needs. Obtaining a health insurance quote is a simple process, comparing several to one another is slightly more daunting. You should be prepared to gather and process a great deal of information in a short amount of time to prepare you to make the best decision.

You can obtain a health insurance quote by either contacting a company agent or an independent agent. A company agent is an insurance agent who works directly for a specific health insurance company. They will provide you with a health insurance quote for a policy underwritten by their company alone. An independent insurance agent will be able to provide you with quotes from several different companies. While you do not have to use an independent agent, it can be beneficial. Make sure you verify that any independent agent you use is licensed to sell health insurance.

When you request a health insurance quote, be prepared to give personal information including name, address, phone number, and other contact information. You will also be asked your age and current health status as well as health history in most cases. When you apply for coverage, you may be required to provide a more detailed status and the information will most likely be verified. You will also need to provide your social security number. However, sensitive information should not be requested for an initial health insurance quote as they are generally ballpark figures based on basic information you provide.

If is essential to obtain more than one health insurance quote before you make a purchasing decision. As with all other purchases, comparison shopping is the only way to ensure the best deal. Compare both premium costs and plan benefits and coverage. If you are not comparing similar coverage, there is no point in comparing prices. An independent insurance agent should be able to help you decipher the finer points of any policy and answer any questions you have.

Keep in mind that a health insurance quote does not guarantee acceptance. Some states do not allow for companies to deny coverage based on health status, but some do. Be prepared to spend several days obtaining quotes and policy information and take at least two days to review all the information you gather. If you find you are having difficulty finding an affordable policy, either consider opting for less coverage or see if you might qualify for government subsidized health care programs. Again, an independent agent can help point you in the right direction and speaking with one does not obligate you. If you are having problems locating an agent or are not getting information as you request it, contact your local health department for additional resources and assistance.