Health Insurance Broker License: A Step-by-Step Guide

To become a licensed health insurance broker, you'll need to meet the basic eligibility requirements, which vary by state.

You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

The next step is to complete a pre-licensing course, which covers the basics of health insurance, including policies, benefits, and regulations.

These courses are usually offered online or in-person and can take several weeks to complete.

To get your health insurance broker license, you'll need to meet the prelicensing requirements. You must complete a Department-approved prelicensing education course totaling not less than 40 hours of instruction for the life, accident & health authority or not less than 20 hours for either life only or accident & health only authority.

Some candidates may be exempt from the education requirement. For instance, if you hold a Chartered Life Underwriter or Chartered Life Underwriter Associate designation, you can waive the education requirement and take the Life and Health Laws and Regulations exam.

You'll also need to pass a licensing exam administered by PSI Services within 2 years of applying for the license. The exam vendor information, including registration and scheduling instructions, can be found on the Exam Vendor Information page.

You can also waive the education requirement if you've been regularly employed by an insurance company, broker or agent for a period of not less than one year during the last three years in responsible insurance duties.

Here's a summary of the prelicensing requirements:

As a health insurance broker, you'll need to determine the type of license you want to get, and that depends on the state where you conduct business. You can choose between a business entity or individual license.

There are different types of license classifications, such as the Accident and Health Agent (A&H) license, which allows you to sell products offering coverage for sickness, bodily injury, or accidental death.

In California, for example, you'll need an A&H license or a Full Life Agent license to sell health insurance.

An agent represents New York authorized companies for which they've been appointed, but a company appointment isn't required to obtain an agent license.

To become an appointed agent, you must electronically submit a notice of appointment to the Department within 15 days of the agency contract's execution or the first insurance application's submission.

A broker, on the other hand, represents the insured and can place business with any New York authorized company that will accept it.

Some companies only accept business from appointed agents, so it's essential to consider this when deciding which type of role is right for you.

Health insurance agents sell a variety of policies to consumers. These policies cater to different needs and circumstances.

Individual health insurance is one of the types of policies sold by agents. It's designed for people who don't have access to group health insurance through their employer.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is another type of policy sold by agents. It's a government-mandated program that provides health insurance to individuals and families.

Long Term Care and Disability Income policies are also sold by agents. These types of policies provide financial protection for individuals who become unable to work due to illness or injury.

Critical Illness policies are designed to provide a financial safety net in the event of a serious illness, such as cancer or a heart attack. Indemnity Plans are another type of policy that reimburses individuals for medical expenses.

Family health insurance is a type of policy that covers multiple individuals, usually spouses and dependents. Medicare Supplements are also sold by agents, providing additional coverage for individuals who are already enrolled in Medicare.

Here are some examples of the types of policies sold by agents:

To determine the type of insurance broker you want to become, you need to consider the types of licenses available. In California, there are more than 30 types of license classifications issued by the Producer Licensing Bureau in the Department of Insurance.

You can choose between a business entity or individual license. If you'll be selling health insurance, you'll need an Accident and Health Agent (A&H) license or a Full Life Agent license, which includes Life, Accident, and Health.

To get an A&H license, you'll have authority in California to sell products offering coverage for sickness, bodily injury, or accidental death, which may include disability income benefits. You'll also be allowed to transact 24-hour care coverage and Long Term Care insurance.

Here's a breakdown of the types of insurance policies health insurance agents typically sell:

You'll need to get your insurance license in each state where you conduct business. In New York, for example, a life agent represents New York authorized companies for which they've been appointed, and a notice of appointment must be electronically submitted to the Department within 15 days from the date the agency contract is executed.

California requires a minimum of 20 hours of approved pre-licensing study, which can be waived if you have a current Accident and Health license in another state within the last 90 days or hold a certain professional designation.

You'll also need to complete 12 hours of approved pre-licensing on code and ethics. Nevada has similar requirements, with 20 hours of approved pre-licensing study needed for each field of insurance.

In both states, you can select from a diverse roster of education providers to help you prepare for your exam and earn your required training hours. California's Department of Insurance website lists over 30 resources, while Nevada license candidates can look up providers here.

A background check and fingerprinting are also required in connection with your application for an insurance license. You'll need to submit your application online, attaching supporting documentation and paying licensing fees, which are not refundable.

Here are the steps to get licensed in California and Nevada:

Once you've completed your pre-licensing study and other requirements, you'll be ready to take the licensing exam. The specifics of the test vary by state, but it's usually a multiple-choice exam covering all aspects of health insurance and agent protocol.

To become a licensed health insurance agent in California, you'll need to complete a state-approved insurance course and pass a licensing exam. You'll also need to be fingerprinted for a background check and have your application approved by the California Department of Insurance.

To maintain your license, you'll need to take a required number of hours of specific continuing education courses every two years. This ensures you stay up-to-date on the latest laws and codes.

Complying with California Insurance codes and laws is crucial, as failing to do so could result in your license being revoked.

To become a health insurance agent or broker, you'll need to complete a state-approved insurance course and pass a licensing exam. This is a requirement for getting a California license.

In California, you'll also need to be fingerprinted for a background check. This is an important step in the certification process.

To maintain your license, you'll need to take a required number of hours of specific continuing education courses every two years. This ensures you stay up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations.

To get started, you'll need to have your application approved by the California Department of Insurance. This is a crucial step before you can start selling health insurance policies.

Health insurance agents must comply with all California Insurance codes and laws. If you don't, your license may be revoked, so it's essential to stay on top of these requirements.

Maintaining a valid credential is crucial for health insurance agents.

Compliance with state-specific Codes of Conduct is a must.

You'll need to keep up with any changes to these codes, as they can be enforced at any time.

Health insurance agents are expected to comply with any Codes of Conduct enforced by the state where they are employed.

By following these rules, you'll be able to maintain a valid license and continue working as a health insurance agent.

To prepare for your health insurance broker license, you'll need to complete a certain number of hours of approved pre-licensing study. In California, this is a minimum of 20 hours, while in Nevada it's also 20 hours in each field of insurance for which you plan to be licensed.

California also requires 12 hours of approved pre-licensing on code and ethics, which is a crucial part of becoming a licensed health insurance broker. This will help you understand the laws and regulations governing the industry.

If you already have a current Accident and Health license in another state, you may be exempt from the 20 hours of pre-licensing education in California. However, you'll still need to complete the 12 hours of code and ethics training.

In Nevada, the requirements are similar, with candidates needing to satisfactorily complete an approved course of education in each field of insurance for which they plan to be licensed. This will ensure you have a solid foundation in the subject matter.

It's also essential to plan ahead and arrive early on exam day. In California, you're allowed up to 1.5 hours to complete the 75-question exam, while in Nevada, the Life exam is two hours and the Health license testing is 2.25 hours.

Getting your health insurance license involves some upfront costs, but they can be worth it for a potentially lucrative career. The costs can vary based on your state and the specific requirements.

Pre-licensing education courses can range from $100 to $300, depending on the course provider and the state's requirements. You'll also need to pay an application fee, which generally ranges from $50 to $200.

The licensing exam itself usually has a fee, often between $50 and $100. Some states also require fingerprinting and a background check, which typically costs around $30 to $100. Here's a breakdown of the typical expenses you might expect:

These costs can add up, but many brokers view them as an investment in their career. Be sure to check your specific state's requirements and fees, as they can vary significantly.

Getting your health insurance license comes with some expenses, but don't let that scare you off. Pre-Licensing Education can cost between $100 to $300, depending on the course provider and your state's requirements.

These costs can add up, but many brokers view them as an investment in their career. Application Fees typically range from $50 to $200.

The licensing exam itself usually has a fee, often between $50 and $100. Fingerprinting and a background check may be required in some states, which can cost around $30 to $100.

License Renewal and Continuing Education costs vary, but renewal fees can range from $50 to $150 every two years.

America's Professor is a fantastic resource for studying health insurance. They offer a selection of study aids and resources to help you prepare for your exam.

You can explore their website to find the perfect class for your needs.

Earning CE Credits is a crucial part of maintaining your health insurance broker license. You'll need to complete approved courses or programs of instruction to meet the requirements.

In California, you're required to complete 24 hours of instruction every two years, including at least three hours of ethics training. Nevada, on the other hand, requires 30 hours of Continuing Education Credits every three years, with three hours of ethics courses also being mandatory.

Word & Brown, our carrier partners, and the state and regional health underwriter associations offer a variety of CE courses to help you meet your licensing renewal requirements. To get information on courses, recorded webinars, and events, visit the Word & Brown Newsroom.

To get started on your journey to becoming a health insurance broker, you'll need to complete at least 20 hours of approved pre-licensing study in California or Nevada. In California, you can find over 30 education providers on the Department of Insurance (CDI) website.

You can choose from a diverse range of education providers to help you prepare for your exam and earn your required training hours. Nevada license candidates can also look up providers on their state's website.

A background check and fingerprinting are required in connection with your application for an insurance license. California's fingerprinting guidelines can be found on the CDI website, while Nevada's requirements are listed on the DOI website.

You'll need to apply online for your Nevada license by accessing the Nevada Division of Insurance website. Be sure to review all required materials and fees carefully before submission, as licensing fees are not refundable.

To make an online reservation for your examination, head to www.pearsonvue.com/nv/insurance after creating a Nevada DOI account.

You'll need a current license to sell health insurance in any U.S. state.

Many states issue a Life & Health license that covers both types of insurance.

Certain non-sales positions within the insurance sector may require this license as well.

To sell health insurance, you must have a current license in every U.S. state.