Jane Dotson
If you're looking to sell medical insurance, you'll need to get licensed. This process can vary depending on the state in which you plan to operate, but generally, you'll need to complete pre-licensing education, pass a state exam, undergo a background check, and submit an application. The state exam will test your knowledge of health insurance and agent protocol, and you'll need to demonstrate a minimal knowledge of products, general insurance and contract concepts, policy provisions, and federal acts. In some states, like California, you'll also need to meet continuing education requirements to renew your license. The time it takes to get licensed can vary from a few weeks to a few months, so it's worth checking the specific requirements for your state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| License type | Health and Life, Accident and Health, Full Life, Property and Casualty |
| Requirements | Passing a state exam, fingerprinting, background check, pre-licensing education, application |
| License provider | State's licensing provider |
| Time to get licensed | Few weeks to a few months |
| License renewal | Continuing education classes |
| License approval | Approval from insurance companies for products to be offered |
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What You'll Learn
Complete pre-licensing education
To sell medical insurance, you must obtain a health and life insurance license. Before you begin the licensing process, you need to decide on the types of insurance policies you want to sell. This is because the type of license you need is determined by the insurance policies you want to sell. For example, if you want to sell auto or home insurance, you will need a Property and Casualty license. On the other hand, a Health and Life license will allow you to offer a wider range of insurance products, including life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, and annuities.
Once you have decided on the type of insurance license you need, you must complete pre-licensing education. This is a requirement in most states for obtaining a major-line insurance license. Pre-licensing education courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as an insurance agent. They cover a range of topics, including general insurance and contract concepts, policy provisions and applicable riders, the application and underwriting process, federal and state programs, federal acts, and federal taxation ramifications. In addition, there may be state-specific topics that you need to know.
There are a variety of pre-licensing education courses available, both online and in-person. Some popular options include Kaplan’s online courses, which have a 93% pass rate, and the state-approved life and health licensing program offered by InstituteOnline.com. These courses typically include webinar instruction, at-home study, and hard-copy and digital textbooks. They may also provide exam prep materials, such as practice questions and study charts, to help you prepare for the state licensing exam.
The time it takes to complete pre-licensing education can vary depending on the individual. However, it is an important step in the process of obtaining an insurance license and can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the insurance industry.
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Pass the state exam
Passing the state exam is a crucial step in obtaining a license to sell medical insurance. The specifics of this exam vary depending on the state in which you intend to obtain your license. The exam could include anywhere between 50 and 200 multiple-choice questions, and the topics covered will depend on the type of insurance license you are seeking. For example, if you are interested in selling medical insurance, you will need to demonstrate knowledge of federal acts such as COBRA, HIPAA, and the ACA, as well as state-specific topics.
To prepare for the state exam, it is recommended to enrol in an insurance licensing course or utilize exam prep resources specifically designed to help you pass. Over 81% of individuals preparing for their insurance license exams use Kaplan's online courses, which have a 93% pass rate. These courses can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as an insurance agent. Additionally, creating a strict schedule for your exam preparation and maintaining focus and discipline during your studies can increase your chances of passing.
It is important to note that the number of tests you need to take will depend on the type of license you are applying for and the state in which you are seeking licensure. For example, in Missouri, if you are applying for a Life and Health License, you will take one exam with two sections that must be passed in one sitting. On the other hand, Tennessee separates the exams, offering a test for the Life Insurance line and another for the Accident and Health line, which can be taken back-to-back.
The pass score for the state exam also varies by state, but most states require a minimum score of 70 to pass. The cost of the exam typically ranges from $40 to $150, with an average of around $70 per attempt. Keep in mind that you may need to take the exam multiple times, so it is essential to take your studies and test preparation seriously to pass on your first try.
After passing the state exam, you will need to apply for your license through the state's licensing provider. This process can take a few weeks, and additional steps, such as fingerprinting and background checks, may be required before you can obtain your license to sell medical insurance.
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Get fingerprinted and a background check
To sell medical insurance, you will need to obtain a license. The requirements for this vary depending on the state in which you plan to operate, but most states require licensed agents to be fingerprinted and to undergo a background check.
The process of getting fingerprinted typically involves having your fingerprints taken by a vendor or technician, who will then process them on behalf of the state. In some states, such as California, these fingerprints are then used to run an FBI-level background check. This involves scanning your fingerprints against the FBI's Criminal Database to reveal any criminal history. Other states may also run criminal background checks, which can include scanning relevant criminal databases and law enforcement records.
It's important to note that there are a few states that do not require fingerprinting, such as Arkansas, Iowa, and Kentucky. These states may still perform a general background check, which can include a review of driving records, credit history, and other public information. However, even in these states, it is possible for criminals to obtain licenses, so it is important to do your research and fully vet your insurance agent.
To ensure that you meet the requirements for the state in which you plan to operate, it is recommended to start by having a conversation with the regulatory body governing that state's insurance industry. They can provide guidance on the specific requirements and the application process.
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Submit your application
To submit your application for a license to sell medical insurance, you must first complete the necessary pre-licensing requirements, which vary depending on the state in which you intend to obtain your license. These prerequisites typically include pre-licensing education courses that cover topics such as general insurance and contract concepts, policy provisions, federal and state programs, and state-specific topics. Some states may also require you to complete a certain number of hours of coursework.
After fulfilling the pre-licensing requirements, you can proceed to submit your application for the state exam. This usually involves registering and paying the associated fees. The specifics of the state exam differ across states, but it generally covers a range of topics related to health insurance and agent protocol. The exam may be administered as a proctored test at a designated test center or through an online platform.
Once you have passed the state exam, you can initiate the process of obtaining your license. This typically involves submitting an application to the state's licensing provider, either through an online form or a designated licensing authority. The application process may include providing additional documentation, such as proof of exam completion, fingerprints for a background check, and any other state-specific requirements.
It is important to note that some states may have additional requirements or steps in the licensing process. These could include continuing education classes or obtaining approval from the insurance companies for the specific products you intend to offer. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) or your state's Department of Insurance for detailed instructions on submitting your application and obtaining your license to sell medical insurance.
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Take any required continuing education classes
To sell medical insurance, you must obtain a license. The process of obtaining a license varies depending on the state in which you plan to operate. However, in many states, you will be required to take continuing education classes to ensure your knowledge of industry laws and procedures remains current.
For example, in Texas, there are specific continuing education requirements that must be met to maintain a Texas insurance producer's license. These requirements include completing a certain number of continuing education credits and paying a course reporting fee. Similarly, in Mississippi, insurance producers must complete a certain number of continuing education hours, including ethics hours, to renew their licenses.
The specific number of continuing education hours required varies depending on the state and the type of insurance being sold. For example, in Texas, those selling long-term care (LTC) partnership policies must complete an eight-hour LTC partnership certification course initially and four hours of TDI-certified LTC training during each subsequent renewal period. Additionally, those selling flood insurance in Texas must complete a minimum of three hours of training established by FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program.
It is important to note that there may be exemptions from continuing education requirements in certain states. For example, in Texas, individuals who have been licensed for 20 or more years may be exempt from these requirements. Additionally, if you meet specific criteria, such as illness or military deployment, you may be able to apply for an extension to complete your continuing education requirements.
To find out the specific continuing education requirements for the state in which you plan to operate, it is recommended to refer to the state's insurance department or official website. These sources will provide information on the number of continuing education hours required, the specific topics that must be covered, and any exemptions or extensions that may be applicable.
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