Many of us have a tendency of avoiding insurance agents or the middlemen, and approach a company directly for our health coverage.
It may be a good idea sometimes, but most of the time one may end up only paying more than one should.
The agent plays a meaningful role and delivers real value to the client.
Otherwise the existence of agents would have been rendered irrelevant already.
We should understand clearly that any good agent would act on behalf of the client only and in the client's favor only.
For the agent, his client is his bread and butter.
A satisfied client can spread the good word and bring more clients for the agent.
That is the only way to survive in this business.
Therefore, a good agent who knows his business will always work in his client's interest, and not in the company's interest.
The key advantage of having a good agent in the middle is that he is a professional, while we are not.
His knowledge about the profession is deep, and he knows of several facts that we do not have a way to know.
Therefore, he is in a position to advise us such useful information and facts that we may not have considered otherwise.
It can help us to make a better-informed decision about our insurance.
Every good agent has the benefit of experience behind him, so he knows exactly how the system operates.
He also knows the local service providers closely, so he is in a better position to advise you what could be most suitable for you and your family's requirements.
The need for an agent arises because there is a flood of information and offers in the market.
There are so many different health plans and programs available that for a layman it is virtually impossible to understand what could be the best option for him to choose.
This is where the agent plays a vital role.
He can cut a long story short, and inform you exactly what kind of plans would be most suited for you within your budgetary constraints.
Apart from the health plan, the agent will also provide you inside information on which companies offer excellent customer service, have a sound financial position, and are reputed for settling customer claims efficiently and promptly.
Therefore, at the end of the day, any good agent in fact saves you money.
So while at the outset it may appear an expensive proposition to approach your health insurance through an agent, but in the long run it usually proves to be a profitable decision.