How to Get a License to Sell Health Insurance

Health insurance is sold through two primary sales channels: the individual market, which sells directly to individuals and families, and the group market, which sells to businesses and associations. Most policies are sold through commissioned agents. The market is competitive, and there is a steep learning curve in the health insurance industry due to the complexity of the products and the constantly changing legislative landscape. Health insurance agents frequently supplement their income selling life insurance, long term care insurance, disability income insurance and other financial products.

Instructions

• 1

  Resarch specific requirements for your state. You can access this information by contacting the Department of Insurance Regulation or the Office of the Insurance Commissioner for your state. You can also find this information by visiting the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website at www.naic.org.

• 2

  Order the materials. Each state has a number of publishers or schools that publish study manuals, CDs and practice exams. The list is different for each state, but some of the larger providers are A.D. Banker and Kaplan University.

• 3

  Enroll in a class. You can generally choose between taking the classes on line or attending live. Live classes typically cost more money, but you can learn valuable selling tips from experienced instructors.

• 4

  Schedule the test with the nearest proctor.

• 5

  Take the test. Dress professionally. If you pass the exam they may take your license photo on the spot.

• 6

  Contact insurance agencies and companies in your area to become appointed to sell their insurance plans. You must be appointed by a company to sell in states in which you are licensed.