The simple answer to whether you need a broker when purchasing North Carolina individual health insurance is 'no', however using a broker that represents all the carriers can make the process much easier and will usually result in saving you money.

Let's face it, shopping for health insurance is a daunting task and one that most people don't look forward to nor have the time or will to go through each carrier's plans and rates to determine what is the best option for their family. If you feel comfortable analyzing the pros and cons of over two hundred health plan options then buying coverage without a broker may work for you. However, most people aren't and therefore should employ the services of a broker to match their needs to the best health insurance company and plan.

An important point to note is that a broker for North Carolina individual health insurance works independently and not for one particular health insurance company. Their job is to know each carriers plans, how they work, their network coverage, plan limitations, and most importantly their underwriting requirements. It is very difficult to get all this information from each carrier without the assistance of a broker.

You should also be aware that using the services of a broker costs you nothing. Rates are determined by each carrier and approved by the North Carolina Department of Insurance and are the same regardless of where they are purchased. The only difference is whether the fee goes to the broker or stays with the insurance company.

Once you have chosen a broker it is then simply a matter of confidentially discussing your current medical situation, including details about any pre-existing conditions you have and medications you are currently taking. You should then have a discussion as to what you are looking for in the plan...do you want copay's for doctor visits and prescription drugs or are you looking for lower premiums and just looking for something to cover the catastrophic type claims?

With this information the broker will then be able to show you plans and deductible options from several carriers for the plan type you have chosen. If you are on any medications or have a pre-existing condition he should also explain to you how the various carriers will likely underwrite you - this is one of the main advantages of using a broker as this information alone could save you thousands a year in premiums. Once you have gone over your options you should have all the information you need in choosing the best North Carolina individual health insurance policy for your situation.