Hi, I'm rather new to the health ins. field and I'm currently appointed w/Assurant, Nationwide and BCBS in California. I'm wondering how Nationwide is working out for other agents in CA. Many of my applicants have been declined by Nationwide. It seems their underwriting is a lot more strict than others. Any thoughts or tips for a noobie agent? Thanks.
Nationwide Health
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- 10,275
Nationwide also is here in Ohio (I think they are only in two states). Their HSA product is solid and their rates are good...not great. Re their underwriting...similar to UHC, so they rider a lot of stuff.
But they also have a $40-$80 upfront charge since you must be a member of the Farm Bureau. That's one reason why I don't use them very often.
But they also have a $40-$80 upfront charge since you must be a member of the Farm Bureau. That's one reason why I don't use them very often.
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If you are making a lot of your sales by phone I'd suggest getting licensed in another state that has products that you'd like to sell. Even several states if you'd like.
You can get non-resident licenses in a day or 2. Lot of states you can get licensed and apointed with half a dozen good companies for well under $100 total.
Get an unlimited long distance calls line for under $25 a month and you are in business.
Don't let your resident state hold you hostage.
You can get non-resident licenses in a day or 2. Lot of states you can get licensed and apointed with half a dozen good companies for well under $100 total.
Get an unlimited long distance calls line for under $25 a month and you are in business.
Don't let your resident state hold you hostage.
- 10,275
Just my two cents...but you may be more effective if the States border your own.
When I am competing against agents 1000 miles away (and most of the time, we represent the same carriers) I make sure the client knows exactly where we are located (most of the time...within 90 minutes).
Sure, I can't give a better rate by being local, but the proximity factor has steered many customers away from the out-of-state agent.
In fact 31 times last year (I keep very close tabs)...a prospect became a client AFTER they bought from EHEALTH or an out-of-state agent. I became their agent of record, when it was pointed out the products were identical and we were in their back yard.
In fairness, I'm sure I lose a lot of business to the out-of-state agents as well. There's currently enough business to go around.
When I am competing against agents 1000 miles away (and most of the time, we represent the same carriers) I make sure the client knows exactly where we are located (most of the time...within 90 minutes).
Sure, I can't give a better rate by being local, but the proximity factor has steered many customers away from the out-of-state agent.
In fact 31 times last year (I keep very close tabs)...a prospect became a client AFTER they bought from EHEALTH or an out-of-state agent. I became their agent of record, when it was pointed out the products were identical and we were in their back yard.
In fairness, I'm sure I lose a lot of business to the out-of-state agents as well. There's currently enough business to go around.
I agree with you about pointing out that I'm in the clients' backyard when that is the case. But when I'm selling out of state I point out that whether an agent is across town or across the country the chances of the person seeing that agent face to face is almost nil. 99% of health insurance is now done on the phone.
eHealth sells far more health insurance than anybody and it is all across the country. Obviously it is a very viable way to do business.
eHealth sells far more health insurance than anybody and it is all across the country. Obviously it is a very viable way to do business.
- 10,275
"whether an agent is across town or across the country the chances of the person seeing that agent face to face is almost nil."
Quite true. However, when the applicant has a choice of buying the same policy from an agent with 26 years experience with the same firm that is less than an hour from where they live vs. someone 1000 miles away with less experience (in most cases)...well...sometimes it is an issue.
With the Internet leads, the applicant gets a separate email showing how many miles each agent (or firm) is located from their residence. A tad goofy, but most of the people I deal with are within 100 miles.
It probably only makes a difference 10% of the time. With EHEALTH...that number goes up.
Quite true. However, when the applicant has a choice of buying the same policy from an agent with 26 years experience with the same firm that is less than an hour from where they live vs. someone 1000 miles away with less experience (in most cases)...well...sometimes it is an issue.
With the Internet leads, the applicant gets a separate email showing how many miles each agent (or firm) is located from their residence. A tad goofy, but most of the people I deal with are within 100 miles.
It probably only makes a difference 10% of the time. With EHEALTH...that number goes up.
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I don't think intentional deception is what this business is about nor the kind of agent anyone wants to be.
They most certainly will see where you live when they get their policy and see you as the agent of record and your address.
They most certainly will see where you live when they get their policy and see you as the agent of record and your address.
Lets see. You are marketing from your tent in Lebanon, right?
Lebanon OH perhaps?
Just jerking you around.
I have to agree. More often than not I get a share of the business I would not otherwise simply because I am in state. Sometimes I am less than 5 miles away.
It makes a difference to some people, but not all.
The ones who will buy from eHealth will do so regardless of anything I say or do. They believe they can get a better deal by going direct and wont have to listen to an agent pushing them in to something they dont want or need.
Then they promptly go online and purchase a limited benefit plan from one of the major carriers because it was cheaper than anything I had shown them.
Wonder how much eHealth pays for E&O?
