What is SelectQuote Insurance? A Complete Review

So, what is SelectQuote insurance, and should you trust them with your Medicare decisions? The simple answer is they’re a huge agency that compares plans from partner carriers for free. But the real story is more complex. You’ve seen the commercials promising an easy experience, but what happens after you call? To give you the full picture, we dug into thousands of customer comments and every select quote review we could find. We’re breaking down what people love, the high-pressure sales tactics they hate, and whether they’re the right fit for you.

Key Takeaways

Convenience Comes with a Catch: SelectQuote simplifies shopping by comparing plans from multiple carriers at once. However, they only show you options from their partner companies, which means you might miss out on a better plan from a carrier outside their network.
Your Experience Depends on the Agent: While many customers praise the one-on-one guidance from knowledgeable agents, others report feeling rushed by aggressive sales tactics. Don’t hesitate to set communication boundaries or ask to speak with someone else if you feel pressured.
Preparation is Your Best Tool: Before you call, have a clear list of your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. This empowers you to ask specific questions and evaluate whether the plans recommended truly fit your personal health and financial needs.

What is SelectQuote Insurance?

If you’ve started looking into Medicare plans, you’ve likely come across the name SelectQuote. They are a well-known insurance agency that helps people compare and buy policies from a variety of insurance carriers. Think of them as a marketplace where you can shop for different types of insurance, including Medicare, life, auto, and home insurance.

Their goal is to simplify the process by gathering quotes from multiple companies for you. Instead of you having to call each provider individually, a SelectQuote agent can present you with several options at once. This approach can save time, but it’s important to understand exactly how their service works and what to expect before you pick up the phone.

Where Did SelectQuote Come From?

SelectQuote has been in the insurance business for quite some time. Founded in 1985, their original mission was to give consumers a way to get unbiased comparisons from several highly-rated insurance companies. At the time, this was a new approach, as most people had to contact insurers one by one.

Over the decades, they’ve grown into one of the larger players in the direct-to-consumer insurance space. They are now a publicly traded company (NYSE: SLQT) and have expanded their services significantly since their early days. Their long history in the industry means they have established relationships with many of the country’s major insurance carriers.

Founder, IPO, and Company Size

SelectQuote was founded in 1985 with the mission of providing consumers with unbiased comparisons from several highly-rated insurance companies. This innovative approach allowed individuals to avoid the cumbersome process of contacting insurers one by one, making it easier to find the best coverage options available. Over the years, SelectQuote has grown significantly, establishing itself as a major player in the direct-to-consumer insurance market.

In 2020, SelectQuote took a significant step in its growth by going public. The company officially became a publicly traded entity and its shares are now listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SLQT. This move not only increased its visibility but also provided the company with additional resources to expand its services. Today, SelectQuote is a large operation with thousands of employees. Its size allows it to serve a wide range of customers, but it’s also a key factor that shapes the customer experience. For those interested in a deeper look at the company’s history and financials, the SelectQuote Wikipedia page offers a comprehensive overview.

What Insurance Plans Can You Get?

SelectQuote offers a broad range of insurance products. While our focus here is on Medicare, it’s helpful to know that they also provide life, auto, and home insurance. This means you could potentially work with them for several of your insurance needs. Their main service is connecting you with licensed agents who can help you compare policies from their network of partner companies.

For those approaching or already on Medicare, SelectQuote can help you explore Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Prescription Drug (Part D) plans. Their agents are trained to explain the differences between these plans and find options available in your area.

Focus on Life Insurance

While you might know them from their Medicare commercials, SelectQuote is also a major player in the life insurance world. They’ve been around since 1985, acting as a broker that connects you with various insurance carriers. This model is designed to simplify the process of finding coverage. Instead of you having to research and contact multiple companies, a SelectQuote agent can pull quotes from several of their partners at once. One of the biggest draws is the potential to save money, as their core message is that they can find a better deal by doing the comparison shopping for you. For anyone who doesn’t have the time to look into dozens of policies, this one-stop-shop approach can make a complicated decision feel much more manageable.

However, it’s important to understand the trade-off for this convenience. SelectQuote only shows you options from their specific network of partner companies, which means you might not see the full picture of what’s available on the market. You could miss out on a more suitable or affordable plan from an insurer that isn’t part of their system. This is why going into the conversation prepared is your best strategy. Before you call, take some time to think about your needs, your budget, and any questions you have. Having a clear idea of what you’re looking for will help you have a more productive conversation and make an informed decision about the options they present. They sell different types of insurance, but this limited network applies across the board.

How Does the SelectQuote Process Work?

The process typically starts when you request a free quote. You can do this by filling out a form on their website or by calling them directly. You’ll provide some basic information about yourself, your location, and what you’re looking for in a plan.

Once you’ve submitted your information, a licensed SelectQuote agent will contact you by phone or email. This agent will discuss your specific healthcare needs, budget, and preferences in more detail. Based on that conversation, they will present you with several plan options from the insurance companies they partner with. Their job is to help you weigh the pros and cons of each before you decide to enroll.

The Call Center Model

When you reach out to a large company like SelectQuote, you’re interacting with a call center. This means you might not speak with the same person every time you call. Many customers find this frustrating because they have to explain their health situation and needs over and over again to different agents. This lack of continuity can make the experience feel impersonal. As one review of SelectQuote points out, this can lead to a feeling of disconnect when you’re trying to make an important decision about your healthcare coverage.

Another aspect of the call center model to be aware of is the potential for high-pressure sales tactics. While some agents are praised for being helpful, many people report receiving a large number of calls and emails after their initial inquiry. This constant contact can feel overwhelming and pushy, especially when you’re just trying to gather information. It’s a good idea to be clear about your communication preferences from the start to manage the follow-up and give yourself space to think without feeling rushed into a decision.

It’s also important to remember that SelectQuote is a broker, which means they work with a specific group of insurance companies. While they offer to compare plans for you, they can only show you options from their partners. This is a key detail because it means you might not be seeing the full picture. There could be a more suitable or affordable plan available from a carrier that isn’t in their network. This limitation is a significant trade-off for the convenience they offer, so it’s something to keep in mind as you evaluate their recommendations.

What Do the SelectQuote Reviews Say?

When you’re trying to figure out if a company is the right fit, nothing beats hearing from real customers. We’ve gone through thousands of reviews to give you a clear picture of what it’s like to work with SelectQuote. From their customer service ratings to the claims process, here’s what people are actually saying about their experiences.

How Happy Are Their Customers?

Looking at the numbers, SelectQuote holds up pretty well. On Trustpilot, they have an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 11,000 customer reviews. What’s really telling is that two-thirds of those customers gave them a perfect 5-star rating. People often mention how friendly and helpful the staff is, which is a huge plus when you’re dealing with something as complex as insurance. This high level of satisfaction suggests that for many, the experience is a positive one, with agents successfully guiding them through their options without making them feel overwhelmed.

Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Another way to gauge customer satisfaction is the Net Promoter Score, or NPS, which measures how likely customers are to recommend a company to others. SelectQuote reports an NPS of 58, which is considered a “Great” score in the industry. This number suggests that a good portion of their clients have had a positive enough experience that they would feel comfortable telling a friend or family member to use their service. It aligns with the high ratings on review sites, indicating that their model works well for a significant number of people who are looking for a straightforward way to compare insurance plans.

Response to Customer Feedback

While the positive ratings are encouraging, it’s also important to see how a company handles things when they go wrong. On this front, there’s some room for improvement. An analysis of SelectQuote’s Trustpilot profile shows they have only responded to 3% of their negative reviews. This low level of engagement can be a red flag. It suggests that if you do run into an issue or have a complaint, you might not get a response or resolution from their team. For customers who value strong post-enrollment support, this is definitely something to keep in mind.

Are Their Agents Helpful and Knowledgeable?

A common theme in positive reviews is the expertise of SelectQuote’s agents. Many customers feel the agents take the time to understand their unique situations and help them find a policy that truly fits. This is exactly what you want from an insurance broker—someone who can explain the fine print and make sure you’re not just buying a generic plan. When an agent is knowledgeable and supportive, it makes the entire process feel less like a transaction and more like a partnership. This focus on tailored guidance is a significant reason why many people choose to work with them.

What’s the Communication Like?

While many customers have a great experience, communication is one area where SelectQuote gets mixed feedback. A frequent complaint is receiving a high volume of calls and emails, sometimes from multiple agents, which can feel overwhelming and confusing. Some people have also reported feeling pressured during the sales process. It’s important to remember that you are in control. If you ever feel that an agent is being too aggressive or unhelpful, don’t hesitate to ask to speak with someone else. Setting clear communication boundaries from the start can also help create a more positive interaction.

How Easy Is It to File a Claim?

When it’s time to use your insurance, the claims process is what matters most. Here, experiences with SelectQuote can vary. Some customers have reported frustrating delays, often tied to medical reviews or waiting for policy documents to arrive. More serious complaints have also surfaced on sites like the Better Business Bureau, including billing errors like being charged for a policy that should have been canceled. These issues highlight the need to be diligent. Always keep detailed records of your conversations and follow up consistently to ensure everything is proceeding as it should.

What Customers Love About SelectQuote

When you look through customer feedback, several positive themes about working with SelectQuote come up again and again. Many people appreciate the convenience of having a single point of contact to explore plans from multiple insurance companies. For someone new to Medicare or looking to switch plans, the process can feel like a maze. Having someone guide you through it can be a huge relief.

The company’s model is built on comparison shopping, which is a major draw. Instead of you having to call five different insurance carriers, a SelectQuote agent does the legwork for you. This can save a significant amount of time and frustration. Customers often mention that they feel more confident in their decision after seeing a direct comparison of rates and benefits. The combination of one-on-one support from a licensed agent and access to a wide range of plans is what makes the service appealing to so many. Let’s break down these benefits in more detail.

Compare Quotes for Free

One of the biggest advantages of using a service like SelectQuote is the ability to compare quotes from different insurance carriers all in one place, at no cost to you. Instead of spending hours researching and contacting individual companies, you can get a broad overview of your options quickly. SelectQuote’s entire business was built on the idea of providing unbiased comparisons from multiple, highly-rated insurance companies. This allows you to see how different plans stack up in terms of cost, coverage, and deductibles, helping you find a policy that fits your specific needs and budget without the hassle of doing all the research yourself.

Get Personalized Agent Guidance

Navigating the world of insurance can be confusing, and many people find value in having a real person to talk to. SelectQuote provides personalized assistance, connecting you with an agent who can walk you through the process from start to finish. This one-on-one guidance is especially helpful when you have specific questions about your health needs or financial situation. An agent can help clarify confusing terminology, explain the fine print, and ensure you understand exactly what you’re signing up for. This level of support can make a complex decision feel much more manageable and less intimidating.

Work Directly with Licensed Agents

When you call SelectQuote, you’re not just talking to a customer service representative; you’re speaking with a licensed insurance agent. This is a key distinction. These agents are trained and certified professionals who have the expertise to explain your different Medicare options. Having access to knowledgeable licensed agents means you can get reliable answers to your questions. They can help you understand the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, explain how prescription drug coverage works, and help you find a plan that works with your doctors and specialists. This professional insight is a major reason why many people choose to work with a broker.

Access to Helpful Learning Tools

Making an informed decision is crucial when it comes to your health care. SelectQuote offers a variety of free educational resources on its website to help you understand your choices before you even pick up the phone. These materials cover topics like Medicare eligibility, enrollment periods, and how different types of plans work. By providing free resources and information with no obligation to enroll, they empower you to learn at your own pace. This can help you feel more prepared and confident when you do speak with an agent, allowing you to ask smarter questions and have a more productive conversation about your needs.

Find a Policy That Fits Your Needs

Your insurance needs are unique, and a one-size-fits-all plan rarely works for everyone. Because SelectQuote partners with a variety of top-rated insurance companies, they can offer a wide range of policy options. This flexibility allows you to find a plan that can be tailored to your individual circumstances. Whether you need comprehensive coverage for chronic conditions or a more basic plan to fit a tight budget, an agent can help you sort through the choices. This ability to shop around and customize your coverage ensures you’re not paying for benefits you don’t need while still getting the protection that matters most to you.

Potential Downsides: Common Complaints

No company gets it right every single time, and it’s important to look at the full picture. While many customers have a positive experience with SelectQuote, some recurring issues pop up in online reviews. Understanding these common complaints can help you know what to watch for and what questions to ask as you explore your options.

These aren’t isolated incidents but rather patterns that appear in feedback across various platforms. From feeling rushed during the sales process to dealing with administrative headaches, these are the areas where some customers felt SelectQuote fell short. Being aware of these potential bumps in the road is the first step to making a well-informed decision about your Medicare coverage. Let’s walk through the most frequently mentioned concerns.

Reports of High-Pressure Sales

A common theme in customer feedback is the feeling of being overwhelmed by aggressive sales tactics. Some individuals report receiving a high volume of calls and emails from different agents, which can create confusion and pressure to make a quick decision. When you’re trying to understand complex Medicare plans, the last thing you need is to feel rushed. This approach has left some people feeling frustrated and uncertain about whether they were choosing a plan because it was the best fit, or simply to stop the constant contact.

Allegations of Deceptive Sales Tactics

It’s not just individual customers who are raising red flags. SelectQuote is currently facing a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice over its sales practices. The lawsuit claims the company used deceptive tactics and took illegal payments—also known as kickbacks—from insurance companies to enroll people in certain Medicare Advantage plans. This is a serious accusation because it raises questions about whether the advice you receive is truly in your best interest. If an agent is getting a kickback, it’s hard to feel confident that their recommendations are based on your health needs and not their own financial gain.

Employee Feedback on Work Environment

So, where does this sales pressure come from? It seems to stem from the company’s internal culture. Reviews from current and former employees on sites like Reddit frequently describe a negative, high-pressure work environment where sales quotas are the main focus. When agents are under constant pressure to hit their numbers, the priority can easily shift from finding the right plan for you to just making a sale. This kind of environment can lead to the rushed, impersonal conversations that customers complain about—exactly what you don’t want when you’re making a major decision about your health coverage.

Communication and Follow-Up Issues

Another point of frustration for some clients is a lack of timely communication after the initial sale. People have shared experiences of long delays while waiting for updates on medical reviews or for their final policy documents to arrive. This kind of radio silence can be stressful, leaving you in limbo and wondering about the status of your health coverage. Clear and consistent communication is key to a good experience, and some customer reviews suggest this is an area where improvements could be made.

Unexpected Gaps in Coverage

SelectQuote works with a curated list of insurance carriers, which means they don’t represent every plan available in your area. This limited selection can sometimes result in coverage gaps. Because agents are compensated through commissions, there’s a possibility that the recommendations you receive might be influenced by their partner relationships rather than the full spectrum of what’s available. For you, this could mean missing out on a plan from another company that offers better benefits or a lower price for your specific needs.

Unexpected Price Changes

Imagine getting a great quote, going through the application process, and then finding out the final price is much higher. This is a frustrating experience some SelectQuote customers have reported. In one instance, a customer noted their final premium was nearly double the initial estimate. While prices can change based on underwriting, a significant jump can feel like a bait-and-switch, leading to distrust and forcing you to reconsider your options late in the game.

Billing and Paperwork Issues

Administrative errors can cause major headaches, and some customers have reported significant billing and paperwork problems. One of the more serious complaints involved a client who was double-billed for more than a year because their old policy wasn’t canceled correctly. Mistakes like these can create serious financial strain and require a lot of time and energy to resolve. It highlights the importance of carefully reviewing all your statements and documents to ensure everything is processed accurately.

Legal and Ethical Scrutiny

Beyond individual customer complaints, it’s also important to be aware of the broader legal and ethical questions surrounding the company. When you’re making decisions about your health care, you need to trust that the advice you’re getting is truly focused on your best interests. Recent legal actions have raised concerns about the motivations behind the recommendations given by some large brokerage firms. This scrutiny gets to the heart of whether financial incentives for the company could ever outweigh the needs of the customer, which is a critical factor to consider as you evaluate your options.

Department of Justice Lawsuit

SelectQuote is currently facing a significant legal challenge from the U.S. Department of Justice. The lawsuit claims that from 2016 to 2021, the company was part of a scheme involving illegal kickbacks from health insurance companies. Essentially, the government alleges that insurers paid SelectQuote to have its agents enroll beneficiaries in specific Medicare Advantage plans. These allegations raise serious ethical questions, suggesting that the guidance provided to customers may have been influenced by which plan offered the biggest financial reward to the agent, rather than which plan best suited the customer’s health needs. This kind of scrutiny highlights the potential conflict of interest that can arise in a commission-based sales model.

What Medicare Plans Does SelectQuote Offer?

SelectQuote positions itself as a one-stop shop for comparing insurance, and their Medicare offerings are a big part of that. They work with various private insurance carriers to provide several types of Medicare plans. Understanding what they offer is the first step in figuring out if they’re the right fit for you. Their agents can walk you through plans that cover everything from hospital stays to prescription drugs. Let’s look at the main types of Medicare coverage you can explore through SelectQuote.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans

Medicare Advantage, or Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies. According to Medical News Today, SelectQuote can help you choose from various Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. These plans bundle your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage into a single policy. Many also include Part D prescription drug coverage and extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t, like dental, vision, or hearing aids. This all-in-one approach can be convenient, but it’s crucial to check the plan’s network restrictions to ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals are covered.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans

Medicare Supplement plans, often called Medigap, work alongside Original Medicare, not in place of it. Their job is to help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Medigap policies supplement your government benefits, giving you the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare. This flexibility is a major draw for many people. However, these plans don’t include prescription drug coverage, so you would need to purchase a separate Part D plan if you choose this path.

Part D Prescription Drug Plans

If you have Original Medicare or a Medigap plan, you’ll likely need a separate plan to help with the cost of your medications. SelectQuote can help you find a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. These plans are offered by private insurance companies, and each has its own list of covered drugs, called a formulary. It’s crucial to make sure your specific prescriptions are on a plan’s formulary before you enroll. Many Medicare Advantage plans already include this coverage, which is why they are often referred to as MA-PD plans.

Other Health and Wellness Support

Beyond just selling insurance policies, SelectQuote has expanded into other healthcare services. They launched a Population Health division focused on improving health literacy among seniors. According to a press release, this initiative is part of a strategy to connect seniors with value-based primary care, which prioritizes quality health outcomes over the sheer number of services provided. For customers, this means SelectQuote aims to be a resource not just for finding a plan, but for understanding and using your healthcare benefits more effectively. This service is designed to offer more hands-on support after you’ve enrolled.

SelectRx Pharmacy Services

In addition to insurance plans, SelectQuote also operates its own pharmacy service called SelectRx. This service is designed to simplify medication management for its customers. Instead of you having to keep track of multiple prescriptions and refill dates, SelectRx organizes, manages, and automatically refills your medications for you. This can be especially helpful if you take several different prescriptions, as it reduces the risk of missing a dose. The service operates in all 50 states and was recently recognized with a Patient-Centered Pharmacy Home accreditation, which underscores its commitment to improving medication adherence and overall health for its customers.

Population Health Division

SelectQuote has also established a Population Health division, which aims to provide support that goes beyond just selling a policy. The primary goal of this division is to improve health literacy among seniors, helping them better understand and use their healthcare benefits. This initiative is part of a broader effort to connect customers with value-based primary care. Unlike traditional models that focus on the number of services provided, value-based care prioritizes quality health outcomes. For you, this means the focus is on keeping you healthy, not just treating you when you’re sick. It represents a shift toward more proactive and supportive healthcare management.

How Much Does SelectQuote Cost?

When you’re choosing a Medicare plan, the monthly premium is a major consideration. But it’s just one piece of the puzzle. To get a clear picture of what you’re signing up for, it helps to understand how a company operates and where the true value lies. Let’s look at SelectQuote’s approach to pricing and how their business model works, so you can decide if they are the right fit for you.

How Are Their Agents Paid?

First, it’s important to know that SelectQuote isn’t an insurance company. They are a large, independent agency that connects you with plans from many different insurance carriers. When a SelectQuote agent helps you sign up for a policy, they earn a commission from the insurance company that provides the plan. This is a standard industry practice. Knowing this helps you be a more informed consumer. You want to feel confident that the plan being recommended is genuinely the best one for your specific health and financial needs.

What Discounts Can You Get?

You may come across advertisements for SelectQuote coupons or discounts. Generally, these promotions apply to their other insurance products, such as life, auto, or home insurance, not to Medicare plans. The costs and structures of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans are regulated, so you won’t find a typical “percent-off” deal. However, an agent can still help you find savings by comparing the monthly premiums of identical plans offered by different insurance companies, ensuring you get the most competitive rate available for the coverage you need.

Saving Money with Multiple Policies

One of the ways SelectQuote provides value across its product lines is by offering multi-policy discounts, often referred to as bundling. This is a common way to save money on property and auto insurance. For instance, you can often bundle your home and auto policies for a significant discount. It’s important to clarify that this type of bundling does not apply to Medicare. Your health insurance plan is completely separate, and its cost won’t be affected by any other policies you may have.

How Do They Compare Prices?

The core of SelectQuote’s service is its price comparison tool. Their agents can quickly compare rates from multiple insurance carriers at once, which saves you the work of contacting each company on your own. This is a convenient way to get a snapshot of what different companies are charging for similar plans. While SelectQuote works with many major carriers, they don’t represent every single option on the market. It’s always a good idea to ask which companies they partner with to make sure you’re seeing a broad enough range of the Medicare plans available in your state.

SelectQuote vs. Other Brokers

When you start shopping for insurance, you’ll quickly realize SelectQuote isn’t the only game in town. They are a large, well-known agency, but they operate in a crowded field of other brokers and agencies, each with a slightly different approach. Understanding how SelectQuote stacks up against the competition is key to making sure you’re working with the right partner for your specific needs. Some companies focus on technology, others on a specific type of insurance, and some prioritize a deeply personal, one-on-one relationship. Let’s look at a few of the other names you might come across and what makes them different.

Who Are Their Main Competitors?

You’ll encounter many different companies, from large online marketplaces to smaller, independent agencies. For example, eHealth is known for its user-friendly online platform and focuses almost exclusively on health insurance plans. GoHealth also has a strong technology focus, particularly with its Medicare options. Then there are companies like HealthMarkets, which offer a broad range of insurance products through licensed agents, much like SelectQuote. Some brokers even serve a niche audience, like Health IQ, which offers life insurance to health-conscious individuals. And of course, there are independent agencies like us at The Big 65, which provide dedicated, one-on-one guidance specifically for Medicare.

What Makes Their Service Different?

The biggest difference between these companies often comes down to their service model. SelectQuote operates as a large insurance brokerage, using its technology platform to connect you with quotes from its network of insurance carriers. Their goal is to offer personalized service through their agents in a call-center environment. This is a common model for large brokers. In contrast, an independent agent or a smaller agency often provides a more hands-on, long-term relationship. Instead of speaking with a different person each time you call, you work with a dedicated agent who gets to know you and your needs over time, helping you not just at enrollment but for years to come.

Generalist Agents vs. Medicare Specialists

One key difference to consider is that SelectQuote agents handle many types of insurance, not just Medicare. This generalist approach means they can help with your car or life insurance, but they might not have the same depth of knowledge as someone who focuses exclusively on Medicare. A Medicare specialist, on the other hand, dedicates their entire career to understanding the complexities of Part A, Part B, Medigap, and Advantage plans. This singular focus allows them to provide highly specific guidance tailored to your unique health situation. When you work with a specialist, you can be confident that their recommendations are based on a deep understanding of the Medicare system, not a broad overview of the entire insurance industry.

How Do Coverage Options Compare?

This is where you need to pay close attention. While SelectQuote provides quotes for many types of insurance, it’s important to know they only work with a limited group of partner companies. This means you’re not seeing a complete picture of the market—you’re only seeing the options their partners offer. This can be a significant drawback if the best or most affordable plan for you comes from a carrier outside of their network. An independent broker, on the other hand, isn’t tied to a small set of carriers. They can compare plans from many different insurance companies to give you a much broader view of what’s available, ensuring you find the right fit.

Is SelectQuote Right for You?

Deciding on a Medicare broker is a big step, and it’s all about finding the right fit for your unique needs. While some people have a great experience with large brokers like SelectQuote, others find a better match with an independent agent. There’s no single right answer, but asking the right questions can help you figure out if their approach aligns with what you’re looking for. Let’s walk through a few key areas to consider before you pick up the phone.

First, Figure Out What You Need

Before you speak with any agent, it’s helpful to take stock of your own situation. Think about your health history, the doctors you want to keep seeing, and the prescription drugs you take regularly. What’s your budget for monthly premiums and potential out-of-pocket costs? Understanding these details will give you a solid foundation for any conversation. SelectQuote has been in the insurance business for over 35 years, but the most important factor is how their recommendations fit your life. A clear picture of your needs will help you evaluate whether the plans they present are truly a good match.

How to Get the Most from Your Agent

When you connect with an agent, remember that you are in control of the conversation. Many reviews mention that SelectQuote’s agents are friendly and knowledgeable, which can be a huge plus. A great agent will listen more than they talk, ask thoughtful questions about your health and lifestyle, and explain your options without jargon. Don’t be afraid to ask questions until you feel confident you understand. If you ever feel rushed or pressured to make a decision on the spot, it’s okay to pause and ask for time to think it over.

Always Compare Your Policy Options

One of the main draws of a broker like SelectQuote is their ability to show you plans from multiple insurance carriers at once. This can save you the time and effort of researching each company individually. When an agent presents you with options, ask them why they are recommending specific plans. Are they the best fit for your health needs, your budget, or both? Understanding the differences between plan types, like Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement, is crucial to making an informed choice that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

Finding the Best Value for Your Budget

The best value isn’t always the plan with the lowest monthly premium. True value comes from finding a policy that provides the right coverage for your health needs at a price you can afford. Comparing multiple options can certainly help you find affordable coverage, but it’s important to look at the whole picture. Consider the deductibles, copayments, and the plan’s network of doctors and hospitals. The goal is to find a plan that gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re covered when you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SelectQuote an actual insurance company? No, SelectQuote is an insurance agency, not an insurance company. Think of them as a large marketplace that connects you with plans from a variety of insurance carriers they partner with. When you enroll in a plan through them, your actual policy and coverage will be with the insurance company itself, not with SelectQuote.

Do I have to pay a fee to use SelectQuote’s service? You do not pay SelectQuote for their help. Their agents provide quotes and guidance at no cost to you. They are compensated through commissions paid by the insurance company you ultimately choose for your policy. This is a standard practice for insurance agencies and brokers.

Will SelectQuote show me every single Medicare plan available in my area? This is a crucial point to understand. SelectQuote works with a specific network of partner insurance companies, so they will only show you plans from that curated list. You will not see every possible option on the market. A plan from a carrier outside of their network could potentially be a better fit or more affordable for your specific situation.

What’s the difference between using a large broker like SelectQuote and a smaller, independent agent? The experience often comes down to the scope of options and the nature of the relationship. A large broker like SelectQuote is efficient for comparing plans from their specific partners. An independent agent, however, typically isn’t limited to a small group of carriers and can often provide a broader view of the market. Many people also find that an independent agent offers a more personal, long-term relationship with a single point of contact who assists them year after year.

If I have a problem with my plan after I enroll, who do I call? Once your policy is active, your primary contact for any issues related to claims, billing, or coverage specifics is the insurance company that issued your plan. While the agent who helped you enroll might be able to answer general questions, the insurance carrier is the one that manages your benefits and handles the day-to-day administration of your policy.