Think of shopping for insurance like your weekly grocery run. You can hit a big supermarket for one-stop shopping or visit specialty stores for specific items. SelectQuote is that giant supermarket. It’s a comparison platform where you can browse plans from many different carriers all at once. This is great for convenience, but there’s a catch. Just like a supermarket only stocks certain brands, the SelectQuote marketplace only shows you options from their specific partners. We’ll review their carrier comparison for policies like select quote health insurance and car insurance to see what’s really on the shelves.
Key Takeaways
- Comparison Shopping Comes with a Catch: While SelectQuote makes it easy to compare quotes from several big-name insurers, you’re only seeing options from their specific partner network. This means you could miss out on a better or more affordable plan from a company they don’t work with.
- Their Network Is Tied to Their Business Model: SelectQuote offers a free service because they are paid a commission by the insurance companies they partner with. This financial relationship is why their agents can only show you plans from those specific carriers, not the entire market.
- Look Beyond the Initial Price Tag: The cheapest plan isn’t always the best fit, especially with something as important as Medicare. To find the right coverage, you need to consider provider networks, prescription costs, and out-of-pocket maximums, not just the monthly premium.
What Is SelectQuote?
If you’ve spent any time looking for insurance online, you’ve probably come across SelectQuote. It’s an insurance comparison platform where you can get quotes for several types of coverage, including life, auto, home, and Medicare plans. Think of it as a large digital marketplace that brings together many different insurance options under one roof.
The main idea behind a platform like SelectQuote is to simplify your search. Instead of going to each insurance company’s website one by one, you can enter your information once and see multiple quotes. This can save you time and give you a better sense of what the market looks like for the coverage you need. While they offer a wide range of products, many people know them for their presence in the Medicare space, connecting beneficiaries with various plan options from their partner carriers.
How Does SelectQuote Work?
The process is pretty straightforward. Instead of visiting a dozen different websites to get quotes, SelectQuote lets you see prices from multiple insurance carriers all in one place. You start by providing some basic information about yourself and the type of coverage you’re looking for on their website. From there, the platform generates a list of potential plans and prices.
Typically, the next step involves speaking with one of their licensed agents. The agent will go over the quotes with you, answer your questions, and help you complete the application process if you decide to purchase a policy. The goal is to streamline the shopping experience, moving you from initial research to a final decision with the help of one of their representatives.
Where Did SelectQuote Come From?
SelectQuote has been around for a while, establishing itself as a major player in the insurance distribution market. It operates as a technology-enabled, direct-to-consumer platform. In simple terms, they use technology to connect directly with people who are shopping for insurance, cutting out some of the traditional steps.
Their model is built on providing a high volume of quotes and policies from a curated list of insurance partners. Over the years, they have grown significantly, expanding from their initial focus on life insurance to include home, auto, and a substantial senior health division dedicated to Medicare plans. This growth has made them one of the more recognizable names in the insurance comparison industry.
Company Background and Accreditation
SelectQuote has been a significant player in the insurance distribution market since it opened its doors in 1985. The company originally focused on life insurance but has since expanded to offer home, auto, and a large senior health division for Medicare plans. This growth has helped solidify its reputation as a well-known name in the insurance comparison industry. As a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange, SelectQuote is a legitimate and established business. It also holds accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, which adds to its credibility. This long history and formal recognition highlight SelectQuote’s commitment to providing reliable insurance options to a wide range of consumers.
How SelectQuote Makes Money
You might be wondering how SelectQuote can offer its comparison service for free. The company makes money by receiving a commission from the insurance companies when a customer purchases a policy through their platform. This is a standard practice in the insurance industry for agents and brokers. The price you pay for your policy is the same as it would be if you went directly to the insurance carrier.
Because their revenue is tied to sales, their agents are motivated to help you find and enroll in a plan. It’s important to understand this relationship. While the service is free to you, SelectQuote is compensated by the insurance companies it partners with. This commission-based model is how most independent insurance agents and agencies operate.
What Insurance Does SelectQuote Offer?
SelectQuote functions as a large insurance agency, meaning they don’t underwrite policies themselves. Instead, they connect you with a wide range of insurance companies. While you may have seen their commercials focusing heavily on Medicare, their offerings extend into several other key areas of insurance. They started primarily with life insurance and have since expanded to become a one-stop-shop for comparing quotes across different types of coverage. Understanding the full scope of what they offer can help you decide if their model is the right fit for your needs, whether you’re looking for a single policy or multiple lines of coverage.
Your Life Insurance Options
Life insurance was SelectQuote’s original focus when the company started back in 1985. Today, it remains one of their core products. They primarily help customers find and compare quotes for term life insurance policies. This type of insurance provides coverage for a specific period, like 10, 20, or 30 years, and pays out a benefit to your beneficiaries if you pass away during that term. Their platform is designed to gather your information and present you with options from several different carriers. This allows you to see how prices and coverage details stack up without having to contact each company individually. As an insurance comparison platform, their goal is to simplify the shopping process for this essential coverage.
No-Medical-Exam Life Insurance
You may also come across options for no-medical-exam life insurance. As the name suggests, this is a type of coverage you can qualify for without undergoing lab work, blood tests, or a visit from a nurse. These policies function just like traditional life insurance—you pay your premiums, and your beneficiaries receive a death benefit when you pass away. Because the insurance company has less information about your health, these plans often cost more and may offer lower coverage amounts than a fully underwritten policy. However, the convenience and faster approval process make it an attractive option for many people looking for straightforward life insurance coverage.
Final Expense Insurance
Another common offering is final expense insurance, which is a type of whole life insurance specifically designed to cover end-of-life costs. This can include everything from funeral and burial expenses to outstanding medical bills or credit card debt. These policies typically have smaller coverage amounts, usually just enough to handle those final costs so your family isn’t left with the financial burden. Many final expense policies are issued without a medical exam, making them accessible for seniors or individuals with pre-existing health conditions who might not qualify for other types of life insurance. It’s a practical way to plan ahead and provide peace of mind for your loved ones.
Finding a SelectQuote Health Insurance Plan
For many people, SelectQuote is most well-known for selling Medicare plans. Their agents are licensed to sell policies from various private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare. The main types of plans they offer include Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Prescription Drug Plans (Part D). Because they work with multiple carriers, they can present you with a range of options available in your area. This can be helpful for seeing what’s out there, but it’s important to work with an agent who takes the time to understand your specific health needs and budget. They offer several types of Medicare plans and can help you find one that fits your situation.
Comparing Car and Home Insurance Quotes
In addition to life and health coverage, SelectQuote has expanded into property and casualty insurance, offering both auto and home insurance policies. Much like their other services, the main value proposition here is comparison shopping. You can provide your information once and receive quotes from multiple well-known insurance carriers. This can save you the time and effort of filling out applications on several different websites. They often highlight the potential to bundle home and auto policies for a discount, which is a common way for consumers to save money. Their platform lets you compare trusted carriers to find a competitive rate for your vehicle and property.
What Else Do They Cover?
While their main business lines are life, Medicare, auto, and home insurance, their position as a large agency gives them access to other products. Depending on the partner carriers they work with, you might find options for other types of coverage, though these are not their primary focus. At its core, SelectQuote operates as a broker, connecting you with different insurance providers for your specific needs. By representing a portfolio of companies, they can offer a diverse range of products under one roof. As a large insurance agency, their business model is built on providing choice and making it easier to compare what the market has to offer.
Additional Health Services
Beyond just showing you a list of plans, SelectQuote’s agents provide personalized assistance to help you sort through the details of Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans. They can walk you through the differences in copays, deductibles, and provider networks for the carriers they represent, simplifying what can be a very confusing process. This is especially helpful if you’re new to Medicare. The goal is to help you find a suitable match from their available options by considering your specific health needs and budget. This saves you the time and effort of researching each insurance company on your own.
What’s It Like to Work with SelectQuote?
Understanding the process from start to finish can help you decide if a service is the right fit for you. Working with SelectQuote involves a few key steps, from getting your initial price estimates to speaking with an agent and managing your policy long-term. Here’s a straightforward look at what you can expect at each stage.
How to Get Your First Quote
The first step is usually the easiest. Instead of hopping between different insurance websites to compare prices, SelectQuote lets you see quotes from several carriers in one place. You’ll start by providing some basic information on their website. Based on your details, their system will generate a list of potential plans and prices. This comparison feature is the main draw for many people, as it saves time and simplifies the initial research. It gives you a quick snapshot of what’s available from their network of partners, helping you get a general sense of your options without much upfront effort.
Working with a Licensed Agent
After you review your initial quotes, you’ll be connected with a licensed agent. These agents work for SelectQuote, not for the insurance companies themselves. Their job is to walk you through the quotes you received, answer your questions, and help you understand the differences between the plans. Since SelectQuote is an insurance comparison platform, the agent’s role is to help you choose from the specific options they offer. They are trained on the products from their partner carriers and can help you complete the application process if you decide to move forward with a policy.
Understanding the Call Center Model
It’s helpful to know that SelectQuote operates primarily as a call center. This model is built for efficiency, allowing them to handle a large volume of calls and inquiries. When you reach out for help or have questions after your initial enrollment, you’ll likely speak with whichever agent is available at that moment. While this can be fine for simple questions, it often means you won’t build a relationship with one specific person. You might find yourself re-explaining your health situation or coverage needs each time you call, which can feel less personal than working with a dedicated agent who knows your history and can provide consistent, long-term support.
What Happens After You Buy?
Many customers report a positive experience with SelectQuote’s agents during the sales process. In fact, their life insurance division has thousands of positive reviews on Trustpilot, with many people praising the agents for being helpful and knowledgeable. Once your policy is active, however, your main point of contact for service-related issues—like filing a claim or asking questions about your coverage—will typically be the insurance carrier itself. While SelectQuote can help with some post-sale questions, the day-to-day management of your policy will fall to the company that underwrites it.
Answering Your Top Questions
A key thing to understand is that SelectQuote works with a curated list of insurance companies. This means they don’t show you every plan from every carrier on the market. While their agents can offer great plans from their partners, you won’t see options from companies outside of their network. This is a common practice for this type of service, but it’s an important distinction. You might miss out on a more affordable or better-suited plan from a carrier SelectQuote doesn’t work with. This is the main difference between using a platform like SelectQuote and working with an independent Medicare broker who can shop the entire market for you.
Who Is in SelectQuote’s Network?
When you use a service like SelectQuote, you’re not buying insurance from them directly. Instead, they act as a marketplace, connecting you to a variety of insurance companies. Understanding how this network operates is key to making an informed decision. Their entire business model is built on partnerships with specific carriers. While this creates a convenient, one-stop-shop experience, it also defines the boundaries of what you’ll be shown. The plans you see are pulled exclusively from this group of partners. Let’s break down what that means for you, from the companies they work with to how that impacts the variety and pricing of the policies you can choose from.
Which Insurance Companies Do They Work With?
SelectQuote is an insurance comparison platform where you can get quotes for several types of coverage, including life, auto, home, and Medicare. They don’t underwrite the policies themselves; they partner with a group of nationally recognized insurance carriers. The list of partners can change over time, but it typically includes many of the large, well-known brands you see advertised on TV. Their goal is to present you with options from multiple companies at once, saving you the effort of shopping around on your own. This model allows you to compare different quotes and plans from their network of insurers in a single place.
Comparing Over 50 Insurance Carriers
One of SelectQuote’s main draws is that they do the shopping for you. They work with more than 50 highly-rated insurance companies, and their platform lets you enter your information once to see a variety of quotes. This streamlined experience is certainly convenient. However, it’s important to understand that you are only seeing options from their specific partner network. While that network is large, it doesn’t include every carrier on the market. This means you could miss out on a better or more affordable plan from a company they don’t work with. Their service is free because they are paid a commission by the insurance companies they partner with, which is why their agents can only show you plans from those specific carriers.
Are There Gaps in Coverage?
This is one of the most important things to understand. SelectQuote only presents plans from the specific group of insurance companies they have contracts with. You are seeing a curated selection, not the entire market. This means you could miss out on a more suitable or affordable plan from a carrier that isn’t in their network. For something as personal as your Medicare plan, having a limited view can be a real disadvantage. A company with the perfect plan for your health needs and budget might exist, but you won’t see it if they aren’t a SelectQuote partner. This is a crucial detail to consider when you’re looking for comprehensive coverage.
How Pricing and Commissions Work
You’ll never receive a bill from SelectQuote for their services. So, how do they make money? Their service is free for you because the insurance companies pay them a fee, or commission, when you buy a plan. This is a very common arrangement in the insurance industry. It’s important to know that this commission does not affect the price of your premium. You will pay the same amount for your policy whether you purchase it through SelectQuote, an independent agent, or directly from the insurance carrier. The main thing to remember is that their revenue comes from their insurance partners, which is why they only show you plans from those specific companies.
Agent Compensation and Impartiality Claims
Since SelectQuote’s service is free, it’s fair to ask how their agents get paid. They receive a commission from the insurance companies for each policy they sell. This is a standard industry practice, but it’s important to understand how it works. Because their revenue is tied to sales from their partner carriers, agents are motivated to help you enroll in a plan from that specific list. This financial relationship means that while they can offer you a variety of choices, those choices are limited to the companies within their network. You won’t see plans from insurers outside of that partnership, which could mean you miss out on a more suitable or affordable option. This is a key distinction when considering where to get your Medicare advice.
How Does SelectQuote Compare Policies?
The biggest advantage of using SelectQuote is convenience. Instead of visiting a dozen different websites to get quotes, SelectQuote lets you see prices from multiple insurance carriers all in one place. After you provide your personal information and coverage needs, their system or an agent will pull up matching plans from their partners. This makes it easy to see a side-by-side comparison of premiums, deductibles, and benefits from different companies. It streamlines the initial research process and helps you quickly compare your options without having to repeat yourself to multiple agents from different insurers.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of SelectQuote
Every service has its strengths and weaknesses, and SelectQuote is no exception. To help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs, let’s take an honest look at what they do well and where they might fall short. Understanding both sides of the coin is the best way to make a confident choice for your insurance coverage, especially when it comes to something as important as your Medicare plan.
Why People Choose SelectQuote
The biggest draw for many people is convenience. SelectQuote is an insurance comparison platform that lets you see prices from multiple insurance carriers all in one place. If you’re looking for life, auto, home, or Medicare coverage, you can get several quotes without having to visit each company’s website individually. This can save you a lot of time upfront. Their model is built on a direct-to-consumer approach, which means you can quickly get an idea of what different policies might cost from their partner companies. For someone just starting their research, this can feel like a very efficient first step.
“America’s #1 Term Life Sales Agency” Claim
You’ve likely seen SelectQuote call themselves “America’s #1 Term Life Sales Agency.” This claim is a cornerstone of their marketing, and it’s built on their long history and high sales volume in the term life insurance market. Since their beginning, their main focus has been helping people compare quotes for term life policies—the kind that cover you for a set period, like 20 or 30 years. By making it easy to see prices from multiple carriers at once, they attract a large number of customers. This high volume of sales is what backs up their position as a leading agency in this specific area of insurance.
Things to Watch Out For
The most significant drawback is that SelectQuote has a limited network. They only show you plans from the specific insurance companies they have contracts with. This means you are seeing a curated selection, not the entire market. You could miss out on a better plan with more comprehensive coverage or a lower premium from a company that isn’t part of their network. While comparing is helpful, you’re only comparing a fraction of the available options. This is a critical detail to remember, as the best plan for you might be one that SelectQuote doesn’t offer.
Financial Health and Stock Performance
While it might seem like inside baseball, the financial health of a company can tell you a lot about its stability and long-term prospects. SelectQuote is a publicly traded company, which means its financial performance is open for public review. Looking at how investors and financial analysts view the company can offer another layer of insight as you decide who to trust with your insurance needs. It’s not just about the price of a plan today, but also about the reliability of the service you’ll receive for years to come. A company facing financial pressure may change its business practices or level of customer support down the road.
Stock Performance (SLQT)
SelectQuote, which trades on the stock market under the ticker symbol SLQT, has had a challenging run. Some financial analysts have given its stock an investment rating of “SELL,” with price targets that suggest a cautious outlook on its future. This kind of rating indicates that investors may be concerned about the company’s growth potential and overall financial stability. While stock performance isn’t the only measure of a company’s value, it does reflect the market’s confidence in its business model. For customers, this can be a signal to consider the long-term viability of the company you’re choosing to work with. You can view the company’s stock history on platforms like Yahoo Finance.
Financial Analyst Ratings
The view from financial experts isn’t entirely uniform, which adds another layer to the story. While some are cautious, the average rating for SLQT stock among analysts is a “Hold.” This suggests that while there are concerns, some experts believe the company may stabilize or recover. However, this optimism is tempered by reports that highlight worries over the company’s revenue and earnings growth. These concerns have led some analysts to lower their expectations for the company’s future performance. This mixed sentiment, which you can see in various analyst ratings, points to a company facing significant financial questions, even as it continues to be a major player in the insurance marketplace.
How Good Is Their Customer Service?
Customer experiences with SelectQuote appear to be mixed. While the initial calls with their agents are often described as helpful and informative, some customers report having trouble getting support after they’ve bought a policy. When you need help with a claim or have a question about your coverage, you want to know that someone will be there to assist you. Furthermore, some online reviews point out that SelectQuote doesn’t have a strong record of responding to negative feedback. This can be a red flag, as it may suggest a lack of focus on long-term customer satisfaction.
Online Ratings and Net Promoter Score
When you look at online reviews, SelectQuote generally scores well. They hold a 4.3-star Trustpilot rating, which is considered “Excellent.” Many of the positive comments highlight how helpful and knowledgeable the agents are during the initial sign-up process. This suggests that their sales team is effective at guiding people through the application and making a good first impression. A high rating like this often means that a large number of customers have had a smooth and positive experience when they first purchased their policy, which is certainly a point in their favor when you’re considering different companies.
Handling of Negative Reviews
While a high overall rating is a good sign, it’s also helpful to see how a company deals with criticism. On that same Trustpilot platform, SelectQuote has only responded to 3% of its negative reviews. This lack of engagement can be a warning sign for future customer support. When a company doesn’t publicly address customer complaints, it raises questions about how they handle issues privately. If you run into a problem with your policy down the road, you want to feel confident that you’ll get the help you need. A low response rate to negative feedback might suggest that post-sale support isn’t their top priority.
Is It a Good Value?
Whether SelectQuote offers good value really depends on your priorities. If your main goal is to quickly compare prices from a handful of well-known companies, their platform can be a useful tool. Their service is free to use because the insurance companies pay them a commission when you buy a plan. However, true value isn’t just about the initial price. It’s also about finding the right coverage for your unique health needs and having reliable support for the life of your policy. The convenience they offer is clear, but it comes with the risk of not seeing the full picture of your insurance options.
How Does SelectQuote Compare to Other Options?
When you’re looking for an insurance plan, you have a few paths you can take. You can go directly to an insurance company, work with an independent broker, or use a comparison platform like SelectQuote. Each option has its own way of doing things, and understanding the differences is key to making a choice you feel good about. Think of it like shopping for a car: you can go to a specific brand’s dealership, visit a lot that has cars from many different makers, or use an online service that compares prices. Let’s break down how SelectQuote fits into this picture compared to your other choices.
SelectQuote vs. Independent Brokers
The biggest difference between using SelectQuote and working with an independent insurance agent comes down to the number of options you get to see. SelectQuote only presents plans from a specific group of insurance companies they have contracts with. You are seeing a curated selection, not the entire market. This means you could miss out on a more suitable or affordable plan from a carrier that isn’t in their network.
An independent broker, on the other hand, isn’t tied to a small list of companies. They can shop the entire market on your behalf, giving you a complete picture of what’s available. This wider access often leads to finding plans that are a better fit for your specific health needs and budget.
SelectQuote vs. Buying Directly from an Insurer
This is where a service like SelectQuote has a clear advantage. If you call an insurance company directly, they can only tell you about their own plans. To compare options, you’d have to call every single carrier, repeat your information, and try to keep all the details straight. It’s a time-consuming process.
SelectQuote streamlines this by showing you options from several companies in one place. This is much more efficient than gathering quotes one by one. While you’re still seeing a limited selection compared to what an independent broker can offer, it’s a significant step up from going directly to a single insurer. It gives you a broader perspective and a better chance to compare what different companies have to offer.
What Makes SelectQuote Different?
SelectQuote stands out because it’s not just focused on one type of insurance. It’s an insurance comparison platform where you can get quotes for several types of coverage, including life, auto, home, and Medicare. This “one-stop shop” approach can be convenient if you’re looking to bundle different policies or prefer to manage your insurance needs through a single service.
However, this broad focus means they are generalists rather than specialists. An agency that deals exclusively with Medicare, for example, will have a deeper level of expertise in that specific area. For something as complex as Medicare coverage, having a specialist who understands all the nuances can be incredibly valuable in helping you find the right plan.
Will You Actually Save Money?
One of the most appealing features of SelectQuote is its price comparison tool. Instead of visiting a dozen different websites to get quotes, SelectQuote lets you see prices from multiple insurance carriers all in one place. This makes it easy to get a quick sense of what different plans might cost and can save you a lot of time and hassle.
While comparing prices is important, remember that the cheapest plan isn’t always the best one. A low premium might come with a high deductible, limited coverage, or a narrow network of doctors. It’s crucial to look beyond the price tag and consider the full value of a plan. This includes checking your prescription drug costs, confirming your doctors are in-network, and understanding your out-of-pocket maximums.
Advertised Life Insurance Savings
A big part of SelectQuote’s marketing focuses on the potential for significant savings, particularly with life insurance. They promote themselves as a leading agency for selling term life insurance, and their core message is that they can help people find affordable coverage by comparing multiple carriers at once. You’ll often see claims that customers can save more than 50% on their life insurance policies. This is a powerful message, as the ability to see different price points side-by-side is one of the main reasons people turn to a comparison platform. The idea is that by shopping the market for you—within their network of partners—they can uncover a better rate than you might find on your own.
Sample Policy Price Points
To make the idea of savings more tangible, SelectQuote’s advertising often includes specific price examples. You might hear about getting a $500,000 term life insurance policy for as little as $15 to $18 per month, or that coverage can start at less than a dollar a day. Another common example is how a healthy 30-year-old could find a $100,000 policy for a 10-year term for as little as $7 per month. These price points are designed to show how accessible life insurance can be. It’s important to remember that these are best-case scenarios, typically for young, healthy applicants. Your own rates will depend on your age, health, and the amount of coverage you need.
Is SelectQuote Right for You?
Deciding where to buy your insurance is a personal choice, and it’s important to feel confident in your decision. A platform like SelectQuote can seem appealing because it brings multiple options together in one place, which can simplify the initial shopping process. The convenience of comparing quotes online is a big draw for many people, especially if you’re looking to bundle different types of insurance like Medicare, life, and auto coverage.
However, convenience is only one piece of the puzzle. The right choice for you depends on your comfort level with the process, the amount of guidance you need, and whether you want to see every single option available or just a curated list. It’s about weighing the ease of a technology-driven platform against the potential limitations of its network. Before you move forward, it’s helpful to think about what you value most. Do you want a quick, streamlined experience, or do you prefer a more comprehensive, personalized approach where you can explore the entire market? Thinking through these points will help you figure out if SelectQuote’s model aligns with your healthcare and financial goals.
What to Consider Before You Sign Up
SelectQuote’s main appeal is its function as an insurance comparison platform. It lets you see prices from several insurance carriers at once, saving you the effort of visiting multiple websites. This can be a real time-saver, especially if you’re just starting your search. The platform is also versatile, offering quotes for everything from Medicare plans to life, auto, and home insurance. For anyone who prefers handling their insurance needs in one place, this can be a convenient feature.
Their model is built on a direct-to-consumer approach, which means the process is largely online and technology-focused. This can be great for tech-savvy individuals who are comfortable researching and making decisions on their own. The ability to quickly get quotes and compare basic plan features is a definite plus.
Preparing for the Quoting Process
Before you pick up the phone or fill out an online form, taking a few minutes to prepare can make the entire process much smoother. When you have your key information organized, you can have a more productive conversation with an agent and get quotes that are actually tailored to your needs. This preparation puts you in a better position to compare plans effectively and helps you stay in control of the conversation, ensuring you get the information you need without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
What to Have Ready Before You Call
To get the most accurate quotes, you’ll want to have a few key pieces of information on hand. First, make a list of all your doctors and specialists. This is crucial for checking if they are in-network for any Medicare Advantage plans you’re considering. Next, write down all your prescription medications, including the dosage. A plan’s drug formulary will determine your copayments, so this list is essential for estimating your annual prescription costs. Finally, have a clear idea of your monthly budget. Knowing what you can comfortably afford for premiums, deductibles, and potential out-of-pocket costs will help the agent narrow down the options to ones that make financial sense for you.
Managing Follow-Up Communication
Once you request a quote from a large platform like SelectQuote, you should expect to receive follow-up calls and emails. This is a standard part of their sales process. If you’re not ready to make a decision right away, it’s helpful to set clear boundaries from the start. Let the agent know where you are in your research process and when they can expect to hear from you next. Don’t feel pressured to enroll on the first call. If the communication becomes too frequent, you can politely ask to be contacted less often or be added to their internal do-not-call list. Remember, you are in control of the timeline.
Important Questions to Ask Your Agent
When you speak with any insurance agent, including one from SelectQuote, asking the right questions can help you understand what you’re being offered. Start by asking how they are paid. Knowing if an agent earns a commission can shed light on their recommendations. You should also ask which insurance companies they work with. This will tell you if you’re seeing a broad range of options or a select few.
One of the most important questions is, “Can you show me all the plans available in my area, even the ones you don’t sell?” An agent’s answer will reveal whether you’re getting a full picture of the market or just the plans within their network. A truly independent Medicare broker will be able to show you everything.
How to Read the Fine Print
Feeling pressured to make a quick decision is a major red flag. Always take your time to review the details of any plan you’re considering. Don’t sign up for anything if you feel unsure or rushed. Remember, you are in charge of your healthcare decisions, and you have the right to understand every aspect of your coverage before committing.
Ask for the official plan documents and review them carefully. A summary from an agent is helpful, but the fine print contains crucial details about co-pays, deductibles, and provider networks. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification. If you don’t get a straight answer, it might be best to pause and reconsider. Your peace of mind is what matters most.
Red Flags to Watch For
It’s important to be aware of a few potential issues. SelectQuote only shows plans from insurance companies they have contracts with. This means you could miss out on a more suitable or affordable plan simply because it’s from a carrier outside their network. Some customers have also reported receiving a large number of follow-up calls and emails, which can feel like aggressive marketing.
More seriously, the company has faced legal challenges. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit claiming SelectQuote made illegal payments to influence the sale of certain Medicare Advantage plans. These are significant red flags to consider, as they raise questions about the company’s business practices and whether their recommendations are truly unbiased.
Related Articles
- Is SelectQuote Reliable? An Unbiased 2024 Review – The Big 65 – Medicare Insurance Services
- Behind the SelectQuote Promise | Big 65 Reviews It
- Is SelectQuote Reliable for Medicare? An Honest Review – The Big 65 – Medicare Insurance Services
- SelectQuote Review: Is It the Right Choice for You? – The Big 65 – Medicare Insurance Services
- Select Quote Insurance Company: An Honest Review – The Big 65 – Medicare Insurance Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Is using SelectQuote really free? Yes, you won’t receive a bill from SelectQuote for their comparison service. They are paid a commission by the insurance company when you purchase a plan through them. This is a standard industry practice and does not affect the premium you pay. Your price for a specific policy will be the same whether you buy it through them, another agent, or directly from the insurer.
Will I get a better deal on my insurance by using SelectQuote? Not necessarily. While their platform makes it easy to compare prices from their partner companies, the price for any given plan is regulated and will be the same no matter where you buy it. The real question is whether you’re seeing all of your options. You might find a more affordable plan from a company that SelectQuote doesn’t work with, which is why seeing the whole market is so important.
What’s the biggest difference between using SelectQuote and an independent agent? The primary difference comes down to the number of choices you get to see. SelectQuote works with a specific list of partner insurance companies, so they can only show you plans from that curated group. An independent agent isn’t limited to a small network and can shop the entire market on your behalf, giving you a complete picture of every plan available in your area.
If I buy a policy, who helps me with it later on? Once your policy is active, your main point of contact for service-related issues like filing a claim or asking questions about your benefits will be the insurance carrier that underwrites your plan. While SelectQuote’s agents assist with the initial enrollment, the day-to-day management and support for your policy falls to the insurance company itself.
Does SelectQuote show me every plan available in my area? No, they do not. Their platform only displays plans from the specific insurance companies they have contracts with. This means you are only seeing a selection of the market, not the entire landscape. There could easily be other plans available to you, some of which might be a better fit for your health needs or budget, that you won’t see through their service.