Consumers have more choices for individual medical (IM) insurance than ever before. Since the number of people buying their own coverage is expected to top 20 million by 2010, Assurant Health commissioned an independent study on consumers' experiences shopping for and purchasing IM insurance. Its primary objective was to determine whether consumers obtain significant benefits from purchasing independent medical insurance through an agent versus an online channel.
About the Survey
The research commissioned by Assurant Health was conducted in May/June 2009 by the Chicago firm of Beall Research & Training, Inc. One thousand three (1,003) consumers who purchased individual medical (IM) insurance within the past two years were surveyed about their shopping and purchase experiences. The respondents were recruited from a representative online panel of Americans. All differences noted are statistically significant at the .05 level.
Key Findings
Consumer Satisfaction
Consumers who purchased IM through an agent were significantly more satisfied with their shopping, purchase and post-sale experiences than those who purchased online. Consumers were more satisfied that they:
• Were educated throughout the entire shopping process
• Could easily understand the differences between health-plan options
• Were presented with health plans tailored to their family situation, current health, financial situation, age and desire to use certain doctors and hospitals
• Chose plans that provided the best coverage possible given these factors
• Were able to get their questions answered and other help after the purchase
About the Survey
The research commissioned by Assurant Health was conducted in May/June 2009 by the Chicago firm of Beall Research & Training, Inc. One thousand three (1,003) consumers who purchased individual medical (IM) insurance within the past two years were surveyed about their shopping and purchase experiences. The respondents were recruited from a representative online panel of Americans. All differences noted are statistically significant at the .05 level.
Key Findings
Consumer Satisfaction
Consumers who purchased IM through an agent were significantly more satisfied with their shopping, purchase and post-sale experiences than those who purchased online. Consumers were more satisfied that they:
• Were educated throughout the entire shopping process
• Could easily understand the differences between health-plan options
• Were presented with health plans tailored to their family situation, current health, financial situation, age and desire to use certain doctors and hospitals
• Chose plans that provided the best coverage possible given these factors
• Were able to get their questions answered and other help after the purchase