How to Spot a Trustworthy Insurance Agent (and Avoid Commission-Driven Mistakes)

🙋‍♂️ Why I Wrote This

I once worked with a young woman named Lisa (not her real name for privacy reasons). She had been sold a private health insurance policy that appeared “affordable” at first glance. However, what her agent failed to disclose was the exorbitantly high deductible. When Lisa finally needed to use her insurance, the agent hadn’t taken the time to understand her actual needs, leaving her with significant out-of-pocket expenses.

That policy cost her thousands of dollars before she came to me—and she’s not the only one with a story like this.

This is why I created this post: to help real people identify the red flags, understand their rights, and confidently select the right health insurance agent and plan.

🤔 What Is a Commission-Driven Health Insurance Agent?

In short: it’s an agent more focused on their commission than on your coverage.

These agents often prioritize private health plans with high payouts—while I love these plans, they may not always be the best fit for your individual needs and are definitely not for everybody. They may:

Skip over ACA/Marketplace options (which can be better and cheaper)
Push limited coverage or short-term plans
Gloss over what isn’t covered
Rush you to sign without explaining all the details

🚩 Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing a Health Insurance Agent

Watch out for these common warning signs:

They only show you private plans (and ignore ACA/Marketplace plans)
They dodge questions about networks, deductibles, or copays
They focus only on the monthly premium, not the full picture
They avoid giving you things in writing
They pressure you to act fast, even if you need more time

💬 Real talk: If an agent discourages you from comparing both Private AND ACA options, they’re likely prioritizing their paycheck—not your health.

✅ What Makes a Good Health Insurance Agent?

A trustworthy agent helps you find coverage that actually protects you. Here’s what they’ll do:

✔️ Ask about your doctors, medications, and health history
✔️ Explain the differences between ACA and private options
✔️ Break down premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs
✔️ Show you all plan options—not just the ones they make money on
✔️ Encourage you to ask questions and take your time

💡 Marketplace vs Private: What Your Agent Should Explain

A good agent will clearly lay out all your choices, including:

Type of Plan	Best For	Includes Essential Health Benefits?
ACA Plans	Most individuals & families	✅ Yes (mental health, maternity, prescriptions, etc.)
Private Plans	Higher-income or specific needs	❌ Not always (some exclude key services)
Short-Term Plans	Temporary situations	❌ Limited benefits, often no pre-existing coverage

🧠 Quick Check: Is Your Agent Helping or Hustling?

Ask yourself:

Did they explain both Marketplace and private options?
Did they ask about your doctors, prescriptions, and health priorities?
Did they show you the full breakdown of costs (not just the monthly premium)?
Are you feeling informed—or pressured?

If you answered “no” to any of these, it may be time to look elsewhere.

⭐ Bonus Resource: Free Agent Vetting Checklist

🎁 Download: “10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Health Insurance Agent”
A free, printable PDF you can bring to any consultation. Grab it here

🗣️ Real Reviews Matter—Especially With Health Insurance

Don’t skip checking your agent’s reviews. Health coverage is too important to trust blindly.

Look for:

🌟 Consistent praise for honesty and transparency
💬 Testimonials that mention clear communication
❌ Red flags like rushed decisions or pushy sales tactics

📌 Key Takeaways

🛑 Avoid agents who push only private plans or skip over ACA options
✅ Choose agents who ask questions, explain thoroughly, and offer choices
💬 Ask what’s covered and what’s not—before you sign
🧠 Take your time and do your homework

🙏 Thanks for Reading!

Whether you’re self-employed, between jobs, or shopping for your family, the right health insurance plan is out there—and the right agent can help you find it.

But if you’ve ever felt misled or unsure, trust your gut. You deserve an advocate, not a salesperson.

📲 Let’s Stay Connected

For honest health insurance tips, plan breakdowns, and myth-busting advice:

👉 Follow me on Instagram @insurancewithspencer
I post real advice for real people—minus the pressure.

And if you’ve ever had a bad experience with an agent or want to share your story, I’d love to hear from you. Your voice could help someone else avoid the same mistake.