It’s tough finding health insurance that really suits your needs these days. It’s even tougher trying to find reasonable rates. Lots of people swear that searching for health insurance quotes online is the “cheapest” way to go and the fastest.

Well perhaps it may be fast, but it certainly isn’t the cheapest way to go. If you really want a deal, shop locally. More on that in a moment.

If you insist on shopping online then remember you likely will NOT get the preferred rate that is shown on websites. Why is this? This is because almost everyone has a pre-existing health condition. Since most health insurance rates are determined on your medical history, the minute you tell the insurance agent you have XX condition, your category changes. So don’t fall for what you see on the Net.

Now, about talking to local insurance agents, sure talk to them online if you don’t want to call personally; but definitely, lead local and localize your health insurance needs. Here’s why: local agents have the insider scoop on what is going on in your network areas. They are familiar with the hospitals and what type of service they provide, and they are also well-acquainted with what the area doctors offer. This is good because you know right away what will and won’t work for you.

If you try to get this type of service online at an insurance company in another state, you will only succeed in getting a totally generic package that might not work in your local network area. This is like trying to fix your car on your own – if you have the tools and know how, it usually goes OK, but if you don’t then that’s another story altogether.

Speaking to a local insurance agent will save you endless hours of surfing, comparing, figuring, fussing, worrying and calculations. Your local agent will tailor a plan for YOU to suit your circumstances and do it using local information, so you both know what you’re referring to when you discuss physicians and hospitals. Local agents also provide that valuable one-on-one service that a faceless online insurance company halfway across the nation does not offer.

Author: Ryan Kennelly is a Senior Insurance Consultant at Illinois Health Agents.