Everything You Need to Know About Life and Health Insurance License

Getting a life and health insurance license is crucial if you want to pursue a career in the insurance industry. This license allows you to sell insurance policies that protect people’s health and financial wellbeing. However, before you can become a licensed insurance agent, you need to meet certain requirements and pass a state-administered exam. In this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about getting a life and health insurance license.

What is a Life and Health Insurance License?

A life and health insurance license is a permit that allows insurance agents to sell life and health insurance policies to their clients. This license is regulated by the state, and each state has its own set of rules and regulations for obtaining a life and health insurance license. Essentially, this license is required for anyone who wishes to sell insurance policies that protect individuals and businesses from financial losses resulting from illnesses, accidents or deaths.

What Type of Insurance Policies Can I Sell with a Life and Health Insurance License?

A life and health insurance license enables you to sell, advise or consult on different types of policies. Some of the most common policies include:

Insurance Policies
Description
Life Insurance
Provides a lump sum payment to beneficiaries after the death of the insured.
Health Insurance
Covers the cost of medical expenses, including hospitalization, doctor visits, prescriptions.
Disability Insurance
Provides income replacement if an individual becomes disabled and unable to work.
Long-term Care Insurance
Covers the cost of long-term care services, such as nursing home care, assisted living or home health care.

These are just a few examples of the policies you could sell with a life and health insurance license. It’s important to note that different states have different rules and regulations regarding which policies you can sell, so make sure to check with your state’s insurance department before making any sales.

How to Get a Life and Health Insurance License

Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Before you can apply for a life and health insurance license, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements vary from state to state, but some of the most common ones include:

  • Being at least 18 years old
  • Having a clean criminal record
  • Completing a pre-licensing education course
  • Filing an application and paying a fee

Make sure to check with your state’s insurance department for a complete list of eligibility requirements.

Complete a Pre-Licensing Education Course

Most states require you to complete a pre-licensing education course before taking the state-administered exam. These courses are designed to teach you the basics of insurance policies, ethics, rules and regulations, and sales techniques. They usually consist of around 20-30 hours of classroom or online instruction.

Pass the State-Administered Exam

Once you’ve completed the pre-licensing education course, it’s time to take the state-administered exam. This exam tests your knowledge of insurance policies, rules and regulations, ethics and sales techniques. The exam usually consists of between 100-150 multiple choice questions, and you’ll have a limited amount of time to complete it.

If you pass the exam, you’ll be issued a life and health insurance license by the state. Congratulations, you’re now a licensed insurance agent!

Frequently Asked Questions About Life and Health Insurance License

Do I need a life and health insurance license to work in the insurance industry?

If you want to sell life and health insurance policies, then yes, you need a life and health insurance license. There are other types of insurance policies, such as property and casualty insurance, that don’t require a life and health insurance license.

Can I sell insurance policies in multiple states with one license?

No, you need to obtain a separate license for each state where you plan to sell insurance policies. Each state has its own set of rules and regulations regarding insurance sales, so you need to obtain a license for each state where you plan to operate.

Do I need to renew my life and health insurance license?

Yes, you need to renew your license periodically, usually every two years. You’ll need to complete a certain number of continuing education credits during each renewal period to keep your license active.

What happens if I fail the state-administered exam?

If you fail the exam, you can usually retake it after a certain amount of time has passed. The exact waiting period varies depending on the state. Make sure to thoroughly review the material and study before retaking the exam.

What if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you from obtaining a life and health insurance license. However, each state has its own rules and regulations regarding criminal records, so it’s best to check with your state’s insurance department to see if you’re eligible to apply.

Conclusion

Getting a life and health insurance license is an important step towards building a career in the insurance industry. By obtaining this license, you’ll be able to sell policies that protect people’s health and financial wellbeing, and provide them with peace of mind. Remember to check with your state’s insurance department for specific rules and regulations regarding the licensing process, eligibility requirements and policy sales.