What are the Requirements to Becoming a Health Insurance Agent?

<p>A bachelor's degree in business, economics or a related area and a state license is needed to enter this profession. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts about this Occupation</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Median Pay (2021)</td><td>$49,840 (<i>for all insurance sales agents</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>6% (<i>for all insurance sales agents</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td>Training</td><td>On-the-job training; continuing education recommended to keep up with changes in tax laws and benefits programs</td></tr> <tr><td>Similar Occupations</td><td>Advertising Sales Agents, Insurance Underwriters, Financial Advisors, Real Estate Brokers, and Sales Agents</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---CompleteACollegeDegree">Complete a College Degree</h3> <p>Although it's not necessary to have a bachelor's degree to become a health insurance agent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that many employers prefer college graduates. The BLS says that college training can provide you with the fundamental, technical and practical aspects of selling insurance that you'll need to begin your career. </p> <p>The Princeton Review adds that a degree is often necessary for advancement in the field. The following degree programs could be useful if you want to become a health insurance agent: </p> <ul><li>Insurance </li><li>Accounting </li><li>Business </li><li>Economics </li><li>Mathematics </li><li>Finance </li><li>Marketing </li></ul><h3 id="section---ObtainALicenseToSellInsuranceInYourState">Obtain a License to Sell Insurance in Your State</h3> <p>Before you can start selling health insurance, you need to earn a license from the state you'll be working in, according to the BLS. Pre-licensing courses and an insurance examination are also required in some states. The BLS adds that many health insurance agents complete additional certifications making them eligible to sell other financial products, as well. </p> <p>According to The Princeton Review, some insurance agencies provide training to undergraduate students pursuing a degree, and those students may be reimbursed for part of their tuition if they work part-time as students and full-time upon graduation. </p> <h3 id="section---JoinAHealthInsuranceAgencyAssociation">Join a Health Insurance Agency Association</h3> <p>Upon securing a position as a health insurance agent, you should consider joining an association like the Association of Health Insurance Advisors (AHIA). Members of an association may receive additional training and support, as well as opportunities to network with other agents.</p>