Online Purchase of Health Insurance

The number of consumers using the Internet to research or purchase health insurance has increased dramatically, from more than 2 million in 2001 to nearly 10 million in 2002. 

Purchasing Health Insurance Online describes the strengths of broker sites, health plan sites, and small business purchasing alliance sites. It also offers recommendations for site improvements in the areas of quality, accuracy, convenience, privacy, and information requests. Results indicate that while existing Web sites have much to offer consumers shopping for health insurance, the sites have not yet achieved their full potential to streamline health insurance research and purchasing. The summary brief is available under Document Downloads below. 

The full report provides a comprehensive review of findings and opportunities resulting from an analysis of eight broker sites, six health plan sites, and two small group purchasing alliance sites. 

Tips for Consumers offers general guidelines for purchasing online and provides resources (including Web site addresses) for general information and specific needs. It also provides a guide to some of the best health plan and broker sites.