Independent health insurance agent

Insurance companies pay you commission when a client enrolls and stays on a plan. The client usually pays nothing extra for your help.

Commission per enrollment and often renewal commission while the client keeps the plan. Income tends to bunch around enrollment periods, so plan your cash flow.

• Explaining complicated choices in plain language
• Patience and honesty with clients
• Self-discipline and record keeping
• Prospecting and networking

• A state insurance license is needed, with exams, fees and continuing education that vary by state
• Carrier appointments and, for Medicare plans, yearly certification, so check each insurer's requirements
• Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, which carriers often expect
• Strict marketing and consent rules for calling and contacting people, so check federal and state rules before any outreach
• Commission can be uneven through the year and may be clawed back if a client cancels early
• Check any home occupation, HOA or lease rules for working from home

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your state's licensing requirements, the insurance you carry and the tools you use. These are estimates, and exam fees and continuing education vary by state.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you enroll and which plans you sell. These are estimates. Commission can be uneven through the year and may be clawed back if a client cancels early.

Check that you meet your state's insurance license requirements, including exams, fees and continuing education. Also check each insurer's appointment rules, yearly Medicare certification, errors and omissions coverage, and federal and state rules on contacting people.