In January of 2008 we conducted a survey of available Health Insurance plans for self employed individuals and independent contractors in the state of California. This sample group totaled over 50,000 quotes and purchases through our office. The survey included the following companies; Aetna, Assurant, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Health Net, Nationwide and PacifiCare.

Most popular Health Insurance Company purchases:

1. Aetna (35%)
2. Blue Shield (29%)
3. Blue Cross (21%)
4. Health Net (7%)
5. Nationwide (3%)
6. PacifiCare (2%)
7. Kaiser (1%)
8. Other (2%)

*As you will note, the top three insurance companies represented 85% of all agency sales. Within these three companies, there are over 75 health insurance plans to choose from. Of these plans, we have rated the most popular. The top four plans represented over 82% of all plan sales within this group.

Most popular Health Insurance Plan purchases:

1. Aetna Advantage PPO 2500 (33%)
2. Blue Shield Vital Shield 2900 (19%)
3. Blue Shield Balance 2500 (15%)
4. Aetna Advantage PPO 5000 (15%)
5. Blue Shield Balance 1000
6. Blue Cross Right Plan 40
7. Blue Shield PPO 5000
8. Blue Shield Spectrum 2000 (w/maternity)
9. Aetna Advantage PPO 1500
10. Blue Cross—BC Tonik
11. Blue Cross HMO

Most popular Dental Plan purchases:

1. Aetna (only available with Health Insurance plan)
2. Blue Shield (only available with Health Insurance plan)
3. Delta Dental PPO & Premier (available as a stand alone plan)

Take this powerful information and see if these plans can offer you better benefits at a more affordable cost. If you are healthy or have moderate pre-existing conditions—you will likely see a significant saving over your Association plan offering. 

This independent study was conducted by QuoteBroker and it’s affiliated companies for sales generated in the 2007-2008 calendar year.