Aetna Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, United, Coventry, MVP... the list is endless and so are options available to you when you want to purchase a health plan. Hundreds of carriers, thousands of options and millions of confusions – choosing the insurance company is as important and as troublesome as choosing the medical plan itself.

The most common advice that one comes across while researching about health plans is to do a background check on the carrier and ensure that the insurance company is reliable. But the question is how does one check? What are the criteria and the parameters to evaluate a health insurance? What is the basis of comparison to find out which insurance carrier is better than the other?

The most important criterion is that the company should be licensed and certified by the government to operate in that particular state. Insurance laws vary from state to state and validity in one state does not necessarily guarantee certification in other states as well. For example, while MVP operates in only 3 states, Aetna has a more pan-American presence. The easiest way to find out is to call up the carrier and inquire.

A comprehensive website is usually a sign of a reliable carrier. Most well known and respectable companies have a detailed website enlisting their background, plans on offer, rates, contact information and the services offered. The vice-versa may not true hold all the time. A good website does not always translate into a good health insurance company and one should not get carried away by the website alone.

Testimonials are the most effective form of advertisement any company can have. If a carrier has good reviews and genuine testimonials to back it claims, then it is sure to turn out a company you can trust your health and money with. But one should not go by the testimonials and reviews published on the carrier's website. Customer feedback and reviews on independent forums are more unbiased and trustworthy.

The customer service provided by the insurance company is an indication of its professionalism and reliability. You have not purchased a policy from the company; you are not their customer yet. Still you can gauge their customer service through enquiry calls and company's response. Friendly, helpful representative who respond quickly and competently put the carrier in good light.

Financial rating of an insurance company is an important component in deciding the carrier you hope to choose. There are many credit rating organizations like AM Best. They usually grade a company from a scale of below B to A++, with the later being the best. When you are trust your money and your health with a company, you should be satisfied with the company will be able to fulfil the financial obligations required in the health plan. There are other ratings as well such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the Consumers Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS). A company like MVP, which has been accredited 5 stars by the CAHPS, is sure to be more reliable than a relatively unknown company.

Apart from all these, an insurance company with a variety of product lines and flaunting a personal recommendation from your family and friends will be able to gain your trust as compared to other carriers in the competition.

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About Author
Shaun is an expert on health insurances and advises residents on buying individual health insurance from the major carrier from united state like MVP healthcare, Coventry etc.