Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

What does an independent insurance broker do? I represent you, not one company. I compare plans from multiple public and private carriers and help you choose coverage that protects your health, finances, and assets.

Does it cost extra to work with me? No. Some brokers are paid by the insurance company. You pay the same premium you would if you bought the plan directly. However you cant enroll in a private plan directly without going through an agent/broker. We have direct access to exclusive plan types. Let us help!

Public vs. private plans — what’s the difference? Public options include Marketplace (ACA) plans, Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare. Typically for those that qualify for a subsidy or have major pre-x conditions. Private plans focus on your health, not income based and can include individual, group, or association coverage. I can quote both.

How do I get started? Share basic info (ages, ZIP code, household income range, current coverage, and any doctors or prescriptions you want to keep). I’ll send side-by-side options or we can align a time for a brief call; your choice.

Who are we and do we have our own plans? We are an independent broker who work with numerous carriers to provide our clients with the best coverage. We do not offer our own plans or market that we do.

Health Insurance

When can I enroll? Marketplace Open Enrollment is typically November 1–January 15. You can also enroll year-round if you have a qualifying life event (job loss, move, marriage, birth, loss of other coverage). Private plans may have different windows.

I have a pre-x condition. Can I still get coverage? Yes. Marketplace plans cannot deny you or charge more because of a pre-existing condition. Some private plans have different under writing guidelines which you may still qualify medically for.

HMO, PPO, and EPO Networks? HMO: Lower premiums, must use network doctors and usually need referrals. PPO: Higher premiums, more freedom to see out-of-network doctors. EPO: IN-Network-only like an HMO, but often no referrals required.

Will I be able to keep my doctor? I’ll check each plan’s provider network before you enroll so you know whether your doctors and hospitals are in-network.

What if I miss Open Enrollment and don’t have a qualifying event? Marketplace coverage generally isn’t available until the next Open Enrollment. Some private or short-term plans may still be an option for you though.

Life Insurance

Do I need life insurance? If anyone depends on your income or would face debt, funeral costs, or lost support if you died, life insurance is worth considering.

Term vs. permanent — which is better? Term covers you for a set number of years (typically 10-30 years) and is usually the most affordable. Permanent (whole/universal) lasts your lifetime and can build cash value. Many people start with term.

Will I need a medical exam? Not always. Many term policies offer no-exam or simplified underwriting up to certain amounts. Larger or permanent policies more often require labs or an exam ($2M+).

Can I get life insurance if I have health issues? Often yes. Rates and available amounts depend on your health status and your condition.

How long does it take to get approved? Instant or a few days for many no-exam term policies. Fully underwritten policies can take maximum 2–6 weeks but very rare.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

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Disclaimer

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Vital Shield Coverage ("we," "us," or "our") operates www.vitalshieldcoverage.com to provide information and facilitate connections for health, life, dental, vision, Medicare, and other insurance policies through licensed consultations and carrier referrals.

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