Key takeaways
- Insist on an IRDAI licence number and verify it before sharing documents or paying.
- A good advisor explains exclusions and waiting periods first, and recommendations second.
- Ask how they are paid and which insurers they can offer.
- Premiums should go directly to the insurer — never to a personal account.
What a good health insurance advisor actually does
A good advisor helps you understand the trade-offs between plans, sizes your cover to your situation, points out exclusions and waiting periods you might miss, and supports you at renewal and when you claim. They do not promise outcomes that only the insurer can decide.
12 questions to ask before you trust an advisor
- What is your IRDAI licence number, and which insurers are you appointed with?
- How are you paid, and does it affect the plan you recommend?
- Will you explain the exclusions and waiting periods before the benefits?
- Can you show me the Customer Information Sheet for each plan you suggest?
- What questions do you need to ask about my family’s health history — and why?
- How do you decide the right sum insured for my city and family?
- What are the co-payment, room-rent and sub-limit terms on this plan?
- Which hospitals near me are on the cashless list?
- What happens if I want to port or change the plan at renewal?
- Will you help me with the claim process, and how do I reach you when I need help?
- Can I have everything — proposal form, quote and terms — in writing?
- Where do I pay the premium? (Always directly to the insurer.)
How to verify an advisor
- Ask for the IRDAI licence number and the insurer appointment details.
- Verify with the insurer or through IRDAI’s official channels (irdai.gov.in).
- Check the person and company details on their website and documents match.
- Pay premiums only through the insurer’s official payment channels.
- Keep a copy of the proposal form, the policy schedule and the Customer Information Sheet.
Agent, broker, aggregator or insurer app — what is the difference?
| Channel | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| IRDAI-licensed agent / adviser | Personal explanation, renewals and claim-time support | May offer only the insurers they are appointed with — ask which |
| Insurance broker | Comparing plans across several insurers | Ask how they are paid and who supports you after purchase |
| Comparison website / aggregator | Quick side-by-side of prices | Check the plan details yourself; support after sale varies |
| Insurer’s own website or app | Buying directly from one insurer | You research and decide alone; only one insurer’s products |
Red flags
- Guarantees that a claim “will definitely be approved”
- Refusing to share the licence number or insurer details
- Asking you to hide or change health information
- Asking you to pay a personal bank account or wallet instead of the insurer
- Urgency tactics — “this offer ends today”
How we work at MyMark Insurance
Guidance at MyMark is provided by Amit Kumar, an IRDAI-licensed insurance agent (licence details available on request). We start with education — what cover, waiting periods and exclusions mean — before discussing options, and we stay available for renewals and claim-process questions. We do not guarantee any claim outcome; claims are decided by the insurer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a good health insurance advisor?
Choose an IRDAI-licensed advisor who explains exclusions and waiting periods first, asks about your health and budget, is open about how they are paid and which insurers they can offer, and supports you at renewal and claim time. Verify the licence before you share documents or pay.
Is an insurance advisor free to use?
Advisers and agents are generally paid by insurers through commission, so you may not pay a separate fee for advice. Always ask how they are compensated, and pay premiums only to the insurer.
Can an advisor guarantee my claim will be paid?
No. Claims are assessed and decided by the insurer under the policy terms. A trustworthy advisor helps you understand the terms and the process but never guarantees an outcome.
What is the difference between an insurance agent and a broker?
An agent is licensed to sell products of the insurers they are appointed with. A broker is licensed to place business across multiple insurers. Both are regulated by IRDAI; ask each how they are paid and what support you get after the sale.
How can I verify an insurance advisor in India?
Ask for their IRDAI licence number and insurer appointment details, then verify with the insurer or through IRDAI’s official channels. Never pay premiums to a personal account.
Official resources
- IRDAI — Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
- IRDAI Policyholder portal
- Bima Bharosa — IRDAI grievance portal
General education only — not a recommendation of any product. Benefits, limits and exclusions vary by insurer and policy; always read the policy wording and Customer Information Sheet. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation.
Want this applied to your own family?
Talk it through with Amit Kumar — no pressure, no obligation.