National Association of Health Underwriters and GoHealthInsurance Recognize the Importance of Health Insurance Agents in the Shopping Process

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - December 17, 2009) - GoHealthInsurance.com, the consumer arm of Norvax, Inc., released a report which provides data on average health insurance premiums and deductibles throughout the process of purchasing coverage.

According to the study's data, online shoppers experience what the report calls the "Insurance Exchange Effect." It occurs throughout the three stages of shopping online for coverage: the first "research" stage, the second "shopping" stage and the final "purchase" stage.

The Insurance Exchange Effect dictates that as the average consumer progresses through the process, they choose plans with lower premiums and deductibles in the second stage than the first and lower rates still in the final stage at the point of purchase.

The study concludes that this Insurance Exchange Effect occurs largely because of the advice of experienced agents, which is introduced after the first research stage. Agents are trusted advisors who are effective at guiding people toward better coverage, and ultimately, lower premiums and deductibles.

For the consumers who need assistance in locating the right plan for their needs, an agent is an invaluable asset.

"This data study is one of the first to identify the effect the Internet has on health insurance shoppers who are looking for a convenient way to find and purchase affordable coverage. After reviewing this report, I'm glad to learn that agents and brokers are still a vital element in the purchase process even though information on the Web is so readily available," said Russ Childers, the President of the National Association of Health Underwriters.

Complete insurance exchanges, according to the study, consist of both Web-based technology and agent advice. With these two elements, consumers have all the resources needed for obtaining an affordable, customized health insurance plan.

"It makes sense that consumers are able to find affordable premiums and comprehensive benefits with the combination of online tools and the personal service of a professional. The 'Insurance Exchange Effect' is a new finding that should resonate with shoppers who are unsure if the individual market can meet their health coverage and budget requirements," added Mr. Childers.

The full report can be downloaded online at http://www.gohealthinsurance.com/media/gohealth-the-insurance-exchange.pdf.

About GoHealthInsurance

GoHealthInsurance.com makes buying health insurance simple. GoHealthInsurance explains health coverage options in plain English, provides free health insurance quotes, connects shoppers with local agents, and helps consumers choose plans that meet their health and budget needs.

Contact Information: Contact: Michael Mahoney GoHealthInsurance 888-250-3409