What is Individual Insurance?
Individual insurance plans are sold to individual people or families, not through an employer or association. Plans can be bought directly from the insurance company or through an insurance broker. Insurance brokers do not charge a fee for helping you get individual/family health insurance because they receive a commission from the insurance company. A good broker will help you compare different plans and pick the one that is best for you or your family. Just like shopping for anything, you can go and learn about the coverage and prices of the plans without having to buy one.
Individual insurance premiums are based on a person’s age, gender, health status and other factors. Each person applying for individual coverage must complete the Standard Health Questionnaire for Washington State, an extensive health questionnaire about their health during the past ten years.
Based on the Standard Health Questionnaire, the person will either be offered or denied coverage. Once coverage is in place, it will not be canceled as long as the person continues to pay their premiums on time.
Individual Commercial Insurance in Whatcom County
In Whatcom County, there are seven insurance carriers that offer individual plans.
Individual Health Plans available in Whatcom County
Lists the insurance carriers available in Whatcom County and their rates, from the WA State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Guide to Health Insurance
Helpful information to assist you in looking for individual commercial insurance
Plan Comparison Worksheet
A worksheet to help compare the insurance plans you are considering
What if you are denied coverage for medical reasons?
People who are denied coverage because of the medical information provided on the Standard Health Questionnaire can get coverage through the Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) or the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.
The Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) offers individual health insurance coverage to state residents rejected for coverage due to medical reasons. WSHIP is an independent, non-profit health plan created by the Washington State Legislature.
WSHIP Premiums
Premiums for each program, including discounts and subsidies