Online reviews are one of the most trusted sources of information when choosing a health insurance agent. Here's why reviews matter, what to look for, and how they help you find an agent you can trust.
When you're shopping for health insurance, you're making an important financial decision that affects your access to care and your family's budget. How do you know which agent or broker to trust?
Increasingly, people turn to online reviews for the answer. According to recent research, 93% of consumers say online reviews influence their purchasing decisions, and 71% read reviews when researching local businesses. Reviews have become one of the most trusted sources of information—sometimes even more trusted than personal recommendations.
When it comes to something as personal as health insurance, reading what other customers have experienced with an agent can help you find someone who understands your needs and will advocate for you.
Choosing a health insurance agent is different from buying a product you can evaluate on your own. You're trusting someone to understand your situation, explain complex options, and guide you toward coverage that fits your needs and budget. Reviews from other customers give you insight into how an agent actually works with people.
The numbers on consumer trust:
93% of consumers say online reviews influence their purchasing decisions
54% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends and family
71% of consumers read online reviews when researching local businesses
55% of consumers will only consider a business with a star rating between 4 and 5 stars
37% of internet users use online reviews as their primary source of brand research—more than company websites or price comparison sites
When you're looking for a health insurance agent, reviews can tell you things that a business's own marketing can't: How responsive is the agent? Did they take time to explain options? Did they follow up when there was a problem? Were they helpful during enrollment and afterward?
Not all reviews are equally helpful. Here's how to read reviews effectively when choosing a health insurance agent:
Read Multiple Reviews
Research suggests that 59% of consumers expect a business to have between 20 and 99 reviews before they trust the average star rating. One glowing review—or one negative one—doesn't tell the whole story. Try to read at least five or six reviews to get a balanced picture and identify consistent themes.
Look for Specific Details
The most helpful reviews describe specific experiences, not just "great service" or "very helpful." Look for reviews that mention how the agent helped with a particular situation—navigating Medicare options, finding affordable family coverage, explaining plan differences, or following up after enrollment.
More than 80% of consumers are more likely to trust reviews with text rather than just a star rating. Reviews that include photos or documents can be especially credible.
Check How Recent the Reviews Are
83% of consumers believe reviews are only valuable if they're recent and relevant. Health insurance rules and products change frequently, so recent reviews are more likely to reflect the agent's current service. Look for reviews from the past year, especially during enrollment periods.
Notice How the Business Responds
89% of consumers expect businesses to respond to their reviews. When you're evaluating an agent, pay attention to whether they respond to reviews—especially negative ones. A business that responds thoughtfully to criticism shows they care about customer experience and are willing to address problems.
Responses to positive reviews also matter. Taking time to thank customers shows appreciation and engagement.
Look for Reviews That Match Your Situation
A review from someone in a similar situation—turning 65 and exploring Medicare, self-employed and needing individual coverage, or looking for family health insurance—may be more relevant than a generic positive review. Look for experiences that mirror your own needs.
Be Aware of Fake Reviews
Unfortunately, fake reviews are a reality. Research shows that 67% of consumers are concerned about fake reviews, and 75% of consumers are worried about non-legitimate reviews. Signs of potentially fake reviews include vague language without specific details, multiple reviews posted on the same day, or reviews that sound like marketing copy. Trust your instincts—if something seems off, it probably is.
Several platforms host reviews for health insurance agents and brokers:
Google: The most widely used review platform. When you search for a business on Google, you'll see their star rating and reviews directly in search results. Google reviews are public and tied to Google accounts, which adds a layer of accountability.
Facebook: Many businesses have Facebook pages with reviews and recommendations. However, consumer trust in Facebook reviews has declined in recent years.
Better Business Bureau (BBB): Provides ratings and customer reviews for accredited businesses, along with complaint history.
Industry-specific sites: Some platforms specialize in insurance or healthcare services. For Medicare specifically, Healthgrades is often used to review healthcare providers.
Company websites: Many agencies, including Health Plans of NC, feature customer reviews and agent profiles directly on their websites.
At Health Plans of NC, we actively encourage our customers to share their experiences through reviews. Here's why:
Reviews help future customers make informed decisions. When you share your experience, you're helping someone else in North Carolina find an agent they can trust with their health insurance decisions.
Reviews help us improve. We read every review—positive and negative—because feedback tells us what we're doing well and where we can do better. When customers point out areas for improvement, we take them seriously.
Reviews build accountability. Public reviews create an incentive to consistently deliver excellent service. Our agents know that their work matters—not just for the client in front of them, but for the reputation we build together.
Reviews boost our visibility. When businesses receive consistent positive reviews, search engines recognize them as trusted resources. This helps more North Carolina residents find us when they're looking for health insurance help.
Many people don't realize they can leave a Google review without a Gmail account. Google allows reviews from any valid email address—Yahoo, Outlook, Hotmail, or even your work email. Here's how:
Search for the business on Google. You can search for "Health Plans of NC" or the specific agent's name in Google Search or Google Maps.
Find the reviews section. Scroll down to see the star ratings and existing reviews. Click on "Write a review."
Sign in or create a Google account. If you're prompted to sign in and don't have a Gmail account, click "Create account" and then select "For myself."
Use your existing email. On the next page, you'll see an option to "Use my current email address instead." Click this and enter your Yahoo, Outlook, Hotmail, or other email address.
Verify your email. Google will send a verification code to your email. Enter the code to complete your account setup.
Write your review. Give a star rating, write about your experience, and optionally add photos. Then click "Post."
Tips for writing a helpful review:
Be specific about what made your experience positive (or negative)
Mention the type of insurance you were shopping for (Medicare, ACA, family, etc.)
Note whether the agent was responsive, knowledgeable, and patient
Keep your tone respectful, even if sharing criticism
Consider adding photos if relevant to your experience
At Health Plans of NC, our team of licensed North Carolina health insurance agents helps people find the right coverage for their needs and budgets. Whether you need help with Medicare enrollment, ACA Marketplace plans, short-term coverage, or family health insurance, we're here to guide you through the process.
Don't just take our word for it—read what our customers have to say. You can find reviews on our Google Business Profile, on our website's agent profiles, and on our Find an Agent page.
Ready to get started? Contact us at 1-800-797-0327 or visit our website to find an agent who can help with your health insurance needs. And if we've helped you, we'd love to hear about your experience—your review helps other North Carolina residents find the help they need.
Do I need a Gmail account to leave a Google review?
No. You can leave a Google review with any email address—Yahoo, Outlook, Hotmail, your work email, or any other valid email. When prompted to sign in, click "Create account," then select "Use my current email address instead" to sign up with your existing email.
Can I leave an anonymous Google review?
Google has not allowed anonymous reviews since 2018. Reviews are tied to a Google account, though you can use a name or nickname on your profile. This policy helps protect businesses from fake reviews and adds credibility to legitimate reviews.
How many reviews should I read before choosing an agent?
Research suggests reading at least five or six reviews to get a balanced picture. Most consumers expect a business to have 20-99 reviews before fully trusting the average star rating. Look for consistent themes across multiple reviews rather than focusing on any single review.
Are all online reviews trustworthy?
Not all reviews are legitimate. Studies show that 67% of consumers are concerned about fake reviews. Look for reviews with specific details, check that the review dates vary over time, and be skeptical of reviews that sound like marketing copy. Reviews with photos or specific experiences tend to be more credible.
Why do businesses respond to reviews?
89% of consumers expect businesses to respond to reviews. Responding shows that a company values customer feedback and is willing to address problems. 56% of consumers have changed their opinion about a business based on how it responded to a review. Response quality matters as much as the original review.
Where can I find reviews for Health Plans of NC agents?
You can find reviews on Google by searching for "Health Plans of NC" or for a specific agent's name. We also feature customer reviews and ratings on our website's agent profiles and on our Find an Agent page, where you can see reviews alongside each agent's specialties and availability.
