A health and life insurance license opens doors to a career helping people secure financial and medical protection.
It allows you to sell insurance products like life, health, and annuities.
This article explores the licensing process, requirements, and tips for success in 2025.
What Is a Health and Life Insurance License?
A health and life insurance license authorizes you to sell life and health insurance products.
These include term life, whole life, health plans, and disability insurance. It’s regulated by state insurance departments.
Each state sets its own requirements for obtaining this license. The process involves education, exams, and background checks. It’s a key step for a career in insurance sales.
Why Get a Health and Life Insurance License?
This license lets you help clients plan for their future and health needs. It offers a flexible career with potential for high earnings through commissions. Demand for insurance agents is steady, especially in growing markets.
Licensed agents build trust with clients by offering tailored solutions. The role combines financial expertise with personal connection. It’s ideal for those who enjoy helping others.
Who Needs This License?
Anyone selling life or health insurance products needs a health and life insurance license. This includes agents working for insurance companies or as independent brokers. Financial advisors often pursue it to expand their services.
Some states require separate licenses for life and health insurance. Others combine them into one. Check your state’s insurance department for specifics.
Steps to Obtain a Health and Life Insurance License
Getting a health and life insurance license involves several steps. Requirements vary by state, but the process is similar nationwide. Here’s an overview:
- Complete Pre-Licensing Education: Take state-approved courses on insurance basics.
- Pass the Licensing Exam: Demonstrate knowledge through a state-specific test.
- Submit an Application: Apply through your state’s insurance department.
- Pass a Background Check: Ensure a clean criminal and financial record.
These steps ensure you’re qualified to sell insurance responsibly.
Table: Licensing Requirements by State (Example)
| State | Pre-Licensing Hours | Exam Fee | License Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 20 life, 20 health | $55 | $188 |
| Texas | 30 combined | $43 | $50 |
| Florida | 40 combined | $44 | $60 |
| New York | 17.5 life, 17.5 health | $40 | $80 |
This table shows sample requirements for a health and life insurance license in 2025.
Pre-Licensing Education
Most states require 20–40 hours of pre-licensing education. Courses cover life and health insurance fundamentals, state laws, and ethics. They’re offered online or in-person by approved providers.
Online courses offer flexibility for busy schedules. In-person classes provide hands-on learning. Check your state’s insurance department for approved schools.
Licensing Exam
The licensing exam tests your knowledge of insurance concepts and regulations. It’s typically multiple-choice and computer-based, lasting 2–3 hours. Each state has its own exam, often split into life and health sections.
Passing scores vary, usually around 70%. Study guides and practice tests help prepare. Testing centers like Pearson VUE or Prometric administer exams.
Application Process
After passing the exam, submit a license application to your state’s insurance department. You’ll need to provide exam results, proof of education, and personal details. Applications are often submitted online, like through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR).
Fees range from $50 to $200, depending on the state. Background checks are required to verify your eligibility. Processing usually takes a few weeks.
Background Checks and Requirements
A clean criminal and financial record is essential for a health and life insurance license. Felonies or certain misdemeanors may disqualify you. States also check for unpaid taxes or child support.
You’ll need to submit fingerprints for a background check. Honesty on your application is critical. Disclosing issues upfront can prevent delays.
Continuing Education Requirements
Once licensed, you must complete continuing education (CE) to maintain your health and life insurance license. Most states require 24–30 hours every two years. CE courses cover updates in laws, ethics, and industry trends.
Online platforms like WebCE or Kaplan offer CE courses. Some credits may overlap with other licenses, like property and casualty. Check your state’s requirements to stay compliant.
Costs of Getting Licensed
Costs for a health and life insurance license include education, exam, and application fees. Pre-licensing courses cost $100–$300, depending on the provider. Exam fees range from $40–$100 per attempt.
Application and fingerprinting fees add $50–$200. Total costs typically range from $200–$600. Budgeting for these expenses ensures a smooth process.
Career Opportunities with a License
A health and life insurance license opens various career paths. You can work for major insurers like State Farm or as an independent broker. Roles include selling policies, advising clients, or managing agencies.
Earnings vary, with new agents earning $40,000–$60,000 annually via commissions. Experienced agents can earn over $100,000. The flexibility and earning potential attract many.
Working as an Independent Agent
Independent agents sell policies from multiple insurers, offering clients more choices. A health and life insurance license is essential for this role. You’ll need strong sales skills and knowledge of various plans.
Building a client base takes time but offers higher commissions. Joining a brokerage can provide support and leads. Independence suits self-motivated individuals.
Joining an Insurance Company
Working for an insurance company provides structure and benefits. Companies like Allstate or MetLife hire licensed agents to sell their products. A health and life insurance license is required to start.
You’ll receive training, leads, and sometimes a base salary. Commissions are lower than independent agents but more predictable. This path suits those seeking stability.
Skills Needed for Success
Success with a health and life insurance license requires specific skills. Strong communication helps explain complex policies to clients. Sales skills are crucial for closing deals and building trust.
Organization and time management keep you on track. Staying updated on industry trends ensures you offer the best advice. These skills drive long-term success.
Recent Updates in 2025
In 2025, many states streamlined licensing processes with online applications. Some, like California, reduced CE hours for new agents. Digital exams became more common, improving accessibility.
Insurance departments now emphasize ethics training in CE courses. Check your state’s website for updates. These changes make licensing more efficient.
Challenges of Getting Licensed
The licensing process can be time-consuming, with 20–40 hours of coursework. Exams are challenging, requiring dedicated study. Background checks may delay applications if issues arise.
Balancing study with work or family is tough. Online courses and practice tests help overcome hurdles. Persistence is key to earning your license.
Tips for Passing the Licensing Exam
Prepare effectively with these strategies:
- Study Consistently: Dedicate 1–2 hours daily to review materials.
- Use Practice Tests: Simulate exam conditions to build confidence.
- Focus on State Laws: Many questions cover local regulations.
- Join Study Groups: Collaborate with others for support.
These tips boost your chances of passing.
Maintaining Your License
To keep your health and life insurance license active, complete CE credits on time. Submit renewal applications, typically every two years, with fees of $50–$150. Track deadlines to avoid lapses.
Report any legal or address changes to your state’s insurance department. Staying compliant ensures you can continue selling. Online portals simplify renewals.
The Role of Technology in Insurance Sales
Technology enhances the work of licensed agents. CRM tools track client interactions, while apps streamline policy comparisons. Telehealth knowledge is vital as clients seek plans with virtual care.
Digital platforms like NIPR simplify licensing tasks. Staying tech-savvy improves efficiency. Clients value agents who use modern tools.
The Future of Insurance Licensing
Licensing requirements are evolving with technology. More states may adopt digital exams and applications by 2026. CE courses will likely focus on AI and cybersecurity in insurance.
Demand for health and life insurance agents will grow as healthcare needs rise. Stay informed via state insurance websites. These trends shape a promising career path.
Summary
A health and life insurance license is your ticket to a rewarding career selling life and health policies. The process involves pre-licensing education, passing a state exam, and background checks. Costs range from $200–$600, with ongoing CE requirements to maintain the license.
In 2025, streamlined processes and digital tools make licensing easier. With strong communication and sales skills, licensed agents can thrive as independent brokers or with insurance companies, helping clients secure vital coverage.
FAQ
What is a health and life insurance license?
It authorizes you to sell life and health insurance products. It requires pre-licensing education, an exam, and background checks. Each state regulates its own licensing process.
How long does it take to get licensed?
The process takes 1–3 months, including 20–40 hours of coursework and exam prep. Application processing varies by state. Online courses can speed up preparation.
How much does licensing cost?
Costs range from $200–$600, covering courses ($100–$300), exam fees ($40–$100), and application fees ($50–$200). Fingerprinting may add extra costs. Check your state’s requirements.
What’s needed to maintain the license?
Complete 24–30 hours of continuing education every two years. Pay renewal fees ($50–$150) and report changes. Check your state’s insurance department for deadlines.
Can I work independently with this license?
Yes, independent agents sell policies from multiple insurers. A health and life insurance license is required. Joining a brokerage can provide support and leads.