My opinion as should someone use an insurance agent:

I have helped far too many individuals and families that purchased a health insurance plan online without ever talking with an licensed insurance agent. The horror stories range from A to Z and one of the major reasons for this is because the policyholder bought something that they thought would fit their health insurance needs, but more often than not, they bought a health insurance plan that only fit their health insurance budget!

I put the above in the same category as those individuals that would walk into a court room and try to defend themselves against a charge brought against them, without the representation of an attorney!

I don't blame anyone for trying to save on their health insurance premiums, anymore than I could blame anyone for trying to save money when looking for an attorney, BUT, one needs to take responsibility for their own actions when the insurance company declines their claim because the insured didn't meet their deductible, the surgery was cosmetic and not covered under the chosen policy, etc. Much like that of a court's decision that goes against the accused and the accused is fined, jailed or worse!

Believe it or not, a licensed insurance agent who specializes in that particular area of insurance that you're looking for, can save you money!