We're anything but luddites when it comes to applying for California health insurance.  We had online apps almost a decade ago and free online quoting a few years before then.  We are so happy not to have to deal with the physical applications with their pages of confusing text and terminology.  The online California health application is not only easier to complete but processes much more quickly.  That being said, there are a few common issues that arise for some people when completing the online app.  Let's take a look at what these are in case you come across them.

First, each carriers online application is different and ultimately, when completing the app, you are on the carrier's server.  This is actually a good thing since legal requirements for privacy and consumer protection are pretty stringent for health insurance carriers in California and this protection would extend into their online application process as well.  For the most part, you shouldn't have an issue with the standard browsers such as IE, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.  If there's an obvious computer glitch (as opposed to the page not allowing you to proceed), then it might be a browser issue.  The recent updates for IE have left many websites lacking from my own personal experience.

On to the common issues.  Make sure to routinely save your progress so you don't lose all the info (especially after medical history section) in case the server goes down.  First, when you enter the online California application, you may have to re-enter your basic info such as age and zip code and "re-run" the quote.  Many of the California health carrier websites are design to quote as well as take applications so it might ask for this information again.  This is a little irritating but should take just a few moments.

Plan selection can be overwhelming as there can be dozens of plans depending on the carrier.  Some of the carrier online app sites tie directly into a main frame so the names can look a little different or seem redundant.  For example, it may show two of the same plan name but based on a single person or two or more.  This is just confusing.  Our recommendation is to match the monthly premium.  Keep in mind that some plans are identical except for prescription coverage such as the Vital Shield Plus 900 generic and Vital Shield Plus 900 brand RX.  The same goes for Cross' Smart Sense plans.  We're happy to help you to make sure you chose the right plan and we can always correct the plan choice while still in underwriting.

Only list family members for which you want coverage.  When they're asking you for family members, they only mean those that are enrolling.  If you're just applying for children, list the youngest child as the primary applicant. 

 For prior coverage, estimate the dates as best as possible if you don't have exact info.  This can be important in waiving pre-existing waiting periods and/or surcharges for children with no prior coverage.  The HIPAA coverage section poses many problems just because many people are unfamiliar with the terms.  We can walk you through it.  Basically, you may have a HIPAA option guaranteed issue plan if you have exhausted Cobra (continuation of Cobra coverage) and under a few other situations.   

Medical health history section.  This is the bulk of the application.  There can be redundancy in the questions where it appears to ask about the same health issue under different questions.  Just re-fill the pertinent information to each question even if duplicate.  If you do not recall doctor info or exact dates, put do not recall and you can discuss this with the underwriter during the phone interview which generally follows the online app submission by 3-5 business days.  Occasionally, the online app will appear to hand on an answer and require more detail.  If you can't see what is needed, please let us know and we'll try to help.

Payment information is needed up front with the application but the carrier will not hit the credit card until approval and even then, you have a 10 day free look window from the time of notification from the carrier to cancel the policy never effective for a full refund.  On the final page, make sure you check all appropriate boxes and write your name exactly as originally entered.  A signature discrepancy (letter or capitalization) can also hang up the California health insurance application.

These are the common places that people get stuck.  Of course, we're here to help you with any questions or issues that arise.  Please feel free to contact us. 

Other important concepts to help you understand your California health insurance quote are:

Question on the individual health insurance application
Individual health insurance underwriting
Enrolling for Individual health coverage in California
Download the health application or apply online
What can delay your individual health application
Options for people who do not qualify

To run your instant health insurance:

California Individual Family health insurance quote
California group health insurance quote