New York Life and Health Insurance License Guide

To obtain both Life and Accident & Health authority in New York, complete the required 40-hour DFS-approved combined pre-licensing course, pass the combined Life, Accident and Health licensing exam, and submit the license application.

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New York Pre-Licensing Courses New York License Requirements

If you plan to sell both life and accident and health insurance in New York, a New York Life and Health insurance license can include both Life and Accident & Health lines of authority. New York allows applicants to pursue both together through the combined Life/A&H Agent licensing pathway.

This guide explains what those authorities allow you to sell, the required 40-hour pre-licensing course, the combined licensing exam, and the steps to become licensed.

For a broader overview of the licensing process, exam, and application steps, review our New York Insurance License Requirements page.

What Is the New York Life and Health Insurance License?

The New York Life & Health insurance license authorizes an agent to sell both Life and Accident & Health insurance products, including term and whole life insurance, annuities, major medical coverage, Medicare supplement coverage, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance.

Unlike the New York Life insurance license, which is limited to life insurance products, or the New York Health insurance license, which is limited to Accident & Health products, the New York Life and Health insurance license provides authority for both lines.

New York Life and Health Pre-Licensing Education Requirements

Before taking the New York Life and Health insurance exam, you must complete a pre-licensing course certified by the New York Department of Financial Services.

New York requires 40 hours of pre-licensing education for the combined Life and Health license. After completing the course, you will receive a School Certificate that documents completion of the required education and must be submitted with the license application.

The pre-licensing course should also prepare you for the state licensing exam. Look for a course that combines the required education with state-specific instruction, exam-style practice questions, and timed practice exams so you can complete the education requirement and prepare for the exam within the same course.

What the New York Life and Health Pre-Licensing Course Covers

The required New York Life and Health pre-licensing course covers topics such as:

  • Life insurance fundamentals
  • Health insurance concepts and policy types
  • Policy provisions and riders
  • Annuities and retirement products
  • New York insurance laws and regulations
  • Ethics and consumer protection

Our New York Life and Health pre-licensing course also includes practice exams with exam-style questions to reinforce the material and help you prepare for the state licensing exam.

How Long Does It Take to Complete New York Life and Health Pre-Licensing?

Many students complete the New York Life and Health pre-licensing course within one to three weeks when studying regularly. After completing the course, schedule the state licensing exam when your preparation and practice exam performance indicate you are ready to test.

New York Life and Health Licensing Timeline

The licensing process follows these steps:

  1. Complete the required 40-hour New York Life and Health pre-licensing course
  2. Schedule and pass the combined Life, Accident and Health licensing exam
  3. Submit the license application through the New York Department of Financial Services
  4. Complete any additional documentation requested during the application review
  5. Receive approval before selling life and health insurance in New York

Once the application and any requested documentation are approved, the New York Department of Financial Services issues the license.

Choosing the Right New York Life and Health Pre-Licensing Course

New York pre-licensing courses must satisfy state education requirements, but the learning experience and level of exam preparation can vary by provider.

When comparing New York Life and Health pre-licensing courses, look for certification by the New York Department of Financial Services, exam-focused instruction, exam-style practice questions, structured learning progression, and clear guidance on the licensing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of pre-licensing education are required for a New York Life and Health insurance license?

New York requires 40 hours of pre-licensing education for the Life and Health insurance license.

What can you sell with a New York Life and Health insurance license?

A New York Life and Health insurance license allows you to sell both Life and Accident & Health insurance products, including life insurance, annuities, health insurance, disability income insurance, Medicare supplement coverage, and long-term care insurance.

Do you need separate Life and Health insurance licenses in New York?

You can apply for both lines of authority together. New York offers a combined Life, Accident and Health licensing exam for applicants seeking both Life and Accident & Health authority, while Life-only and Accident and Health-only licensing options are also available.

Next Steps

If your goal is to become licensed to sell both life and health insurance in New York, the next step is completing the required 40-hour pre-licensing course and preparing for the state licensing exam.

Review our New York Life & Health pre-licensing course to begin the required education and exam preparation.