If you plan to sell health insurance in New York, you need Accident and Health authority, commonly referred to as a New York Health insurance license. This authority allows agents to sell Accident and Health insurance products, including health insurance, disability income insurance, Medicare supplement coverage, and long-term care insurance.
This guide explains what the New York Health insurance license allows you to sell, the required pre-licensing education, 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 Health Insurance License?
The New York Health insurance license authorizes an agent to sell Accident & Health insurance products in New York, including major medical coverage, disability income insurance, Medicare supplement coverage, and long-term care insurance.
Unlike the New York Life and Health insurance license, the Health insurance license is limited to health insurance products and does not allow agents to sell life insurance coverage.
New York Health Insurance Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
Before taking the New York Accident and Health insurance exam, you must complete a pre-licensing course certified by the New York Department of Financial Services.
New York requires 20 hours of pre-licensing education for Accident and Health authority. 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 New York-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 Health Insurance Pre-Licensing Course Covers
The required New York Health pre-licensing course covers topics such as:
- Health insurance fundamentals
- Individual and group health insurance concepts
- Policy provisions and riders
- Disability income insurance
- Medicare supplement and long-term care coverage
- New York insurance laws and regulations
- Ethics and consumer protection
Our New York 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 the New York Health Insurance Pre-Licensing Course?
Many students complete the New York 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 Health Insurance Licensing Timeline
The licensing process follows these steps:
- Complete the required 20-hour New York Health pre-licensing course
- Schedule and pass the New York Accident and Health licensing exam
- Submit the license application through the New York Department of Financial Services
- Complete any additional documentation requested during the application review
- Receive approval before selling 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 Health Insurance 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 Health insurance 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 Health insurance license?
New York requires 20 hours of pre-licensing education for the Health insurance license.
What can you sell with a New York Health insurance license?
A New York Health insurance license allows you to sell Accident & Health insurance products, including health insurance, disability income insurance, Medicare supplement coverage, and long-term care insurance. It does not authorize the sale of life insurance products.
Do you need a Life insurance license to sell health insurance in New York?
No. The New York Health insurance license provides authority for Accident & Health products. A Life license is required if you also plan to sell life insurance products.
Next Steps
If your goal is to become a licensed health insurance agent in New York, the next step is completing the required 20-hour pre-licensing course and preparing for the state licensing exam.
Review our New York Health pre-licensing course to begin the required education and exam preparation.
