The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is the oldest association of state government officials. Its members are the chief insurance regulators in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. State regulators’ primary responsibility is to protect insurance consumers’ interests, and the NAIC helps regulators do this in several different ways. This Shopper’s Guide is one example of the NAIC’s work to help the States educate and protect consumers.

NAIC Consumer Website

The following NAIC Shopper’s Guides are available for download:  Helping you navigate insurance and make better-informed decisions.

Choosing A Medigap Policy

Provides advice for consumers faced with the decision of whether to purchase Medicare supplement insurance. In order to exemplify the construct of a Medigap Policy and highlight reasons why a person might consider purchasing such a product, a basic overview of Medicare is provided, including available coverage options, enrollment guidelines, and a listing of Medicare’s payable health services. This publication also contains basic facts on private health insurance, a comparison chart of 10 standardized health plans, shopping hints, and an in-depth explanation of consumers’ rights and protections. Updated annually.

SHOPPER’S GUIDE TO CANCER INSURANCE

The decision of whether to purchase cancer insurance can be a challenging one. While cancer treatment accounts for 10 percent of all U.S. health expenses, the policy will only provide benefits if one is afflicted with the disease. This guide briefly discusses key questions regarding cancer insurance and advises on the variation in cost and coverage of policies sold. The issues brought forth in this publication may also be useful when considering the purchase of other disease-specific insurance policies. Copyright 2000.

SHOPPER GUIdE TO LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE

This guide presents current and potential users of long-term care insurance with valuable information. For those considering the purchase of long-term care insurance, buyers’ guidelines are incorporated in a consumer-friendly, easy-to-read format. The guide includes an overview of long-term care insurance, as well as payment and purchasing options, worksheets, shopping tips, and the various policy and benefit plans available. The guide also contains a comprehensive contact list for every state insurance department. Updated annually. Copyright 2013.

LIFE INSURANCE BUYER’S GUIDE

The Life Insurance Buyer’s Guide is a one-stop-shop for information related to life insurance. It provides useful insight into the types of policies available and helps you estimate how much insurance will provide adequate coverage, depending on your individual need. With a focus on finding the right policy at a good value, the publication details important facts to discuss with insurance providers and addresses the implications associated with dropping a policy once it has been purchased.

BUYER’S GUIdE TO FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITIES

Helps consumers understand the differences among various annuities so they may decide whether purchasing an annuity is right for them and what type might best fit their needs. While focusing on deferred annuity contracts, the publication covers the annuity purchasing process from start to finish and includes questions customers should ask their agent or company along the way. Copyright 2013.