I read this thread with great interest. IMHO there is no point arguing about the superiority of US insurance policy compared to Malaysia. Most of us live here and have to make do with what's offered here. I agree with Dreamer though that it is important for us to understand our insurance needs and the T&C of our insurance policy.

Our insurance policy is written as a contract which covers what the policy covers and what not. The problem, even for those educated, is we are usually not familiar with the medical conditions and terms. I believe it is the insurance agent's job to explain clearly to their clients this very important aspect.

So here are a few questions for the insurance agents here:

1. Do you know at the back of your mind which medical conditions are not covered during the first year of the medical card your company offers? Do you explain this one by one to your clients?

2. Do you know at the back of your mind which medical conditions are not covered at all by the medical card your company offers? Do you explain this one by one to your clients?

3. There are specific conditions. For example, can you claim TPD with one kidney failure? Or two? Do you know for sure? Do you explain to your clients?

4. My wife had a medical condition known as Arteriovenous malformation (AVM). You know what is it? Can claim?

5. Do you carry a medical encyclopedia and study it from time to time to better inform your clients?
In terms of percentage, I believe no other sales person can beat an insurance agents' commission. We buy insurance in the hope to cover our uncertainties. Due to the various conditions imposed by local insurance companies, agents MUST have the knowledge and sense of responsibility to explain such conditions to their clients. Those who don't, consider yourselves as the same "lousy agent" that you'll readily tell a person with bad experience on insurance.

A very small percentage of insurance agents do take care of their clients. These agents, IMHO deserve whatever million-dollar roundtable that they qualify.

This post has been edited by Ranma: Dec 14 2006, 09:46 AM

Thanks, Civil. My point is precisely that insurance agents should not dump the exclusion clauses to potential buyers who are likely not to understand it. You don't need to be a doctor to explain to clients which medical conditions are exempted for the first year and for life. Furthermore, there is nothing stopping you from acquiring additional medical knowledge. I don't believe a car salesman will answer "I'm not a mechanic" when you ask him technical questions.

I've seen agents doing extra to make sure their clients understand the specifics and not a generalised comment about certain illness being excuded. IMHO that's the right way to sell a policy.

It is simple for you, you just take the commission. It is not so simple when your clients suffers an illness that is excluded from claim.

This post has been edited by Ranma: Dec 14 2006, 09:54 PM