The Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN) has unveiled group insurance benefits for home-based travel agents. The program offers independent agents a full range of coverage at group rates: medical coverage for claims like doctor visits, out-patient diagnostic, hospital stays and surgery; dental insurance (two plans to choose from); disability insurance (up to $2,500 in monthly income for accident or sickness); term life (up to $100,000 with no mandatory medical exams); permanent whole life (up to $200,000 with no mandatory medical exams); and cancer and critical illness enhancements (additional coverage for serious illnesses).

The plans are guarantee issue, no medical questions will be asked, and pre-existing conditions are covered. There are several deductible/premium options from which to choose. Premiums will be collected by OSSN's provider, JXL Solutions, via monthly bank draft/ACH. The enrollment period is Jan. 10 through Feb. 15. Coverage starts immediately and is valid for the rest of 2013.

“With more than 8,000 members, we were a fair candidate for group insurance,” said OSSN President Gary Fee. “We’ve been looking for a health care provider for some time.” Any home-based agent who is an OSSN member can enroll in any of the plans, or all of them, according to Fee. Each agent must enroll in the OSSN plan individually, even if his or her host agency is enrolled. Although some host agencies may offer these types of insurance, the organization has received inquiries from several hosts who want to enroll. As long as they are OSSN members, they are eligible, Fee said. “I don’t know of any other travel trade group that has group health,” he said. “This is something that is sorely needed for our industry.”

While Fee said he knows of no other similar insurance plan, Ann Van Leeuwen, vice president of NACTA, said NACTA has had a group insurance program that both NACTA and ASTA members can to take advantage since July 2012. The NACTA health insurance plan, provided by WorldWide Insurance Service, Inc., is in compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The insurance plan will continue to adapt as new regulations roll out, the majority of which will happen in 2014.

OSSN will host a free, explanatory webinar on Jan. 10 to explain the details of these plans. To register for the webinar, click on OSSN Group Health Benefits.