Complaint Review: Real Benefits Association

I purchased an insurance policy from Real Benefits Association on 2/23/09, after being laid off from work. The Cobra insurance was unaffordable, but my wife & I needed some kind of coverage due to some pre- existing conditions. The salesperson directed me to a website (not their own) to show a chart of what was covered & what amount. My first question was if pre- existing conditions were covered. I was told that they were. I got a quote for the policy, & agreed to pay $215.96 + $125 sign up fee on the phone. I was told to expect a package in the mail at the end of the week or the following week. I finally received the package on 3/16/09. My insurance coverage had already started on 3/15. I opened the package, & on the front page was a list of frequently asked questions. The 2nd question asked if pre- existing conditions were covered. To my surprise, the answer was no, not for the 1st 12 months of coverage. I called the insurance company to express my concern about being lied to by the salesperson. I was told that this particular salesperson was no longer with the company. I cancellled my policy & was told that I will receive a refund of all but $65 of my payment (which was agreed upon on the phone). Bottom line: a misleading sales pitch cost me $65, & got some untruthful salespeson a nice comission. I would not recommend anyone buying insurance on line or on the phone. Get everything in writing before you pay a bill !

David
Cottondale, Alabama
U.S.A.