Insurance scams: how to tell a real plan from a trap
Editorially reviewed · Last updated September 8, 2026
Unexpected insurance offers deserve an independent check before you share details or pay. Scam pitches can imitate genuine low-cost plans and covered medical services. Price and contact method alone do not establish whether an offer is real.
Fake health-insurance and ACA “enrollment” calls and texts
A caller may promise cheap coverage or a subsidy and pressure you to act. A low premium alone is not proof of fraud.
Start at HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace to compare coverage and find approved enrollment help. Certified partners and licensed agents can also help enroll you.
The Marketplace may call about an application and request identity details. If unsure, hang up and contact its official call center yourself. See Marketplace fraud protection and our health insurance scam call guide.
Medicare and “new card” scams
Impersonators offer a replacement card, refund, or benefit to obtain your Medicare number. Medicare does not call to sell anything, but limited legitimate callbacks can involve personal information.
Do not give details to an unverified caller. Call 1-800-MEDICARE independently. See Medicare’s fraud guidance and our Medicare phone scam guide.
Auto-warranty “your car's warranty is expiring” calls
An unexpected warranty sales call may sell misleading coverage or seek payment details. A service contract is not necessarily a manufacturer’s warranty.
Ask your dealer or existing provider about actual coverage. Hang up on an unwanted sales robocall without pressing keys. See auto-warranty call scam.
Fake “free screening” and “free gift” hooks
A free-equipment or screening pitch can be used to obtain an insurance number and submit fraudulent claims. Genuinely covered preventive care can also have no out-of-pocket cost.
Ask your own provider and insurer whether the service is appropriate, covered, and ordered for you. Do not give an unverified caller your insurance details to claim an offer.
How to check a health plan or insurer is real
Before sharing details or paying:
- Start with HealthCare.gov’s enrollment options or your state marketplace. Official phone assistance and certified partners are valid routes too.
- Check the insurer and agent with your state insurance department through the NAIC directory. Licensing does not authenticate someone claiming to represent them.
- Read the plan documents: confirm coverage, exclusions, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs. A discount program is not comprehensive insurance.
- Use an independently verified contact before providing sensitive details.
Already shared something? Choose the matching recovery steps.
● Public service · free steps first
Take the free protection steps first
A suspicious message does not tell us how someone found your details. If you shared personal information, start with the official recovery guidance. You can also freeze your credit for free.
- Freeze your credit — free at all three bureausRestricts access to your credit report for new credit applications. It does not protect existing accounts from misuse.
- Report it and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.govThe FTC walks you through exactly what to do next, for free.
Decide what protection you need
Start with the free controls above. Compare what a paid service would add only after deciding which problem remains.
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Frequently asked
What are the most common insurance scams?
Is a “you're pre-qualified for a $0 health plan” call or text real?
How do I check that a health plan or insurer is real?
I gave a caller my SSN or Medicare number — what should I do?
Sources
- 01Spot Health Insurance Scams— Federal Trade Commission
- 02Looking for health insurance? Make sure that's what you're getting— Federal Trade Commission
- 03Phone scams— Federal Trade Commission