This U.S. Census Bureau NAICS-based industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in initially underwriting (i.e., assuming the risk and assigning premiums) hospital and medical insurance policies in accordance with prearranged agreements or service plans, but not providing medical services.

Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

• Assuming all or part of the risk associated with existing hospital and medical services' insurance policies originally underwritten by other insurance carriers--are classified in U.S. Industry 524130, Reinsurance Carriers;
• Providing health care services (surgical and emergency) through their own facility or employed physicians--are classified in 621491, HMO Medical Centers; and
• Independently contracted agents (brokers) selling insurance policies and annuities; these establishments of agents or brokers either represent one or more insurance carriers, or none at all; these agents or brokers are N OT employees of the insurance carriers they represent--are classified in Industry 524210, Insurance Agencies and Brokerages.