Short-Term Health Insurance
Flexible Coverage for Temporary Needs
Whether you’re between jobs, waiting for long-term coverage to begin, or experiencing another temporary situation, short-term health insurance provides flexible and affordable coverage. Discover how these plans can meet your temporary healthcare needs and provide peace of mind during transitional periods.
What is Short-Term Health Insurance?
Short-term health insurance provides temporary coverage for individuals during transitions or gaps in long-term coverage. These plans typically span a few months to a year and offer flexible options tailored to individual needs. Short-term health insurance acts as a bridge, providing essential healthcare services until long-term coverage is secured.
Why enroll in Short-Term Health Insurance?
Short-term health insurance provides temporary coverage for individuals during transitions or gaps in long-term coverage. These plans typically span a few months to a year and offer flexible options tailored to individual needs. Short-term health insurance acts as a bridge, providing essential healthcare services until long-term coverage is secured.
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Short Term Medical Plans Highlights:
Some key features and benefits of Short Term Medical Plans
- Office visits for everyone. Copay options available.
- Next day effective dates. No need for special enrollment period or qualifying life event.
- Deductible waived on Urgent Care visits
- Prescription drug options. Choose either a discount on drug option or coverage
- Flexible coverage periods and solutions
differences between Short Term and Individual health insurance
| Feature | Short-Term Health Insurance | Individual ACA Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Temporary coverage for gaps in insurance | Comprehensive coverage for a full year |
| Coverage Duration | Typically up to 12 months, renewable for up to 36 months | Annual, with open enrollment periods |
| Enrollment Period | Any time of the year | Specific annual open enrollment period |
| Eligibility | Limited to healthy individuals, can deny coverage for pre-existing conditions | Guaranteed issue regardless of health status |
| Benefits Coverage | Limited benefits, may not cover essential health benefits | Comprehensive, includes 10 essential health benefits |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Usually excluded | Covered |
| Preventive Care | May not be covered | Covered with no cost-sharing |
| Mental Health Services | Often not covered | Covered |
| Prescription Drugs | Coverage may be limited or excluded | Covered |
| Maternity and Newborn Care | Generally not covered | Covered |
| Premium Costs | Typically lower than ACA plans | Generally higher than short-term plans |
| Out-of-pocket Costs | Can be high, may have high deductibles and co-pays | Cap on out-of-pocket costs, includes subsidies for eligible individuals |
| Provider Network | Often limited, may not cover out-of-network care | Usually broader network, covers out-of-network care |
| Renewability | Limited renewability, often requires new application | Renewable annually during open enrollment |
| Consumer Protections | Fewer consumer protections | Strong consumer protections under ACA regulations |
Who is Short Term Health Insurance Plan For?
Below are some scenarios where you can sign up for a Short Term Health plan. If you are unsure about your situation, feel free to visit our help page or schedule a call with an expert. We are here to help you find the best coverage.
Between jobs
Mary recently left her previous job and will start a new one in two months. Her previous employer-sponsored health insurance plan ended with her employment. Mary needs temporary coverage to bridge the gap until her new job’s health benefits begin.
Coverage in multiple States
Maja lives between Missouri and Texas. Maja wants a plan that works the same in both states. Maja can sign up for a short term policy in Texas or Missouri renewable for 3 years.
Missed Open Enrollment
Moe missed the annual open enrollment period for health insurance plans offered through the marketplace. He needs temporary coverage until the next enrollment period begins to avoid potential tax penalties for being uninsured.
Graduating Student
John is about to graduate from college, and his student health insurance plan will expire at the end of the month. He’s actively job hunting and unsure when he’ll secure employment with benefits. In the meantime, he wants a short-term health insurance option to remain covered.
Transitioning to Medicare
James will turn 65 soon and plans to enroll in Medicare. However, he is retiring at the end of the year and needs a short-term plan to provide coverage until his Medicare benefits begin
Affordability
Michael is self-employed and runs a small business. He finds the premium costs of traditional health insurance plans to be too high for his budget. Michael is looking for a more affordable short-term solution that can cover him for a few months.
Short Term Medical Insurance Plans
Key Features and Benefits of Short-Term Health Insurance
Short term health insurance plans offer several key features and benefits, including:
Flexibility:
Short-term plans allow individuals to customize coverage duration according to their specific needs, providing temporary coverage during transitional periods.
Affordability:
Compared to long-term plans, short-term health insurance generally has lower premiums, making it a cost-effective option for temporary coverage.
Quick Enrollment:
The enrollment process for short-term health insurance is typically quick and straightforward, allowing individuals to obtain coverage promptly.
Choice of Coverage Options:
Short-term plans offer a range of coverage options, allowing individuals to select plans that align with their healthcare needs, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
Why Consider Short-Term Medical Insurance?
Bridging Gaps in
Short-term health insurance acts as a safety net during transitional periods, such as job changes, waiting for employer-sponsored coverage, or recent graduates transitioning off their parents’ plans. It provides coverage when traditional long-term options may not be immediately available.
Affordable Temporary Coverage
Short-term health insurance plans offer
cost-effective solutions for individuals seeking temporary coverage. With lower premiums compared to long-term plans, short-term coverage can be a budget-friendly choice during transitional periods.
Quick Access to Healthcare Services
Enrolling in a short term health insurance plan ensures prompt access to necessary healthcare services. From routine doctor visits to emergency care, individuals have the peace of mind of having coverage in place.
How It Works
As an independent broker we are able to provide you with insurance plans from different carriers. Compare benefits, check rates, and enroll.
01 Tell us who needs coverage
Choose one of the Insurance Plans above
02 Compare available plans and rates
and Review your available options
03 Select and Enroll
Congratulations! You are Covered
See why our customers love us
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Short Term health insurance plans?
Temporary health insurance options for limited durations.
Who should consider buying a Short term health insurance plan?
Those in transition or needing temporary coverage.
What do Short Term Medical plans typically cover?
Essential medical services but may exclude certain benefits.
How long can I have coverage under a Short Term Medical Plan?
Usually 30 days to 364 days, depending on the state.
Can I renew my Short Term Medical plan after it expires?
In some states, yes, but renewals are not guaranteed.
Are there any limitations or drawbacks to Short Term Medical plans?
Yes, such as limited coverage for pre-existing conditions
Can I use a Short Term Medical plan to replace a regular health insurance plan?
No, STM plans are temporary and not ACA-compliant.
How do I apply for a Short Term Medical plan?
Apply through insurance brokers or online platforms.
Can I use a Short Term Medical plan if I travel outside my state or internationally?
Some emergency coverage may be available but limited.
Do Short Term Medical plans cover prescription medications?
Some coverage may be available but with limitations.
Limitations and Considerations
Coverage Limitations
While short-term health insurance provides valuable temporary coverage, it’s important to understand its limitations. These plans may have exclusions or limitations on pre-existing conditions, preventive care, maternity care, mental health services, and other essential benefits.
No ACA Essential Health Benefits
Unlike long-term plans compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA),
short-term health insurance plans are not required to cover essential health benefits. Individuals should consider their specific healthcare needs and understand that certain services may not be covered under short-term plans.
Not a Substitute for Long-Term Coverage
Short-term health insurance is designed to bridge temporary gaps in coverage but is not intended as a long-term solution. Individuals should explore long-term coverage options, such as individual health insurance plans compliant with the ACA, to ensure comprehensive and continuous coverage.
What states ban Short Term Health Insurance Plans?
Several states have implemented regulations or restrictions on short-term health insurance plans. The following states have banned or significantly limited the availability of short-term health insurance plans:
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
It’s important to note that regulations and restrictions may change over time, so it’s advisable to consult the most up-to-date information from state regulatory authorities or insurance departments to determine the current status of short-term health insurance plans in specific states.
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