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.
By requesting short term health insurance plans you are agreeing to the terms and conditions, and website privacy policy. You will receive communication from us regarding your request.
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 is a valuable option for individuals seeking temporary coverage during transitional periods. It helps bridge gaps in coverage caused by job changes, waiting for long-term coverage, or other temporary situations. With flexibility in coverage duration and affordable premiums, short-term health insurance offers quick enrollment and access to essential healthcare services.Â
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
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 Health CarriersMost Popular
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:
1. Flexibility: Short-term plans allow individuals to customize coverage duration according to their specific needs, providing temporary coverage during transitional periods.
2. Affordability: Compared to long-term plans, short-term health insurance generally has lower premiums, making it a cost-effective option for temporary coverage.
3. Quick Enrollment: The enrollment process for short-term health insurance is typically quick and straightforward, allowing individuals to obtain coverage promptly.
4. 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 Coverage
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?
We made signing up for short term insurance easier than ever. Find the best short term coverage among different carriers.
Tell Us About You
A little bit about you to customize plans
Compare Plans
Review your options and choose a plan
Enroll.
Congratulations, you are covered. Coverage can start the second day!
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.
COBRA vs. Short Term Health Insurance
If you lose health insurance coverage through your employer, you can enroll in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), which requires insurers to provide a temporary continuation of your same health insurance that would otherwise be terminated. You maintain the same medical, dental and vision benefits you had with your employer-provided coverage. However, your previous employer will no longer cover part of the monthly premium; instead, you have to pay the full premium, plus an administrative fee. Usually about 102% of the plan cost.
COBRA is more expensive than short-term health insurance, in some cases a short term health plan may be a better option until the new employer coverage kicks in. If you are between jobs or need assistance finding the best option for health coverage, contact Smart Insurance Agents for a free advise.
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:
1. California
2. Colorado
3. Hawaii
4. Massachusetts
5. New Jersey
6. New York
7. Rhode Island
8. 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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