Short Term Insurance
A temporary health coverage that can be used during a lapse in permeant health coverage. Some short term insurance plans offer open network where you can have the freedom to seek medical coverage in any state. While short term health insurance doesn’t follow the ACA rules, yet it provides comprehensive benefits for emergency visits and regular doctor visits.
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 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.
Changing a Job
Ryan is moving from Chicago, IL to Ann Arbor, MI to start a new job. His new employer offers health insurance that will start 90 days after hire. Ryan can sign up for a Short Term health policy for 90 days.
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 open enrollment period and doesn’t have a qualifying life event to enroll in an ACA health plan, he can enroll in a short term health plan until open enrollment starts again.
College Student
Zack is attending his last semester of college and need health coverage until he graduates and get coverage through job or via the marketplace.
Before Medicare
Susan turns 65 in 4 months where she will be eligible for Medicare Part A and B, She signed up for a Short Term Health Plan with accident add on.
Affordability
Joshua couldn’t afford a health insurance premium via the marketplace and is not eligible for subsidy or Medicaid. He signed up for a high deductible short term health plan.
Short Term Health CarriersMost Popular
Short Term Medical Insurance Plans
Coverage and Services
Why Consider Short-Term Medical Insurance?
Free Look Period
If you are not 100% satisfied with your Short Term Health Insurance plan, provide a written request of cancellation within 10 days of receipt. Your premium will be fully refunded.
Telemedicine
Free and unlimited telemedicine doctor consultations 24/7 – Including dermatology consultations.
Discounts
On hearing and audiology
Discounts
On durable medical equipment.
Access
Access to health liasions who advocate for members
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 is Short-Term Health Insurance?
Short Term Health insurance is a temporary medical insurance meant to cover the insured for a shorter period.
How long can I get coverage?
Each state has their own rules on the length of coverage. Some states allow for up to 6 months of coverage with the same carrier. Other states ban short term health insurance. For example: California and Colorado DO NOT allow Short Term Health plans.
Do Short Term Health Plans cover prescriptions?
It varies by the plan you choose. Some Short-Term Health Plans offer a full prescription coverage with deductible and copays, others offer a discount card only. You can pick up the plan based on your needs.
Can I use Short Term Health Plans outside my state?
Yes. Most Short-Term Health plans have in and out of state networks. Either PPO network or Open Network.
Are Short Term Health Plans the same as ACA plans?
NO. Short Term Health Plans are not the same as ACA plans and do not offer the same coverage. Short Term health Plans may have exclusions for some services.
Do Short Term Health Plans cover pre-existing conditions?
NO. Short Term Health Plans do not cover Pre-Existing conditions. Read more about short term exclusions and limitations here.
When can I sign up for a Short-Term Health Plan?
Anytime. There is no annual enrollment period for short term health plans. Your short-term health plan can start as early as the second day.
Is Short Term Health Insurance good for me?
- Looking for coverage between jobs and waiting for employer coverage.
- Waiting for Medicare eligibility
- Missed the Open Enrollment Period and waiting for a Special Enrollment Period
- There may be other reasons to get Short Term Health Insurance, contact us to learn more.
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.
Short Term Health Insurance Plans:
Choosing the right short-term medical insurance is important to ensure that you are getting the best coverage. Short-term health plans do not meet minimum essential coverage requirements and may not cover preventive services. They do not cover prescription drugs or maternity care, however. To qualify for short term medical insurance, you must meet certain criteria, including medical underwriting. The application process will include health-related questions. If you give false information, your application will be rejected.
Those looking for a short term health insurance plan need to find out if it will cover all of their needs. In addition to the cost of premiums, they must check the terms of the plan to ensure they are affordable and have good coverage. Unlike long-term health insurance, short-term plans are designed to fill in the gaps in coverage. Therefore, they are not suitable for long-term coverage. Nonetheless, they are the ideal solution for short-term health coverage.
Short-term health insurance is the best solution to fulfill health insurance needs outside the Open Enrollment period. The best use for this type of policy is to fill in the gap between two health plans. You may need this type of coverage to transition to Medicare or start a new job. Also, if you have pre-existing conditions, you may not be eligible for a short-term plan. These plans do not cover chronic conditions and cannot be extended for more than a year.
States where you can NOT buy short-term health plans:
CaliforniaÂ
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Hawaii
Maine
Massachusetts
New York
New Jersey
New Mexico
Rhode Island
Vermont
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