The benefits of short term health insurance
Short-term health insurance offers you just the kind of flexible, fast coverage you need for those dynamic times of change in your life. With short term medical plans1 you can:
- Get covered fast, as soon as the day after application
- Pick your deductible amount from several options
- Drop coverage with no penalty if a more permanent health insurance option comes along
- Access an extensive network of health care professionals, with 1.4 million physicians and other health care professionals and approximately 6,500 hospitals and other facilities
Short-term health insurance is a type of health insurance that provides coverage for a limited period of time. It is ideal for people who are in between jobs, or those who need coverage for a short period of time. Short-term health insurance policies typically have lower premiums than traditional health insurance policies, and they also tend to have a lower deductible. However, short-term health insurance policies do not typically offer the same level of coverage as traditional policies.
If you are considering purchasing short-term health insurance, it is important to understand the limitations of these policies. First of all, short-term health insurance policies usually do not cover pre-existing conditions. They also do not cover preventive care, such as routine screenings and check-ups. Additionally, short-term health insurance policies typically do not cover mental health care or prescription drugs.
As of August 2024, short-term health insurance plans have been limited to one 3-month term with a 1-month extension option per year.
If you are considering purchasing short-term health insurance, be sure to read the policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered. Also, be sure to ask the insurance company questions about the policy so that you know exactly what you are buying.
Short term insurance may be for you if you’re:
- Unable to apply for Affordable Care Act (ACA), also called Obamacare, coverage because you missed Open Enrollment and you don’t qualify for Special Enrollment
- Waiting for your ACA coverage to start
- Looking for coverage to bridge you to Medicare
- Turning 26 and coming off your parent’s insurance
- Between jobs or waiting for benefits to begin at your new job
