How to Buy Short-Term Health Insurance in Illinois

Looking for affordable health insurance in Illinois? With an average premium of around $121 per month,* short-term health plans in Illinois could be a good choice.

Can I Buy Short-Term Health Insurance in Illinois?

Yes! Since 2018, insurance companies in Illinois have been allowed to offer short-term plans with durations from three to 11 months of coverage.¹ States set their own regulations for short-term health plans, so these limitations can change.²

If you’re between jobs, waiting for your Medicare plan to begin, or if you missed the enrollment period for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan, a short-term plan could help you have coverage. In some cases, you can be insured as soon as the next day after you apply. But before you enroll, it’s best to understand how this temporary health insurance is different from other types of available plans.

One important difference is that short-term health insurance does not provide the ACA’s minimum essential coverage. There are limited benefits, and you could be denied coverage if you have pre-existing conditions. If you’re healthy and on a budget, an Illinois short-term health insurance plan is one way to quickly find a plan. 

Is IL Short Term Health Insurance Affordable?

Premiums for some short-term plans can be affordable. However, your total out-of-pocket costs could be higher depending on your deductible and how often you need care. Many plans also have flexible benefits, so your choices will affect your premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.

How to Apply for an Illinois Short-Term Health Insurance Plan

To view available short-term health insurance plans in Illinois, visit HealthMarkets. We’ll show you plans available in your area, up-to-date quotes, and help you get started on an application — all at no cost to you.

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References:
1. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. October 2020. Retrieved from https://www.cbpp.org/state-limitations-on-short-term-health-insurance-plans-october-2020. | 2. Congressional Budget Office. September 25, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.cbo.gov/publication/56622. 

Disclaimers:
*Average based on premiums for all 2021 short-term health plans sold by HealthMarkets for a 40-year-old non-smoking male making $30,000 per year living in Chicago, IL.
“Minimum Essential Coverage” as defined in the Affordable Care Act and may not cover all Essential Health Benefits in your state.