How to Buy Short-Term Health Insurance in North Carolina

Need a health insurance plan that will cover emergency costs? Can’t wait for the Open Enrollment Period? Short-term health insurance in North Carolina may be the coverage you’re looking for. 

Can I Buy Short-Term Health Insurance in North Carolina?

Yes. North Carolina allows the purchase of short-term health insurance with a duration of up to 12 months, and can be renewed for a total of up to 36 months of coverage.¹ The average premium in North Carolina starts at $151 per month.*  If you are one of the 1.2 million uninsured North Carolinians,² a short-term health policy could provide you with coverage.

It is important to note that states can set their own limits on short-term plans. That means that the durations available for purchase, and other plan limits, may change. You can check your current plan options by comparing plans at any time.

Who Will NC Short-Term Health Insurance Work for?

In general, NC short-term insurance will work for healthy individuals who need affordable emergency coverage. This type of coverage may not work for individuals who make frequent visits to the doctor. Instead, individual Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan may be more appropriate. 

If you’re in a coverage gap, temporary health insurance in North Carolina could be the low-cost solution you need. For example, you may have missed North Carolina’s Open Enrollment Period. Or, you may be starting a new job, but your covered dates don’t match up. Whatever the case, short-term health insurance could be a practical solution for your coverage concerns. 

Before purchasing a short-term plan, there are a few things you need to know. First, short-term health insurance provides minimal, emergency coverage. This means that benefits are limited. Second, you could be denied if you have a pre-existing condition. And finally, this type of coverage is not designed to be a permanent health insurance solution. 

How to Apply For Short-Term Health Insurance in North Carolina 

To find the best short-term health insurance in NC for your needs, start by getting a quote. You can compare your coverage options, premiums, and benefits all in one place. You could even have coverage as soon as the day after you apply.

---

47397-HM-0421

References:
1. North Carolina Department of Insurance. Retrieved from https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/health-insurance/supplemental-other-types-health-insurance. Accessed April 8, 2021. | 2. Kaiser Family Foundation. 2021. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/total-population/?dataView=1¤tTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D. 

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 Charlotte, NC.
“Minimum Essential Coverage” as defined in the Affordable Care Act and may not cover all Essential Health Benefits in your state.