How to Buy Short-Term Health Insurance in South Carolina

Are you searching for health insurance options in South Carolina? If you need temporary coverage that could start as soon as tomorrow, short-term health insurance might be what you’re looking for. 

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

Yes! You can buy short-term health insurance in South Carolina with durations of 11 months or longer. ¹ Note that each state can set its own rules concerning short-term health insurance, so, these plan durations may change.

Is Short Term Health Insurance a Good Option?

South Carolina short-term health insurance can work for you if you need minimal medical coverage. If you are uninsured like 539,300 SC residents in 2019,² short-term health insurance can be a first step to getting covered. If you need routine, comprehensive services, individual health insurance may be a better fit. In the end, it depends on your unique needs.

Temporary health insurance may also be a good option if you are looking for an affordable plan. The average premium for short-term health insurance in South Carolina is $119 per month in 2021.* And it can be a practical solution if you need coverage fast. You could get coverage as soon as the day after you apply.

Additionally, the flexibility of short-term health insurance plans can help those who are experiencing a short gap in coverage. Whether you need a plan for 1 month or 1 year, a short-term plan can help you fill that gap. For example, you may be waiting for a new employer plan or Medicare coverage to begin. While you wait for that coverage to begin, short-term health insurance can provide a buffer against emergency medical expenses.

Before you jump into temporary health insurance, there are a few key points you should know:

• Short-term health insurance benefits are limited. This means that routine visits and some “essential health benefits” may not be covered. 
• You can be denied coverage from temporary health insurance if you have a pre-existing condition.
• These plans are designed for people who are generally healthy, do not regularly visit the doctor, and are primarily concerned with emergency medical expenses.  

How Do I Get Short-Term Health Insurance in South Carolina?

To begin getting short-term health insurance in South Carolina, compare plans online. You can compare benefits, view plan details, and even start an application today. Getting started is just one click away.

---

47460-HM-0521

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. 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. Accessed April 15, 2021. 

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