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Your plan for now: Short-term health insurance
Find a plan for when you're in between plans
Temporary health insurance
Short-term health insurance is a form of coverage that helps pay for medical services when you’re in between major medical insurance plans.
If you are between jobs, planning to travel internationally, waiting for Medicare or outside an enrollment period, a short-term policy could be just what the doctor ordered.
Benefits of short-term insurance
Coverage may start as early as tomorrow if you apply today- Typically lower monthly premiums
- Purchase 30-day medical insurance or get coverage for almost three years, depending on availability
- Choose between a single payment or monthly payment schedule
Plan facts
Short-term health insurance policies can cover you for up to one year (364 days to be exact), with the option to renew them for almost three years. The number of services covered and the duration vary by plan and state, so always review your coverage options carefully.
What is the best short-term insurance?
The best short-term insurance plans are the ones that fit your needs. That means taking into consideration how long you need the plan, how much coverage you want, and how much you can pay for that coverage. When it comes to finding the best short-term insurance for you and your loves ones, HealthMarkets is available 24/7 to help.
What is short-term insurance?
Short-term insurance is a health insurance coverage option that can help during a time of transition, such as the loss of a job. Short-term health insurance does not meet the requirements of a Qualified Health Insurance Plan. That means that it is not a long-term, major medical insurance solution and does not meet coverage requirements of the Affordable Care Act.
You can apply for a short-term health insurance plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period. Many short-term health insurance plans can cover doctor’s office visits and emergency hospital services. However, it is important to note that services and benefits can differ depending on the insurance company and your state of residence.
Temporary health insurance
Temporary health insurance is another term for short-term health insurance. It’s called temporary health insurance because it is designed to fill a temporary need for medical coverage in between long-term, major medical insurance plans. HealthMarkets can help you find temporary health insurance plans in your area.
FAQs
Will short-term health insurance work for me?
Short-term health insurance is ideal for people experiencing or expecting a loss of coverage. If you need to fill a temporary gap in between health insurance plans but don’t want to spend too much money on an ACA plan, short-term medical insurance may be a great fit for you.
How do I apply for the best short-term health insurance?
A licensed health insurance agent can help you apply for short-term health insurance available in your area and based on your needs. You will have to provide some basic information, including your name, age and location. Additionally, your application will include a series of medical questions about your health history.
Do short-term health insurance plans have networks?
Yes. Many short-term health insurance plans include networks. This allows plans to negotiate lower service rates with providers.
Can I extend my short-term health insurance plan?
Yes, if your state allows it. Insurance companies can allow you to extend your short-term health insurance or allow you to purchase the same plan after yours has ended. When you renew, you may have to go through the application process again. Any changes in your health status may impact your eligibility for coverage and your premium cost.
Do short-term insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions?
No, usually they do not. Some short-term plans may cover a limited number of pre-existing conditions. Insurance carriers are not required to provide this coverage, so you may be denied a plan if you have an underlying health condition.
Related content
What Is The Affordable Care Act?
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), is a federal statute that has transformed the healthcare industry in America.
Are You Between Jobs? Short-Term Insurance Could Be the Answer
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who quit their job during the last few years, you’re probably wondering what you should do about health insurance while between jobs.
What Should You Know About Temporary Health Insurance?
Temporary health insurance can help bridge a short-term coverage gap, whether you’ve recently lost an employer-sponsored plan or you’re waiting for new coverage to begin.