How to Apply For Immediate Health Insurance Coverage

Immediate health insurance coverage can be easy to find. Whether you’re comparing plans during the Open Enrollment Period, have become eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, or you simply need health coverage as quickly as possible, HealthMarkets can help you swiftly evaluate your options so you can get coverage when you need it.

Can I Get Medical Insurance Today?

While you can apply for medical insurance today, your coverage may not start until later. If you need coverage that starts as soon as possible, a short-term plan could start as soon as the day after you apply. These plans have a limited duration and limited medical benefits.

If you need a comprehensive health insurance plan, like an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan, you will need to wait until the Open Enrollment Period starts (or you become eligible for a Special Enrollment Period). Even in those time periods, your coverage may not start until the beginning of the next month (or the first day of the next year).

What is a Special Enrollment Period?

A Special Enrollment Period is a 60-day window where qualifying individuals and families can enroll in ACA plans outside of the OEP. You could qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you’ve experienced specific events, including (but not limited to) getting married, having a baby, getting a divorce, relocating, or losing your health insurance.

Federal and state marketplaces can also open Special Enrollment Periods that do not require individual life events. During these extended Special Enrollment Periods, you can also apply for an ACA health insurance plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period.

What is the Open Enrollment Period?

The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is an annual window of time when most Americans can apply for an ACA health plan. It takes place November 1 – December 15. This is the only time when you can apply for an ACA health plan without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period.

How Much Do Affordable Care Act Plans Cost?

Affordable Care Act plan costs can vary based on your age, the size of your household, where you live in the United States, the plan that you select, and whether or not you . All ACA health plans are required to cover 10 essential benefits, which can include (but aren’t limited to) prescription drugs, emergency services, hospitalization, and maternity care.

The average cost for an ACA bronze plan in 2021 is $328.¹ However, you may be eligible for premium tax subsidies from the enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act in April 2021. This could mean a $0 premium bronze or silver plan for your family.²

What Is Short-Term Medical Insurance, and What Does It Cover?

Short-term health insurance, also called temporary insurance, is a type of medical plan designed to cover emergency services. These plans are not meant to replace permanent, comprehensive coverage. Short-term plan services vary by policy, so it’s important to check each plan’s offerings.

Generally, short-term plans do not provide coverage for all of the Affordable Care Act’s 10 essential benefits. However, they can help provide some financial buffer against the costs of a variety of accidents and illnesses. Short-term plans can last from one month up to three years, depending on the plans available in your area and your state’s regulations.

How Much Does Short-Term Health Insurance Cost?

The average cost for a short-term health insurance plan can vary based on your geographical location in the U.S., income, gender, age, household size, and tobacco usage. For example, in Texas, the average premium for a short-term plan is around $245 per month.* But don’t just look into premiums when looking at short-term plans. When deciding on overall value, you will have to compare the potential need for services and out-of-pocket costs against the price and level of coverage provided.

Can You Get Temporary Health Insurance Between Jobs?

Yes, you can get temporary health insurance between jobs. This may be one of the most common reasons why you would want to purchase a short-term plan. Purchasing a policy that can be as short as 30 days can be helpful.

How Do I Apply For Healthcare Coverage Quickly?

HealthMarkets can help you efficiently apply for healthcare coverage. Start reviewing your options online, or speak with a licensed health insurance agent today at (800) 827-9990.