Short-Term Health Insurance Plans

Are you in college, trying to find a new job, or struggling to afford health insurance?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, a short term health insurance plan might be the best option for you.

Affordable Short-Term Health Insurance Quotes

At Health Quote Gurus, we connect our clients with personalized short term health insurance plans that are best suited to meet their needs. And with low premiums and deductibles, you’re guaranteed to find a short term plan that fits your budget.

Many health insurers also offer flexible terms. Depending on your state, some short term plans can be purchased for up to 12 months. Some insurers also offer renewals of up to 36 months. Such plans can provide coverage while you’re in college, searching for a new job, or waiting until next year for open enrollment or a special enrollment period.

Our providers offer short-term medical plans with benefits that may cost significantly less than quotes from Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, even with subsidies.

What Is Short-Term Health Insurance?

Short term insurance, commonly referred to as temporary health insurance and term health insurance, provides temporary insurance to help bridge the gap between coverage under ACA-compliant plans. Short term coverage is often the best option for college students, individuals between jobs, those waiting for Medicare eligibility, and those without coverage outside of the open enrollment period.

In the case of an accident, emergency, or health problem, a short-term health plan can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. While some short-term plans cover preventive care and prescription drugs, coverage varies per plan.

It’s important to keep in mind that short term plans do not typically offer comprehensive coverage, such as maternity, mental health, and health coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Investing in a short-term health plan can give you financial peace of mind, provide you with essential health benefits, and help you avoid potential medical debt.

How Does Short-Term Health Insurance Work?

Short term insurance works similarly to standard health insurance plans, also known as major medical plans. In exchange for monthly premiums, your insurance plan provides you with protection against covered medical costs.

Depending on the type of medical services you receive and on the terms of your insurance policy, you may be required to make a copayment or pay out-of-pocket costs toward your deductible or coinsurance.

Your plan’s out-of-pocket maximum is the most you would potentially be required to pay toward medical services before your insurer pays in full for your covered medical care. If your plan includes copayments, they typically do not count toward the out-of-pocket maximum.

How Much Does Short-Term Health Insurance Cost?

Short term plans generally have lower premiums than standard health insurance coverage. However, short term plans typically offer limited coverage and high deductibles compared to standard medical plans. Most short term plans cover unexpected illnesses and injuries, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, and emergency room visits. However, the exact coverage and health benefits vary per policy and insurance company.

Some short term plans also offer discounts for using doctors and facilities within a preferred network. Individuals covered under short term health plans are responsible for paying a deductible and coinsurance, and are often subject to a lifetime coverage limit.

If you’re concerned that a short term health plan won’t provide enough coverage, you can supplement your short term policy with a catastrophic insurance plan for more comprehensive coverage.

Is Short-Term Health Insurance Right for Me?

If you're not currently insured and you have good health status, a short term health insurance plan can provide affordable, temporary health coverage.

Short-term insurance plans typically offer lower premiums than major medical plans. If you missed open enrollment for an ACA plan or if you’re living on a limited income, short term insurance might be the best option for you.

Short term medical insurance isn’t for everyone. Short term insurance plans offer streamlined health insurance and benefits designed to help healthy people when they become ill or injured. Short term insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions or medical conditions and health problems present before the effective date of coverage.

Short term health coverage also does not provide the minimum essential coverage of an ACA plan, including maternity care, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. If you have a pre-existing condition or if you’re concerned about limited benefits, consider shopping around for major medical plans with comprehensive insurance benefits.

Benefits of Short-Term Health Insurance

Along with flexible term lengths and lower premiums, short term insurance plans have various pros. Short term medical insurance offers unrestricted networks so you can use your insurance plan to pay for medical services from any doctor or hospital. In other words, applicants for short term insurance can keep their doctor, regardless of their network. Most short term plans also offer discounted rates for using a preferred provider network.

Under Trump Administration’s Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, short term medical insurance is now considered credible medical coverage. Under the new rule, there’s no tax penalty for having short-term coverage instead of an ACA plan. Although short term health care coverage is not considered an ACA-compliant plan, there are not higher premiums during the coverage term.

How Do I Apply for Short-Term Health Insurance?

Applying for short term health coverage can lower your out-of-pocket costs, make medical care more affordable, and help you avoid paying higher premiums. With Health Quote Gurus, applying for your own insurance plan is fast and easy. To start your enrollment in medical insurance today, fill out our application or speak to a licensed health agent at 866-317-7340.

Our health insurance experts will connect you with personalized medical insurance coverage today. If your application is approved, the effective date of your new coverage may be as soon as the next day.

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