Short-Term Health Insurance

What short-term health insurance is

Short-term, limited-duration plans are meant to be temporary coverage while you wait for something more permanent, for example between jobs, after aging off a parent’s plan, or until the next Open Enrollment. They usually cost less than major medical, but that lower price comes with real limits.

Short-term plans are not ACA-compliant. They do not have to cover pre-existing conditions or all essential health benefits, and they are not required to include things like maternity or some prescriptions. A licensed agent will walk you through exactly what a specific plan covers before you decide.

Who a short-term plan can make sense for

A short-term plan can be a reasonable bridge if you are generally healthy and need coverage for a limited time. It is usually not the right fit if you have ongoing conditions or expect significant care, because the gaps can be costly.

• You are between jobs and waiting for new coverage to start
• You missed Open Enrollment and need something until the next one
• You are waiting for a Special Enrollment Period to begin
• You are generally healthy and want lower-cost temporary coverage

Availability and limits vary by state

Some states ban short-term plans entirely, and others cap how long they can last. Federal rules also limit the total duration. Because of that, what is available depends on where you live. A licensed agent tells you what is offered in your state and compares it fairly against ACA and private plans so you can choose with full information.