Short-term health insurance is generally more affordable than major medical coverage. Rates vary based on your age, location, and other factors. Get a personalized quote to explore your options and see what fits your budget.

Short-term health insurance can be a good option for individuals who are healthy and do not generally require health services or have regular prescription needs. Short-term health insurance is often worth it for those who want a health plan in case of emergency or need immediate coverage.

Short-term medical insurance coverage will vary based on the plan you choose. Most short-term plans will cover emergency hospital visits, certain prescription medications, and some doctor’s appointments not related to pre-existing conditions.

Most temporary health insurance plans do not cover treatment for pre-existing conditions, maternity care, and mental health, among other items. Short-term plans do not guarantee the essential health benefits and protections of Affordable Care Act plans. Short-term plans may also have waiting periods, during which the plan will not cover certain conditions at the beginning of the plan. If you end one term on a short-term plan and then begin another short-term insurance plan, you may lose coverage for certain conditions that become pre-existing conditions and may have to restart any deductible or waiting period requirement in your plan. In some cases, you cannot extend your short-term coverage or buy another short-term plan when your short-term coverage ends. Short-term plans also generally have an overall maximum amount they will pay out in coverage.

Be sure to read the details of your plan carefully to understand the limitations of your coverage. The above summary is only general guidance, so you must review your plan’s official documentation to see your plan’s coverage, limitations, and restrictions.

To qualify for short-term health insurance, you will likely have to fill out a health questionnaire, and you may need to disclose any pre-existing conditions, which can disqualify you from obtaining coverage with a temporary health insurance plan. You may also be disqualified by some insurance companies if you:

• are pregnant
• are currently insured under another policy
• are a man who weighs more than 300 pounds or a woman who weighs more than 250 pounds
• have been diagnosed with, or treated for, HIV or AIDS
• qualify for Medicaid
• aren’t a U.S citizen

Please note this is not an inclusive list of all reasons you may be disqualified for a short-term plan. Plan qualifications will vary based on the carrier.

Even if a plan allows renewals, the total duration of coverage, including the initial term and any renewals, cannot exceed four months. Please also remember that renewals are not automatic!

Short-term plans can deny you coverage if you have a pre-existing condition. You might also find that you’re required to pay more for your plan due to pre-existing conditions or that costs related to your pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Federal Rules: The federal government has set a maximum coverage period of four months for short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans, including extensions and renewals.

State Regulations: Many states have implemented stricter rules with a duration of 3 months.

The Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows you to continue the same health insurance you had through your employer — but you pay the full premium, which can be expensive.

Short-term health insurance is a separate, temporary policy you buy on your own. It usually costs less, but it covers fewer benefits and doesn’t include pre-existing conditions.