Short-Term Coverage
These plans can provide you with some coverage but can lead to substantial out-of-pocket costs. Is primarily intended to provide you with valuable protection against out-of-pocket costs in case of unexpected injury or hospitalization.
With short-term policies, healthy applicants can secure immediate individual and family coverage, with plans that can kick in as early as the next day. If you already know the number of days you will need to be covered, your insurer may allow you to make a single payment for the whole coverage period.
Short-term plans are typically offered with a selection of premiums, deductibles, and benefit maximums. The policies are considerably less expensive than ACA-compliant major medical plans, so you may find that you can afford to purchase a plan with a low deductible and a high benefit maximum.
The policies also cover a range of physician services, surgery, outpatient and inpatient care. In addition, policyholders can sometimes choose their own doctor and hospital without restrictions, though there may be financial incentives for using in-network providers.
The enrollment process is quick and easy, with just a handful of yes/no questions regarding major health concerns (even if your health conditions are not included, bear in mind that virtually all short-term plans have blanket exclusions that apply to any pre-existing condition, regardless of whether it’s one of the conditions that determine eligibility for coverage).
In states that allow it and where insurers offer the option, an applicant can buy a short-term policy and keep it for up to three years. The insurer may offer the option to lock in guaranteed renewability, without additional medical underwriting, when the policy is purchased, meaning that the applicant would only have to apply once and could be covered for up to three years. (Note that in most states, short-term health insurers are not required to offer renewability; check the plan details carefully before purchasing coverage, to make sure you understand what you’re buying.)
Need extra health coverage? Between jobs? Self-employed?
Individual ACA health insurance plans
Individual ACA plans offer comprehensive benefits required by the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Thinking long term? We’ll help you find the coverage you need.
Health insurance if you’re unemployed
Though many newly unemployed Americans opt for short-term plans, we can help find your marketplace and Medicaid options as well.
Health insurance if you’re self-employed
If you’re self-employed, we can take you through all your options—including plans available through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
