Short-term medical insurance or temporary health insurance is a medical insurance pplan that has been designed to provide coverage for medical expenses for a limited time period. Short-term plans provide “insurance” in the truest sense of the word, protecting against major medical expenses while providing only basic coverage for more routine medical costs. Short-term health insurance provides coverage for surgeries, hospitalization, and other out of hospital medical expenses, subject to any deductibles, co-pays or other limitations which may be set forth in the policy.
When to Consider Short Term Health Insurance
Short-term health insurance plans are suited for persons “in transition” and who would otherwise be uninsured. For example, if you have currently left a job and will be beginning a new one and need to wait 30 – 90 days until new medical coverage begin. Or if you are an early retiree, and need short-term health insurance until you qualify for Medicare benefits at age 65.
When leaving a job, you are entitled to continue your medical coverage under COBRA benefits by law, for a period of time determined by your state. This should be your primary option in order to maintain your full medical benefits. However, short-term health insurance is a more affordable health insurance option than COBRA if you otherwise cannot afford the premium costs associated with a COBRA plan.
Recent college graduates who are about to enter the job market may also be candidates for short-term health insurance, as they will likely now need to give up their student health insurance plan. If you have recently applied for a full term health insurance policy and are awaiting approval, short-term insurance may be suitable for you during the waiting period.
How do I get a Short Term Medical Insurance Plan?
It is typically far easier to qualify for a short-term health insurance plan than a permanent full-term health insurance plan. Eligibility is usually based on a limited set of questions such as:
· Do you currently have health coverage that will not expire before your requested effective date of short term insurance?
· Have you ever been turned down for permanent health insurance?
· Are you (or anyone else you are applying for) currently pregnant?
· Have you ever been treated for diabetes, cancer, heart problems, stroke, blood disorders, alcohol/drug dependency, or HIV/AIDS?
A “yes” to any of these questions may make you ineligible for a short term health insurance plan. In other cases, please consult with a health insurance agent who is authorized to enroll you in a short-term health insurance plan.
When to Consider Short Term Health Insurance
Short-term health insurance plans are suited for persons “in transition” and who would otherwise be uninsured. For example, if you have currently left a job and will be beginning a new one and need to wait 30 – 90 days until new medical coverage begin. Or if you are an early retiree, and need short-term health insurance until you qualify for Medicare benefits at age 65.
When leaving a job, you are entitled to continue your medical coverage under COBRA benefits by law, for a period of time determined by your state. This should be your primary option in order to maintain your full medical benefits. However, short-term health insurance is a more affordable health insurance option than COBRA if you otherwise cannot afford the premium costs associated with a COBRA plan.
Recent college graduates who are about to enter the job market may also be candidates for short-term health insurance, as they will likely now need to give up their student health insurance plan. If you have recently applied for a full term health insurance policy and are awaiting approval, short-term insurance may be suitable for you during the waiting period.
How do I get a Short Term Medical Insurance Plan?
It is typically far easier to qualify for a short-term health insurance plan than a permanent full-term health insurance plan. Eligibility is usually based on a limited set of questions such as:
· Do you currently have health coverage that will not expire before your requested effective date of short term insurance?
· Have you ever been turned down for permanent health insurance?
· Are you (or anyone else you are applying for) currently pregnant?
· Have you ever been treated for diabetes, cancer, heart problems, stroke, blood disorders, alcohol/drug dependency, or HIV/AIDS?
A “yes” to any of these questions may make you ineligible for a short term health insurance plan. In other cases, please consult with a health insurance agent who is authorized to enroll you in a short-term health insurance plan.
