Short Term Health Insurance

Short Term Plans Starting at $33.10/Month

(Sample rate is base monthly premium only for a Short Term Medical Value plan ($10,000 deductible & 50% co-insurance) for unmarried female 19-24, non-smoker, ZIP code 800--)

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Short Term Health Insurance

Short Term medical insurance, also called Temporary health insurance or Term health insurance, can provide a temporary solution to help fill gaps in coverage. Consider Short Term if you’re:

  • Rolling off their parent’s insurance
  • Between jobs
  • Waiting for other coverage to begin
  • Waiting to be eligible for Medicare coverage
  • Without health insurance, outside of Open Enrollment
  • Needing a temporary alternative to COBRA insurance
  • Losing coverage following a divorce
  • Under 65 and in good health
  • A college student or just out of school

For these situations and more where you are stuck in a coverage gap, finding the best short term health insurance plan you can may be just the right solution for you.

Is Short Term health insurance available for families?

Yes, spouses and dependents can be covered under a Short Term insurance plan. However, because Short Term is medically underwritten, all family members will need to meet medical requirements of the plan.

Does Short Term health insurance provide coverage for preexisting conditions?

No. In most cases Short Term insurance plans do not cover preexisting conditions, which depending on your state’s definition would mean something you received diagnosis or treatment for within the last 2 to 5 years. If you are in this situation, you may want to explore other options or see if you can extend your current insurance plan.

How quickly can I get coverage?

The earliest a Short Term health insurance plan can take effect is the day after your application is received. You may also choose a later effective date based on your individual needs.

Is preventive care covered under Short Term health insurance?

Maybe, Preventive care can sometimes be covered under a Short Term plan but may be limited. Check plan details for more information.

Will prescriptions be covered if I get temporary health insurance?

Sometimes, Prescriptions may be covered on some plans. Check specific plan details to learn more.

Is my current doctor covered under this plan?

Possibly, but check the network offered by any short term health insurance you plan to buy for the inclusion of doctors that are important to you.

Do I need to select a Primary Care Provider (PCP)?

No, most plans do not require you to select a PCP as your main point of contact for your health care management, temporary health insurance plans often give you the flexibility to see any qualified health care provider you choose.

Do I need a referral from my PCP to see a specialist?

No, Referrals are not required to see a specialist with Short Term Medical plans underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company. You can see any specialist you wish.

Other Short Term health insurance plans may differ, so be sure to check the details before you buy.

Do Short Term plans meet federal requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

No. Short Term medical insurance plans are not minimum essential coverage and, therefore, do not meet the mandated coverage necessary for you to avoid a tax penalty under the ACA. You may be subject to the tax penalty if other exemptions do not apply to you.  Click Here for more details between Short Term Health Insurance and ACA (Affordable Care Act) Coverage

Can I get a tax subsidy to help pay for my Short Term health insurance?

No. Short Term plans do not qualify for tax subsidies under the ACA.  Generally speaking, temporary health insurance costs less than ACA health plans, so the option may still make sense for your situation.  The total penalty for tax year 2017, it’s either 2.5% of your total household income, or $695 per uninsured adult and $347.50 per uninsured child (up to a maximum of $2,085)—whichever figure is higher.  Keep this in mind when weighing your options, and consider consulting with a tax advisor for more information.

Is Short Term medical insurance limited to annual enrollment periods?

No. Short Term insurance plans have no such restrictions and are available year-round. There’s no need to wait for Open Enrollment to apply.

Are there multiple plan choices and price ranges available with Temporary health insurance plans?

Most often, the answer is yes. For example, Short Term Medical underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company offers multiple plans and deductible choices to meet a range of budgets and needs. As always, check the plan you are considering carefully.

Do Short Term health insurance plans have high deductibles?

Short Term Medical plans offer deductible options starting at $1,000 to meet your needs.  What if I don’t need my temporary insurance coverage for as long as I had planned?Short Term health insurance plans can be cancelled at any time without penalty. Any premium paid beyond the new termination date will be returned to you.

Can I renew this type of health insurance coverage?

No. Short Term coverage is limited to the duration selected; therefore, it is non-renewable. Durations may vary by state.

If I’m looking for the best Short Term health insurance price, do I have options to help me reduce my premium payments?

Yes. Choosing a plan with fewer benefits, or a higher deductible, or a single up-front payment option are all effective ways to potentially reduce your premiums.

Can I pair other plans with a Temporary health insurance plan?

Yes. Short Term is often combined with other supplemental health insurance plans to help round out coverage.  For example: Dental, Accident, and/or Critical Illness.