Short-term vs. Standard Health Insurance

Your health insurance coverage can play a pivotal role in your overall well-being, potentially helping fund your recovery from injuries and the management of ongoing conditions. But while you likely understand the general premise of health insurance, policies can come in many forms. Understanding your options and how they may differ in coverage capabilities and limitations is critical. Short-term health insurance can be a particularly nuanced and complicated topic.

What Is Short-term Health Insurance?

As its name suggests, this subset of health insurance plans can provide abbreviated coverage, typically for periods no longer than four months. These policies may often be suitable for those who need coverage for a specific period or in response to loss of standard insurance. For example, someone who is between jobs or is waiting to become eligible for a new employer’s group health plan may need a short-term policy for their coverage gap.

How Do These Plans Differ From Standard Insurance?

Short-term health insurance generally provides more limited coverage than a standard health insurance plan you might get through your employer or find on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Short-term policies are not generally subject to Affordable Care Act standards, meaning certain services, such as preventive care, prescription drugs and maternity care may not be covered. Additionally, pre-existing conditions may not be covered.

Still, short-term coverage options may also have benefits. For example, premiums are typically lower for these policies in exchange for their more limited coverage. Additionally, these policies are available throughout the year, meaning that if you’ve missed an open enrollment period or otherwise require coverage on short notice, they may be valuable and convenient.

How to Find Short-term Coverage Near Me

If you need short-term health insurance or want to weigh such options against more traditional policies, the team at United One Insurance can help. Contact us today to get started.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.