Short-term insurance is an essential option for those without guaranteed coverage. These temporary health plans protect against unexpected medical events like illnesses or accidents, bridging the gap until permanent insurance starts. Stay covered and explore your options today.

Who is Eligible for Short-Term Insurance?

Short-term plan is a temporary health plan for people who don’t currently have coverage. Depending on the state and the specific plan, temporary health insurance coverage can last between 30 and 120 days, making it the right coverage for those in transition.

Eligibility for Short-Term Insurance

Eligibility for short-term health insurance is determined through a simple online health questionnaire. This questionnaire screens for major pre-existing conditions, such as:

Short term health insurance
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disorders
  • Liver disorders

Short-term health insurance, also called gap health insurance, is a temporary and affordable option but may not cover pre-existing conditions. It provides basic medical coverage, including doctor visits and emergency care, helping you stay insured while switching jobs or waiting for long-term health plans.

What Does a Short Term Health Plan Cover?

Short term insurance plan is covered depending on the state and provider, typically covers:

  • Ambulatory Ambulatory
  • Emergency Emergency
  • Hospitalization Hospitalization
  • Surgical care Surgical
  • Lab & X-Ray Lab & X-Ray
  • Prescription drug discount cards Prescription
  • Rehabilitative Rehabilitation

These plans offer an affordable solution for managing unexpected medical expenses while transitioning to a long-term health plan. However, these plans do not cover things like mental health care, substance abuse treatment, regular checkups, or pre-existing conditions. Even with these limits, short-duration health insurance is still an affordable way to stay covered during temporary gaps.

What Short-Term Health Plan Doesn’t Cover?

Short-term health insurance has some important limitations to consider before purchasing a plan. Here’s what you need to know:

  • No Pre-Existing Condition Coverage: These plans do not cover any illnesses or health problems you had before applying. You cannot use them for ongoing treatments or existing medical conditions.
  • Medically Underwritten Plans: Short-term health plans are medically underwritten, meaning the insurer reviews your medical history to decide if you qualify. Applications from individuals with poor health or major pre-existing conditions may be denied.
  • Different from ACA Plans: Unlike ACA-compliant health plans, short-term policies do not guarantee coverage for everyone and are not required to cover essential health benefits. This makes ACA plans better for those with existing health concerns.

At AHiX, we offer short-term medical plans that are affordable and flexible, perfect for covering temporary gaps in coverage. AHiX Expert is here to help you understand their limitations and choose the right coverage for your needs.

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Can You Renew Short-Term Coverage?

Starting in September 2024, renewing your short-term insurance coverage will no longer be an option. Once your current plan expires, you’ll need to apply for a new short-term health plan with a different insurance company to extend your coverage. Plan your healthcare needs and timing carefully before your policy expires. Explore your options to make sure your coverage continues without any gaps.

How Does Short-Term Health Insurance Work?

Short-Term Insurance is affordable coverage to ensure you and your family are protected during unexpected medical emergencies. AHiX provides reliable gap health insurance coverage for all your short-term needs. These are the benefits to know before buying a short-term health care plan:

Benefit #1:

Get Covered Quickly

With a simple online health insurance application, your short-term medical insurance can begin immediately or the next day. Unlike ACA alternatives, there’s no need to wait for open enrollment, you can apply anytime, making it a great option for temporary insurance for emergencies.

Benefit #2:

Extensive Network

Keep your current doctor or select from a broad network of healthcare providers. This ensures you have access to quality care without interruptions, a key feature of flexible health insurance plans.

Benefit #3:

Lower Premiums

Affordable short-term health plans cost much less than ACA plans. With premiums starting as low as $50 per month, these low-cost health insurance options are perfect for individuals and families needing budget-friendly coverage.

Benefit #4:

Family Coverage

Short-term plans provide protection for your entire family, including spouses and dependents. However, since these are medically underwritten health policies, all family members must meet the health requirements to qualify for temporary medical plans for families.

Benefit #5:

Cancel Anytime

These month-to-month health insurance options allow you to cancel anytime without penalties. They are designed as temporary health coverage solutions to provide flexibility during transitions or emergencies.

Short-Term Insurance: Pros and Cons

Pros of Short-Term Health Plan

  • Flexibility: These temporary health insurance plans let you choose how long you need coverage, typically from 30 to 120 days. This is the right coverage for people between jobs or waiting for employer-sponsored health insurance to begin.
  • Affordability: Short-term insurance often has low-cost premiums, making it a budget-friendly option for those who need basic coverage for a limited time. It’s a great alternative to expensive traditional health plans.
  • Quick Approval: With fast health insurance enrollment, coverage can start as soon as the next day after you apply. This is especially helpful if you need immediate health insurance due to an unexpected situation.
  • No Network Restrictions: Unlike many long-term health plans, short-term health care allows you to visit any doctor or hospital without being tied to a specific network. This gives you more freedom, especially during emergencies.

Cons of Short-Term Health Plan

  • Limited Coverage: These plans often exclude pre-existing conditions, preventive care, maternity care, and may provide minimal coverage for prescription drugs and mental health services.
  • No Guaranteed Renewal: Short-term plans cannot be renewed, leaving policyholders at risk of gaps in temporary health coverage once the policy expires.
  • Exclusions and Restrictions: Plans may include waiting periods, benefit caps, and limited coverage for specific treatments, making them less comprehensive than long-term options.
  • Not ACA-Compliant: These plans don’t meet Affordable Care Act (ACA) standards, offering fewer consumer protections and potentially leaving policyholders without key rights during disputes.

Short-term medical plans are affordable and flexible but come with limitations. It’s essential to evaluate your healthcare needs before choosing these plans.

Is Temporary Health Insurance the Right Fit for You?

Temporary medical insurance is a great way to stay protected while waiting for long-term coverage. Some states may even have penalties, called individual mandates, for being uninsured, so having a plan can save you from unexpected costs.

If you’re healthy and between 18 and 65 years old, you can likely qualify for temporary health coverage, especially if:

  • You missed Open Enrollment for an ACA-compliant health plan.
  • You are waiting for new coverage or employer-sponsored benefits to start.
  • You recently turned 26 and are no longer on your parents’ plan.
  • You are in between jobs and need gap health insurance.

Applying is quick and easy, just fill out an online application and get approved within minutes. These short term insurance plans aren’t available on HealthCare.gov , but you can buy them directly from an insurance company or through a private exchange like AHiX Marketplace, where you’ll find affordable and flexible options.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Short-Term Health Coverage?

    Short-term health coverage is a temporary insurance plan designed to provide protection during gaps in regular health insurance. It typically lasts from 30 to 364 days, depending on state regulations, and is ideal for people who:

    • Are between jobs.
    • Are waiting for employer-sponsored benefits to begin.
    • Missed Open Enrollment for ACA plans.

    These plans are affordable and provide quick coverage but do not include pre-existing conditions or essential benefits like ACA-compliant plans. It’s best for healthy individuals needing temporary protection for unexpected medical events.

  • Is short-term health insurance a good option?

  • How long does a short-term insurance plan last?

  • Can I buy short-term health insurance and use it immediately?

  • Is Cobra or short-term health insurance better?

  • What type of risk is covered by short-term insurance?

  • Can I Get a Short-Term Plan as Temporary Insurance Between Jobs?

  • What are short-term vs long-term benefits?

  • How Much Does a Short-Term Plan Cost?

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How to Get Short-Term Insurance Coverage with AHiX

Get short-term medical coverage with AHiX. Compare affordable plans online, apply easily, and get coverage quickly. Perfect for temporary health needs like job transitions or missed Open Enrollment. Enter Zip code to get started!