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Short Term Health Insurance

A temporary health insurance plan for those in-between times

Short term health insurance (STM), also referred to as temporary health insurance, is a type of medical coverage that is available for shorter durations of time, such as up to three months. Temporary insurance plans have more restricted coverage than major medical but also can have a lower premium.

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Short Term Health Insurance
Get a Free Short Term Health Insurance Quote in Minutes!

A temporary health insurance plan for those in-between times

Short term health insurance (STM), also referred to as temporary health insurance, is a type of medical coverage that is available for shorter durations of time, such as up to three months. Temporary insurance plans have more restricted coverage than major medical but also can have a lower premium.

What Does Short Term Health Insurance Cover?

What Does Short Term Health Insurance Cover?

Covered expenses for temporary health insurance plans generally include the high-dollar, unexpected care and treatment you may require as a result of an illness or injury – from a serious medical event like a heart attack or stroke to a broken leg or doctor’s office visit due to illness.

Remember, these plans are highly customizable (that’s one of the perks!). The chart below describes benefits that may be covered with short term medical policies.

Individual insurance plans vary, so you’ll want to read the plan details closely to validate the coverage and benefits you’ve selected and what exclusions apply.

What STM Covers

  • Hospital room and board
  • Emergency room – anesthesiology and surgical care
  • Diagnostic services – X-rays, laboratory tests and analysis
  • Ambulance and surgical services
  • Doctor visits

What STM Does Not Cover

  • Sport-related injuries
  • Emergency room – anesthesiology and surgical care
  • Injuries or illness related to participating in extreme or dangerous activities
  • Medical costs resulting from injury from riding an ATV (dirt bike, snowmobile, go-cart), racing with a motorcycle, boat or any form of aircraft
  • Treatment of pre-existing conditions
  • Any medical expenses incurred prior to the effective date or after the expiration date of your policy
  • Tobacco, drug, and alcohol-related treatment expenses

Pros and Cons of Short Term Health Plans

Pros and Cons of Short Term Health Plans
  • Short term medical monthly insurance premiums are typically less than major medical premiums, 31.5% less on average[0]. However, STM has less coverage and does not qualify as an ACA plan.
  • Apply year-round – There is no official open enrollment period and, in most cases, coverage begins the next day after you enroll online.
  • Don’t pay for coverage you don’t need – Plans are highly customizable; you can choose from various health benefit levels.
  • Keep Your Doctor – No provider network limitations means you can visit your preferred health care provider.
  • Short term plans can be used alongside other supplemental insurance options such as a hospital plan, dental plan or a prescription drug card (not an insurance product).

Find Answers to Short Term Health Insurance Questions

What is short term health insurance? open What is short term health insurance?
Who should get short term health insurance? open Who should get short term health insurance?
What is short term health insurance used for? open What is short term health insurance used for?
How does short term health insurance work? open How does short term health insurance work?
How long do short term health insurance policies last? open How long do short term health insurance policies last?
When can you enroll in short term health insurance? open When can you enroll in short term health insurance?
Is short term health insurance a good idea? open Is short term health insurance a good idea?
What is the best short term health insurance? open What is the best short term health insurance?
Is short term health Insurance the same as Obamacare? open Is short term health Insurance the same as Obamacare?
Do temporary plans fulfill the ACA’s individual mandate for health insurance coverage? open Do temporary plans fulfill the ACA’s individual mandate for health insurance coverage?
How much does short term health insurance cost? open How much does short term health insurance cost?
Why is short term health insurance cheaper than major medical? open Why is short term health insurance cheaper than major medical?
Is there short term health insurance in my state? open Is there short term health insurance in my state?
Where can I buy short term health insurance? open Where can I buy short term health insurance?
Does short term health insurance cover pregnancy? open Does short term health insurance cover pregnancy?
Does short term health insurance cover pre-existing conditions? open Does short term health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Does short term medical cover preventive care? open Does short term medical cover preventive care?
Does short term health insurance cover children and infants? open Does short term health insurance cover children and infants?
Does short term health insurance cover seniors? open Does short term health insurance cover seniors?
Does short term health insurance cover prescription drugs? open Does short term health insurance cover prescription drugs?
Does short term health insurance cover birth control? open Does short term health insurance cover birth control?

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