Can I get a short term plan as temporary insurance between jobs?

Short term coverage will vary, depending on the plan you choose. Check your plan details to learn about coverage for common care and services like these:

How quickly can coverage start?

Many, but not all, short term health insurance plans can take effect the day after your application is received. You may also choose a later effective date based on your individual needs.

• Between jobs
• Waiting for other coverage to begin
• Waiting to be eligible for Medicare coverage
• Without health insurance, outside of Open Enrollment

For these situations and more where you are stuck in a coverage gap, you may decide that finding the best short term health insurance plan you can is the right solution for you. 1

How are short term insurance plans different from ACA plans?

With short term health insurance, it’s important to keep in mind you’re not buying an ACA health plan. Here are a couple of ways short term plans differ from ACA plans.

So, it’s true that you may save money by choosing short term health insurance. Just be sure you know what you are buying, and that it’s a good choice for you. For the right situation, short term insurance plans can provide fast, flexible, temporary health insurance coverage that fits your needs.

1. The federal tax payment for not having minimum essential coverage no longer applies, but tax penalties may still exist at the state level. Consult your tax advisor for more information. Short term plans are medically underwritten. This coverage is not required to comply with certain federal market requirements for health insurance, principally those contained in the Affordable Care Act. Be sure to check your policy/certificate carefully to make sure you are aware of any exclusions or limitations regarding coverage of preexisting conditions or health benefits (such as hospitalization, emergency services, maternity care, preventive care, prescription drugs, and mental health and substance use disorder services). Continue reading →