Short-term health insurance is a well-known option among millions of American citizens and residents who do not qualify for other types of insurance, yet cannot risk staying uninsured. In this article, we will answer all of the frequently asked questions about short-term plans; short term health insurance definition, who qualifies for it, how long it lasts, and more. We will also explain what makes it a viable option for many people who want to be on the safe side.
What is short term health insurance?
Short-term health insurance, also known as ‘term insurance’ refers to a health insurance plan with a limited time period. These plans last from a few months up to one year with a possibility of renewal upon expiration. Short-term plans are less costly than their longer-term counterparts, as the coverage it provides is not comprehensive.
What does short term health insurance cover?
Short-term plans include essential health benefits, such as hospital care, doctor visits, x-ray services, ambulance, and treatments in case of an accident or illness. These plans, on the other hand, have a list of uncovered conditions that may not make it an ideal choice for everyone. For example, if you have a pre-existing condition, you might be denied enrollment in a plan, or you may be able to enroll in one with the exclusion of your condition predetermined in the agreement. If you are pregnant, your maternity care will not be covered as well. Most short-term plans do not offer drug coverage, but some newer plans do cover prescription drugs not tied to any of the uncovered conditions.
Is short-term health insurance good for me?
If you are not qualified for a more comprehensive type of coverage yet, are in between jobs and trying to bridge the gap until you qualify for employer-sponsored coverage, then health insurance for short term will cover your needs. It is important to note that these plans do not replace their longer-term, more comprehensive counterparts and are of no use to individuals with serious health issues that require complex medical attention.
How much does short-term health insurance cost?
While the exact premium (monthly payment) is different from one carrier to another, short-term plans are, in general, much less costly than longer-term ones.
Do I qualify for short-term health insurance?
If you are a citizen or a legal resident of the United States of America, you can get insured right away. However, there are some states where you cannot purchase a short-term health insurance plan.
Is short-term health insurance allowed in my state?
If you do not live in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, or New Mexico, the good news is, you can purchase a health insurance policy whenever you want and get insured immediately.
Does short-term health insurance have an enrollment period?
Unlike plans under the Affordable Care Act, short-term plans can be applied for all year round. The good thing is: they can also be canceled at any point without having to pay a penalty.
Do I have to pay an ACA non-compliance penalty if I buy a short-term policy?
As of 2020, short-term health insurance is considered ACA-compliant and there is no penalty one would have to pay for acquiring such a type of coverage.
Do you still have more questions about short-term health insurance? eTermHealth.com aims to help those trying to understand what short term health insurance is used for, and those looking for coverage to get insured as quickly as possible. Affiliates of eTermHealth.com provide quotes for cheap short-term protection to get you the coverage you need quickly. Ultimately, if you need a plan, eTermHealh.com wants your coverage to commence with as little difficulty and within as little time as possible.