Short Term Health Insurance Explained

You've just graduated from college, are in-between jobs, or you’re about to leave home for the first time. You’re experiencing a change that could also mean changing your healthcare coverage.

One of the options to look into is Short Term Health. These plans are only temporary, but they work like traditional Fee-for-Service plans, giving you the freedom to see any doctor or specialist you’d like to.

Short Term Health plans feature low payments but high deductibles (the amount you have to pay before your insurance covers your bills.) They are designed to act as low-cost safety nets instead of comprehensive day-to-day health plans.

How Much Will Short Term Health Cost?

The most appealing thing about a short term plan? The low premium, or payment. The average plan costs around $30.00 a month for a recent college grad in good health. You’re also likely to have the option to pay on either a monthly basis or as a single payment.

How Much Time Will It Take to Get a Short Term Health Plan?

Unlike individual health plans, you’ll be able to purchase a short term health plan that will be “in-force” the next day.

What Will a Short-Term Plan Cover?

The treatment options available via short-term policies are reasonably comprehensive, especially considering the cost. You’ll have access to everything from hospital and surgical care to emergency services, follow-up doctor’s office visits, diagnostic tests, and even limited mental health coverage.

More Short Term Health Plan Highlights:

• Prescription Drug
• Laboratory and X-ray
• Ambulance Services
• Intensive Care

What You Need to Be Aware of

Like all health plans, there will be areas where a short term plan will fall short. For instance, you’ll have to pay for your own preventative care (immunizations, physical exams, etc.), there probably won’t be any coverage for maternity care and the policy will almost certainly be non-renewable.

If you’re just filling a brief coverage gap, from one to six months on average, a short term plan might be the perfect health insurance protection for your needs.