What Is Short-Term Health Insurance?
Short-term health insurance provides temporary medical coverage for people who need insurance quickly — between jobs, waiting for employer coverage, missed Open Enrollment, or need a bridge plan. It's not ACA-compliant, which means lower premiums but significant coverage gaps.
What Short-Term Plans Cover
- Doctor visits, urgent care, ER visits
- Hospital stays and surgery
- Diagnostic testing (X-rays, blood work)
- Prescription drugs (limited)
What Short-Term Plans Do NOT Cover
- Pre-existing conditions — excluded entirely
- Maternity care
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Preventive care at $0
- No out-of-pocket maximum — your costs are uncapped
- May have annual or lifetime benefit caps
Short-Term vs. ACA Plans vs. Private Plans
Short-term: $50-$200/month, enroll any time, limited coverage, pre-existing excluded
ACA marketplace: $0-$150/month with subsidies, full coverage, all conditions covered
Private ACA-compliant: $300-$800/month, full coverage, all conditions covered, no marketplace needed
State Restrictions
Some states restrict or ban short-term plans: California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York do not allow them. Other states limit the duration. Check your state's rules before applying.
Best for: Healthy individuals who need temporary coverage for a specific gap — between jobs, waiting for employer plan to start, or missed Open Enrollment. Not recommended as a long-term replacement for ACA-compliant coverage if you have any ongoing health conditions.
Related Terms
Last updated: March 30, 2026.
