Your health insurance needs are unique. As such, you may not require standard health insurance. Or you may be in a situation where you need a short-term policy until you can get settled into your job or home. If so, short-term health insurance services are available to provide coverage for your basic health insurance needs.
Short-term health insurance may not cover everything. The reason for this is that it is designed to carry you over as you transition from one phase of life into the next. So, if you plan to get short-term health insurance, you need to go into it with some reasonable expectations. Below, we explain what short-term health insurance is and what you can expect to see in a standard policy.
Short-Term Health Insurance Explained
Short-term health insurance is a health plan that provides temporary medical coverage when you are between health plans, outside enrollment periods, and need some coverage in case of an emergency. Short-term health insurance coverage varies greatly depending on the plan and the insurance company you buy from.
These types of plans are not required to comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) guidelines. ACA plans are required to provide certain levels of coverage—called minimum essential coverage. Short-term health plans are not required to meet the same standards.
What Do Short-Term Health Insurance Services Cover?
Short term medical insurance typically provides some level of coverage, including
- Preventive care
- Doctor visits
- Urgent care
- Emergency care
There may also be coverage for prescriptions. Some plans also offer cost savings for seeing in-network providers. Make sure to read the “exclusions and limitations” information before buying any plan. It will tell you what’s covered and not covered by a certain plan. You can also go over coverage plans with your health insurance provider.
What Do I Need to Consider When Getting Short-Term Health Insurance?
If you’re considering temporary health insurance, you need to consider the following items:
Monthly Premiums
This is the monthly fee you pay for having coverage. The premium will vary depending on the level of coverage you choose, including deductible and coinsurance, as well as the types of services covered.
Deductibles
The deductibles on short-term health plans can be significantly higher than other more traditional health plans. You pay out of pocket for services until you meet your deductible. Then your plan starts sharing costs.
Coinsurance
This is the percentage of costs you share with your plan after you meet your deductible. It’s often shown as a percentage. Most short-term plans have a deductible and coinsurance.
Copay
This is a fee you may have to pay when you visit a doctor – usually payable at the time of the visit. Some short-term plans require you to pay a copay for certain doctor visits.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
If there are health care services not covered by your short-term plan, you could end up paying all costs. For example, some short-term plans may not cover or may limit your coverage for maternity care, mental health or substance use services, vision care, or dental care—these are costs you’d have to pay yourself for any services you receive.
Other costs may apply depending on what type of coverage you buy. Read all plan information carefully before choosing so you are informed on what your plan may cost you.
What to Look for in a Short-Term Health Insurance Plan
When it comes to finding insurance for your child, you will look for the same features you would if you were looking for individual, family, or group health insurance. Try to find a plan with some or all of the following advantages:
- Lower premiums and low copay/coinsurance options
- Comprehensive coverage options
- Premium subsidies (premium assistance or reduced rates)
- Free preventative care, primary care visits, and $0 virtual care
- Financial protection for medical emergencies
- Free-look period
- Multiple coverage period maximums
- Multiple add-ons and riders
- Prescription drug coverage
- Premiums payable through financial aid
- Coverage available for us at on-campus health centers
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Short-Term Health Insurance?
Short-term health insurance servpices offer some distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- It fills short-term gaps in coverage should you need it.
- You can cancel coverage whenever you’d like without penalties.
- You can typically choose a plan that covers you up to a year if you needed it.
- Many different plan designs are available, depending on the insurance carrier.
Cons:
- Significantly higher deductibles than traditional health plans with other possible unforeseen costs
- No coverage for pre-existing conditions and limited coverage for most services
- A medical questionnaire may be required to be approved for coverage
- There are no national standards, so plans vary greatly in covered services and costs with very little government oversight
Short-term health plans are not a good fit for everyone. For comprehensive coverage and benefits, make sure you enroll in a plan that works for you.
Contact Insurance Enterprise for Premier Health Insurance
If you have questions about group or individual health insurance and need health insurance quotes, contact Insurance Enterprise at 888-350-6605. Speak to a licensed agent and find out more about how you can get an affordable health insurance plan.