Short term health insurance frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is short term health insurance?
Short term medical insurance, also called temporary health insurance or term health insurance, can provide a temporary solution to help fill gaps in coverage.
How long can I get coverage?
Term lengths vary by state, but in some states you can apply for up to nearly 12 months of coverage. Ready to see some short term plans underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company?
Short term medical insurance, also called temporary health insurance or term health insurance, can provide a temporary solution to help fill gaps in coverage. Consider short term if you’re:
- 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, finding the best Short Term health insurance plan you can may be just the right solution for you. 1
Usually not. If you need coverage for longer, you may be able to apply for another short term insurance plan.2 Some states will also allow you to purchase back-to-back plans for longer coverage. However, for any subsequent plan, whatever you received treatment for under a preceding plan will be considered a preexisting condition in most cases.
TriTerm Medical is short term insurance with coverage lasting nearly 3 years.
Yes, spouses and dependents can be covered under a short term insurance plan. However, because short term is medically underwritten, all family members will need to meet medical requirements of the plan.
No. In most cases short term insurance plans do not cover preexisting conditions, which depending on your state’s definition would mean something you received diagnosis or treatment for within the last 2 to 5 years. If you are in this situation, you may want to explore other options or see if you can extend your current insurance plan.
Many, but not all, Short Term health insurance plans can take effect is the day after your application is received. You may also choose a later effective date based on your individual needs.
Limited preventive care can sometimes be covered under a Short Term plan. Check plan details for more information.
Prescriptions may be covered on some plans. Check specific plan details to learn more.
It is possible, but check the network offered by any Short Term health insurance you plan to buy for the inclusion of doctors that are important to you.
With some Short Term plans, if a regular network doctor's visit is covered on the plan and the doctor offers telehealth services, you can use the service at network lower rates. Your plan's deductible and coinsurance rates apply.
Additionally, some plans may offer a Virtual Care rider for an additional cost. This can provide virtual visits with board-certified doctors 24/7 at no additional fee, which is a useful option if you need care fast.
While some plans may require you to select a PCP as your main point of contact for your health care management, temporary health insurance plans often give you the flexibility to see any qualified health care provider included in the network you choose.
Referrals are not required to see a specialist with short term medical plans underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company. You can see any specialist you wish.
Other short term health insurance plans may differ, so be sure to check the details before you buy.
No. This coverage is not “minimum essential coverage” as defined by the ACA. The federal tax penalty for not having minimum essential coverage no longer applies as of January 31, 2019. However, tax penalties may still exist at the state level. Consult your tax advisor for more information.
No. short term plans do not qualify for tax subsidies under the ACA. Generally speaking, temporary health insurance costs less than ACA health plans, so the option may still make sense for your situation.
No. short term insurance plans have no such restrictions and are available year-round. There’s no need to wait for Open Enrollment to apply.
Most often, the answer is yes. For example, Short Term Medical underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company offers multiple plans and deductible choices to meet a range of budgets and needs. As always, check the plan you are considering carefully.
Short term medical plans offer different deductible options you can choose from to meet your needs.
Short term health insurance plans can be cancelled at any time without penalty.
If you need coverage for longer, you may be able to apply for another short term insurance plan.2 However, for any subsequent plan, whatever you received treatment for under a preceding plan will be considered a preexisting condition.
Yes. Choosing a plan with fewer benefits, or a higher deductible, or staying in network for your care are all effective ways to potentially save money. In some select states, you may be able to pay your entire premium up front to save money, too.
Yes. Short Term is often combined with other supplemental health insurance plans to help round out coverage.
Dental, Vision, Accident and Critical Illness plans are commonly paired with Short Term medical insurance plans.
How Short Term Medical Plans work
Ready to see some short term options?
Short Term Medical plans underwritten by Golden Rule may be the fast and flexible solution you’ve been looking for.
UnitedHealthcare’s nationwide network, one of the largest in the United States, provides access to nearly 1.4 million physicians and health care professionals, and approximately 6,500 hospitals and medical facilities. 3 It’s likely that your doctor is already a part of our network.
