Your Guide to Short Term Health Insurance in 2025
By Lauren Pezzulo
Life doesn’t always wait for the perfect health insurance plan to kick in. Maybe you’re between jobs, waiting for open enrollment, or about to turn 26 and lose coverage under a parent’s plan. Whatever the reason, being uninsured—even for a short time—can be stressful and risky.
That’s where short-term health insurance comes in. It’s a temporary option that can help bridge the gap until you land on a more permanent solution. But these plans aren’t like traditional insurance, and they come with important trade-offs. Before you sign up, let’s take a closer look at how they work, what they cover, and whether they’re the right choice for you.
What Is Short Term Health Insurance, and Is it Right for Me?
If you find yourself in between health insurance plans, short-term life insurance— also called short-term, limited-duration insurance (STLDI)—can be a lifesaver. Designed as a temporary safety net, these plans typically last anywhere from a few months to a year, keeping you covered when your current plan ends and your new one hasn’t started yet.
So, who might need short-term health insurance? It can be a good option if you’re:
- between jobs and waiting for new benefits to kick in.
- waiting for open enrollment to sign up for an ACA (Affordable Care Act) plan.
- ineligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) but still need coverage.
- turning 26 and aging out of a parent’s health plan.
- looking for temporary coverage before transitioning to Medicare.
While short-term plans can be helpful in a pinch, they’re not the same as traditional individual health insurance. They don’t typically include the same consumer protections and coverage requirements as ACA plans, and they’re not available in every state. That means they might not cover things like pre-existing conditions or essential health benefits.
Here’s the bottom line: Short-term health insurance isn’t a long-term solution, but it can help bridge the gap when you need coverage fast. If you’re in between plans, it might be worth considering until you find something more permanent.
How Does Short Term Health Insurance Work?
Short-term health insurance is pretty straightforward. Here’s what you can expect if you decide to enroll.
- Choose a Plan – You can select a short-term health insurance plan from a private insurance company. These plans vary in coverage, cost, and duration, so it’s important to review the details carefully.
- Apply Anytime – Unlike ACA (Affordable Care Act) plans, short-term insurance doesn’t have open enrollment periods, meaning you can apply at any time of the year. Most applications are quick and may require some basic health questions.
- Get Coverage Fast – Once approved, coverage can begin as soon as the next day. This makes short-term insurance a great option for those who need immediate protection.
- Pay Monthly Premiums – Just like other insurance plans, you’ll pay a monthly premium to keep your coverage active. Premiums for short-term plans tend to be lower than ACA-compliant plans, but they also offer less comprehensive coverage.
- Use Your Benefits (With Limitations) – Short-term plans may cover doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency care, but they often have exclusions. They typically don’t cover pre-existing conditions, mental health care, maternity services, or prescription drugs.
- Coverage Ends When the Term Expires – Once your plan reaches its end date, you may be able to renew it (depending on state laws) or transition to a more permanent health insurance option.
What Do Short Term Health Insurance Plans Cover?
Short-term health insurance doesn’t have to meet federal standards for health coverage, so policies may differ substantially in what they cover. It will also vary depending on the plan you choose—so make sure to check your plan details to learn about coverage for common care and services like these:
Short-term health insurance generally provides limited coverage for:
- Doctor visits
- Urgent care
- Emergency care
- Preventive care
- Prescriptions (Some policies offer a discount card rather than covering prescriptions, so you’d be responsible for paying the discounted price out of pocket).
- Virtual visits (tele-health)
Short-term health insurance generally doesn’t cover:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Maternity care
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health services
- Vision care
- Dental care
Where to Get Short Term Health Insurance
You can only get short-term health insurance through private insurers, and it’s not available everywhere—some states don’t allow it. Since these plans aren’t ACA-compliant, you won’t find them on HealthCare.gov or state health insurance marketplaces. If you’re considering one, you’ll need to check with private insurance companies to see what’s available in your state.
How Much Does Short-Term Health Insurance Cost?
Short-term plans are cheaper than ACA plans because they don’t cover certain essential benefits like pre-existing conditions, maternity care, or mental health services. That means they can be a budget-friendly option if you’re in good health and just need temporary coverage, but remember that they come with trade-offs.
The price of short-term health insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on things like your age, location, coverage level, and the insurance company you choose. But in general, here’s what you can expect to pay:
- Monthly Premiums – Typically between $50 and $300 per month, depending on the plan and your health. Since short-term plans offer fewer benefits, they’re often cheaper than ACA (Affordable Care Act) plans.
- Deductibles – These can be higher than ACA plans, often ranging from $1,000 to $10,000+ before your coverage kicks in.
- Copays & Coinsurance – Expect higher out-of-pocket costs when you visit a doctor or hospital. Many short-term plans require you to pay a percentage of the bill—anywhere from 20% to 50%.
- Maximum Coverage Limits – Some plans have a cap on how much they’ll pay for medical expenses, usually between $100,000 and $1 million per coverage period. If your bills go beyond that, you’re responsible for the rest.
- Out-of-pocket costs – Most short-term health insurance plans set a limit on out-of-pocket expenses, but that limit may not include what you’ve already paid in copays or deductibles. These plans also tend to have high deductibles, meaning you’ll pay more before coverage kicks in. Plus, many short-term policies come with annual or lifetime payout limits, so if you experience a serious illness or accident, your medical costs may not be fully covered.
What Are Some Alternatives to Short Term Health Insurance?
If short-term health insurance doesn’t seem like the right fit, there are several alternative options that might provide better coverage, depending on your situation. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, also known as Obamacare or Marketplace health insurance – If you qualify, an ACA plan is usually your best bet. It covers pre-existing conditions, maternity care, and mental health services. You can enroll during open enrollment or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you’ve had a big life change (like job loss or moving).
- COBRA health insurance – Lost your job? COBRA lets you keep your old employer’s insurance for a while—though it can be pricey since you cover the full cost.
- Medicaid – If your income is on the lower side, Medicaid could offer free or low-cost coverage. Rules vary by state, but if you qualify, it’s a solid, comprehensive option.
- Health-Sharing Plans – These aren’t traditional insurance, but members pitch in to cover each other’s medical bills. They’re often cheaper but come with limitations, so read the fine print.
Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan That Fits Your Needs
Choosing the right health insurance can feel overwhelming. But the good news is, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Short-term health insurance can be a great option if you need quick coverage, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Need help finding a plan that works for you? Get a free insurance quote and compare your options in minutes—because peace of mind shouldn’t be complicated.
