What Is Short Term Insurance Cover
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Short-term insurance is health coverage typically available for periods from 30 days to 90 days. In some instances with some insurers, short-term medical is available up to 12 months. These plans can give you some protection for limited periods while you are between standard health insurance coverage, also known as major medical insurance.
What Short-term Plans Cover?
Short-term plans often do cover:
- Unexpected illness and injury
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- Emergency room visits
- Short-term coverage may also include discounts for using doctors and facilities within a preferred network
What Short-term Plans Don’t Cover?
Short-term health plans typically don’t cover pre-existing conditions, preventive care, pregnancy and maternity, immunizations, dental appointments, vision care, foot care, and certain other services.
You should always consult your specific plan details to see what medical conditions and treatments are covered or excluded.
When Short-term Plans Can Be Appropriate?
Short-term policies are not intended as permanent health insurance coverage, nor do they comply with the Affordable Care Act. Short-term plans may be suitable if you:
- Missed open enrollment for the year, and don’t qualify for a special enrollment period
- Lost your job or got laid off
- Need quick proof of insurance for a special activity or trip
- Are waiting for your Medicare coverage to begin.
- You can purchase short-term insurance for periods ranging from 30 days through 12 months.
Short-term plans are not guaranteed-issue; you will have to answer a medical questionnaire about your health status and history and your coverage will depend on your answers. Again, short-term plans are usually not suited to people with pre-existing conditions, as those aren’t covered.
Conclusion
If you are concerned that short-term insurance doesn’t offer you enough coverage, you can purchase additional catastrophic insurance plans to supplement your short-term policy.
Also read: Why Do Business Owners Need Term Insurance?
