What is a Short-Term Medical Plan? Short term health insurance is an alternative health plan option for individuals and families looking for budget-friendly coverage during a temporary life situation, such as being stuck in a 90-day employer waiting period, early retirement, aging off a parents plan, inability to afford COBRA coverage or another life change that leaves you uninsured.

How Can I Purchase a Short-Term Plan? There are several private companies that offer Short-Term medical plans such has United Health Care, Companion Life and National General just to name a few. Purchasing a Short-Term medical is no different than purchasing any other private health insurance policy in that you find the company you are comfortable with and the benefits and price point that make sense for you. These types of plans typically become effective the next day however you normally have the option to choose your effective date.

Networks of Doctors and Hospitals: Some STMs provide a specific network of doctors and hospitals while other STMs don’t have a network. If your plan has a network, you must choose a doctor or facility that participates in that network or benefits will not be available. With plans that don’t provide a network, you have the freedom to choose any doctor or facility however it is at the doctor’s or facilities’ discretion if they want to accept the insurance you have. Always consult the billing department at your doctor’s office before making that decision.

Pre-existing Conditions: Most Short-Term medical plans do not cover pre-existing conditions because they have a 12-month waiting period. The 12-month waiting period is a little deceiving because most consumers would assume that once they have had a Short-Term medical plan for at least 12 months, their pre-existing conditions would be covered when they reapply for a new term however the waiting period starts all over again. So, a Short-Term medical plan should not be considered if you are looking for insurance to cover existing medication conditions or chronic conditions.

Why choose a Short-Term Plan? A Short-Term plan is a great option for those who are healthy and need insurance for unexpected medical expenses. It is a good option for those who need coverage in between jobs, have employment that doesn’t offer medical insurance coverage, missed OEP through the ACA or can’t afford to pay for an ACA plan. If you are looking to obtain insurance in case you must go to the doctor once and a while and want to make sure that you have adequate if you end up in the hospital due to an unforeseen circumstance, then a Short-Term medical is right for you.

At UnitedHealthcare, we serve millions of people from their earliest years through their working lives and into retirement. What unites us is our mission to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. These are extraordinary times in health care. The opportunities to help people live healthier have never been greater. Advanced data and technologies, breakthrough treatments and consumer choice are redefining what can be achieved. We are working to create a system that is connected, aligned and more affordable for all involved. One that delivers high quality care, responsive to the needs of each person and the communities in which they live. We are also partnering with care providers, collaborating in new ways to improve patient care. At UnitedHealthcare, we are working to play our part in creating a more sustainable health care system: one that works better for everyone.