Medical insurance is essential to managing your health and protecting your finances from costly medical care. But sometimes, perhaps due to circumstances beyond their control, people may find themselves facing the possibility of being without insurance coverage.

When this is the case, there are options to stay protected, including short-term medical insurance. If you’re in a period where you don’t have health insurance and are considering signing up for a short-term plan, here are some things you’ll want to know before enrolling.

What Is Short-Term Medical Insurance?

Short-term medical insurance plans offer coverage to people who are temporarily without insurance. They provide limited coverage for a short time and can bridge gaps until you can get on a more permanent plan.

In addition to bridging a period without coverage, temporary health insurance for international travel can be used to supplement your current plan. Many insurance companies do not cover care received outside the United States, so a temporary plan can help protect you if you are injured or become sick while away from home.

Who Is Short-Term Medical Insurance For?

A short-term medical insurance plan is typically for people in transition or who need coverage for a limited time. One common example is during a job change because some employers have waiting periods before new hires are eligible for insurance coverage. Therefore, a short-term plan would help provide temporary coverage until the waiting period ended.

How Long Does Short-Term Medical Insurance Last?

Coverage through a short-term insurance plan can vary from state to state. Some states allow short-term plans to provide coverage for up to 12 months while others limit it to just a few months. In either case, the good news is that you may not have to go with a short-term plan; instead, you may be able to qualify to get insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

If you need insurance during open enrollment, which is usually from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, you can shop for a plan that meets your unique needs. And if it’s not open enrollment, your circumstances may qualify you for a special enrollment period. Because Marketplace insurance may provide more complete coverage at, possibly, lower prices, it’s worth checking before committing to a short-term plan.

In addition, if you have a qualifying event, such as becoming eligible for insurance through your employer, you can cancel your Marketplace insurance coverage.

Are Short-Term Medical Plans Similar to Marketplace Insurance Plans?

Short-term medical plans are very different from insurance plans available on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Short-term plans typically offer very limited coverage, and they are not required to meet the same guidelines as plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

If you need more complete coverage, you may want to check if you qualify to get Marketplace insurance. Marketplace plans are required to cover 10 essential health benefits, which include maternity and newborn care and mental health and substance abuse disorder services.

Shop our plans during open enrollment (typically Nov. 1 to Jan. 15) or see if you qualify for a special enrollment period. You can also contact our knowledgeable Ambetter Health team at 844-933-0380 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. to learn more about your health insurance options. Our licensed agents can help you find the right plan for your unique needs.

Questions About Short-Term Insurance Coverage