Temporary Health Insurance

Temporary health insurance, also known as short term health insurance, is a type of individual health insurance designed for individuals who may only need insurance coverage for a brief period of time. This type of insurance is designed for individuals who may be temporarily without health insurance coverage, such as new college graduates, the unemployed, or waiting to be enrolled in a permanent individual health insurance policy.

A temporary health insurance policy typically has a term of between 30-180 days, but can extend to as long as 12 months depending on circumstances and individual needs. Unlike an individual health insurance policy, temporary health insurance is generally non-renewable, meaning it is not appropriate for those seeking permanent health coverage. If an individual wishes to extend a temporary health insurance policy, he or she must reapply to be enrolled.

Because most temporary health insurance policies are indemnity (fee-for-service) plans, most types of preventative and routine care, such as check-ups, are not covered, nor is dental or vision coverage included in the plan. However, this means that a temporary plan is generally very affordable, often with a monthly premium as low as $25 per month depending on options. Temporary coverage may also be extended to include a spouse or family, but most plans are very strict about denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.

For more information about health insurance available in your state, please select your state from the list below or enter your zip code in the box to the right to begin comparing health insurance quotes today.