What Short Term Medical Insurance Is

Short term medical insurance is private medical coverage that sits outside the ACA Marketplace. It generally costs less than unsubsidized Marketplace coverage and often comes with a broader nationwide network than the plans on the exchange in your county.

Who Short Term Medical Insurance Can Fit

Short term medical insurance can make sense if you are:

• Between jobs and need coverage for a few months
• Retiring early and bridging the gap until Medicare at 65
• Self-employed and not eligible for a meaningful subsidy
• Outside Open Enrollment without a qualifying life event
• Looking for a broader PPO network than what is on the exchange in your county

What to Know Before You Apply for Short Term Medical Insurance

The short term component is medically underwritten, so it is a poor fit if you are managing an ongoing chronic condition. In that case, an ACA Marketplace plan with guaranteed-issue protection is almost always the better answer. I will tell you that up front instead of selling you the wrong plan.

A Stronger Option: Medical Expense Shield

Medical Expense Shield from Allstate Health pairs short term medical with a fixed-benefit plan, so cash is paid to you from your first covered event, before the deductible is met. It is worth a look if a high deductible is the part of your coverage that worries you.

How I Help

Tell me about your health, your income, your doctors, and how long you need coverage. I compare short term medical insurance against Marketplace plans and other options, and I show you the numbers side by side. There is no cost to work with me, and you pay the same rate whether you go through me or direct.

Want the full picture of your under-65 choices? See the Under 65 Health Insurance overview.