Short-Term Health Insurance
Same-Day Approval Starting $150/Month
Perfect COBRA alternative for job transitions, early retirement, and college graduates. Instant temporary medical coverage in all 50 states.
Why Choose Short-Term Health Insurance?
Get affordable temporary medical coverage with same-day approval starting at just $150/month. Perfect COBRA alternative for freelancers, between jobs coverage, early retirement bridge insurance, and college graduate health plans.
Instant Approval Health Insurance
Get approved in minutes with same-day coverage activation. No waiting periods or lengthy medical underwriting for healthy individuals under 65.
Affordable Alternative to COBRA
Save up to 70% compared to expensive COBRA premiums. Flexible temporary health coverage for job transitions, unemployment, and career changes.
Nationwide Emergency Coverage
Essential emergency medical protection in all 50 states. Perfect bridge insurance for early retirees waiting for Medicare eligibility at 65.
Perfect for These Life Situations:
Job Transition Coverage
Between jobs health insurance, waiting for employer benefits, layoff protection
College Graduate Plans
Aging out at 26, graduation to first job gap, internship coverage
Early Retirement Bridge
Pre-Medicare coverage under 65, retired before employer benefits end
Freelancer Protection
Self-employed health insurance, gig worker coverage, contractor plans
Who Needs Short-Term Health Insurance?
Job Transitions
- • Between jobs with employer coverage
- • Waiting for new employer benefits to start
- • Recently laid off or terminated
- • Starting a new business
Students & Graduates
- • Aging out of parent's plan at 26
- • Gap between graduation and first job
- • Study abroad or gap year
- • Internships without benefits
Early Retirees
- • Bridge coverage until Medicare eligible
- • Too young for Medicare (under 65)
- • Retired before employer benefits end
- • COBRA is too expensive
Short-Term Plan Options
Basic Coverage Plans
Enhanced Coverage Plans
Short-Term vs COBRA Comparison
| Feature | Short-Term Insurance | COBRA |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $75-300 | $500-1,500 |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Limited Coverage | Full Coverage |
| Application Process | Same Day Approval | 60-Day Window |
| Coverage Duration | 30-364 Days | Up to 18 Months |
Important Considerations
What's NOT Covered
- • Pre-existing medical conditions
- • Preventive care and wellness visits
- • Maternity and childbirth
- • Mental health services (typically)
- • Substance abuse treatment
Best For
- • Healthy individuals under 50
- • Temporary coverage gaps
- • Budget-conscious consumers
- • Emergency protection only
- • Bridge coverage until long-term plan
State Availability & Regulations
Fully Available States
Short-term plans available with standard terms (up to 364 days)
Limited Availability
Shorter terms or additional restrictions (30-90 days typically)
Not Available
States that have banned or severely restricted short-term plans
Compare Related Coverage Options
Explore other coverage options that may better suit your specific needs and circumstances.
Retirement Planning
Medicare transition planning and bridge coverage for early retirees
Miami-Dade County Medicare Advantage
Bilingual Medicare coverage for South Florida's diverse Hispanic community with Spanish services
Orange County Medicare Advantage
Premium Medicare coverage for affluent California seniors with concierge medicine access
Bexar County Texas Medicare Advantage
Bilingual Medicare coverage for San Antonio's Hispanic community with Spanish-language support
Hawaii County Medicare Advantage
Comprehensive Medicare coverage for Big Island seniors with telemedicine benefits
Honolulu County Medicare Advantage
Urban Medicare coverage for Oahu's multicultural community with multilingual support
Hidden Medicare Benefits Northern Virginia
Exclusive $10,400+ hidden benefits for federal employees and Northern Virginia seniors
COBRA Alternatives
Compare all options for continuing health coverage after job loss
Frequently Asked Questions About Short-Term Health Insurance
What is short-term health insurance and how does it work?
Short-term health insurance provides temporary medical coverage for 30-364 days with same-day approval. It's designed for healthy individuals experiencing coverage gaps due to job transitions, early retirement, or college graduation. Plans start at $150/month and offer emergency, hospitalization, and urgent care benefits. Perfect as a COBRA alternative for immediate temporary coverage needs.
Is short-term health insurance a good COBRA alternative?
Short-term health insurance can be an affordable COBRA alternative, costing 50-70% less than COBRA premiums ($150-300 vs $500-1,500 monthly). However, it doesn't cover pre-existing conditions and offers limited benefits compared to COBRA's comprehensive coverage. It's best for healthy individuals needing temporary emergency protection between jobs or during career transitions.
Can I get same-day approval for short-term health insurance?
Yes, most short-term health insurance applications are approved within hours or same-day. Coverage can typically start as soon as the next day after approval and payment. This instant approval process makes it ideal for immediate coverage needs during job transitions, layoffs, or other life changes requiring quick health insurance solutions.
What does short-term health insurance cover?
Short-term health insurance typically covers emergency services, hospitalization, urgent care visits, diagnostic tests, and some doctor office visits. Enhanced plans may include prescription drugs and specialist referrals. However, it generally excludes pre-existing conditions, preventive care, maternity, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. It's designed for unexpected medical emergencies only.
How much does short-term health insurance cost?
Short-term health insurance costs range from $75-300 per month, with an average of $150 monthly. Basic emergency coverage plans start at $75-150/month, while enhanced plans with doctor visits and prescriptions cost $150-300/month. Costs vary by age, location, coverage level, and deductible chosen. Significantly more affordable than COBRA alternatives.
Who is short-term health insurance best for?
Short-term health insurance is ideal for healthy individuals under 50 experiencing temporary coverage gaps. Perfect for job transitions, between jobs coverage, college graduates aging out at 26, early retirees under 65 waiting for Medicare, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and those needing affordable COBRA alternatives. Best for emergency protection during life transitions.
Is short-term health insurance available in all states?
Short-term health insurance availability varies by state. Fully available in 35+ states including Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia with standard 364-day terms. Limited availability in states like Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland with shorter 30-90 day terms. Not available in California, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, and Hawaii due to state restrictions.
Can I renew short-term health insurance plans?
Many short-term health insurance plans offer renewable options, allowing you to extend coverage for up to 364 days total in most states. However, renewal isn't guaranteed and may require new medical underwriting. Some states limit total coverage duration. It's designed as temporary bridge insurance, not long-term health coverage replacement.
What's not covered by short-term health insurance?
Short-term health insurance typically excludes pre-existing medical conditions, preventive care, wellness visits, maternity and childbirth, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, prescription drugs (on basic plans), and routine doctor visits. It's emergency-focused coverage, not comprehensive health insurance. Always review plan details for specific exclusions and limitations.
How does short-term insurance work for early retirees?
Short-term health insurance provides essential bridge coverage for early retirees under 65 who are too young for Medicare. Costs significantly less than expensive COBRA continuation coverage, making it an affordable option for healthy retirees. Offers emergency protection during the gap between employer benefits ending and Medicare eligibility beginning at age 65. Ideal temporary solution for early retirement health insurance needs.
Get Covered in Minutes, Not Months
Same-day approval with coverage starting as soon as tomorrow