Short-term health insurance provides temporary medical coverage for 30 days to 36 months, depending on your state. These plans cost significantly less than ACA plans but come with important limitations including pre-existing condition exclusions, coverage caps, and limited benefits.
Short-Term Health Insurance Cost
$100 - $350/moUpdated March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does short-term health insurance cost?
Short-term plans cost $100-$350/month for individuals, 30-70% less than ACA marketplace plans. The lower cost reflects limited coverage: pre-existing conditions are excluded, benefits are capped, and essential health benefits may not be covered.
What does short-term health insurance cover?
Short-term plans typically cover: doctor visits, emergency care, hospitalization, lab work, and some prescription drugs. They do NOT cover: pre-existing conditions, maternity care, mental health, preventive care, or substance abuse treatment. Coverage varies significantly between plans.
How long can I keep short-term insurance?
Federal rules allow short-term plans up to 364 days with renewals up to 36 months total. However, many states limit duration: some allow only 3-6 months, and some states ban short-term plans entirely. Check your state's regulations.
Is short-term health insurance worth it?
Short-term insurance is worth it as a temporary gap-filler if you are: between jobs, waiting for employer coverage to start, aging off a parent's plan, or need affordable coverage quickly. It is NOT a good substitute for comprehensive health insurance due to significant coverage gaps.
Can I buy short-term insurance anytime?
Yes, unlike ACA marketplace plans, short-term health insurance has no enrollment period. You can buy coverage any time of year with coverage starting as soon as the next day. This makes it useful for filling unexpected coverage gaps.