What is Short Term Medical Insurance?

Between jobs and need to visit the doctor? Often, you would not want to pay for this visit out of pocket – it can be costly and medical procedures could very well put you into debt for years to come. This is why short term medical insurance can be crucial. Short term medical insurance is affordable, temporary health insurance, designed to help you during in-between times when unexpected illnesses and accidents happen.

Short term medical insurance can come in handy in a variety of situations: when you are between jobs, waiting for employee benefits, are currently working temporary or seasonal employment, are a recent graduate not covered under a parent’s plan, or are a non-US citizen temporarily living in the United States with a US address.

Short term medical insurance is designed to provide temporary coverage, and therefore it is not renewable (although a new application can be made for further coverage if it is needed). It is usually issued for a period of up to one year; many companies require a minimum of one month for coverage and may impose a maximum of six months of coverage. Most plans will cover emergencies and will include things such as ambulance services, laboratory tests, x-rays, intensive care treatment, and prescription drugs. There is usually also provisions dealing with hospital care and home care in some cases. These plans can also be extended to cover a spouse or other dependents you may have.

Just remember – much like regular health insurance, short term medical insurance rates and coverage can vary. It is important to look for the coverage that is right for you and your family when selecting a short term medical insurance plan.