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Short-term health or short-term medical insurance plans are intended to fill a temporary gap in health insurance coverage. They can be a good fit for those who aren’t eligible for group health insurance, can’t afford COBRA, or aren’t eligible for special enrollment in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan or missed open enrollment. The best short-term health insurance plans cover essential benefits at an affordable price.
We considered 14 major health insurance companies and whether they offer short-term health insurance. We then looked at plan metrics including maximum coverage benefits; length of coverage; coinsurance, deductibles, and maximum out-of-pocket options; waiting periods; pre-existing conditions coverage; network restrictions; pre-certification requirements; other exclusions; and cost.