Temporary Medical Insurance Coverage
Temporary medical insurance, also known as “short-term medical insurance,” is available from most major medical insurance carriers. As the nation’s premier resource for temporary medical insurance coverage, we try to review all of the available temporary health insurance plans, and provide you with the guaranteed lowest allowable rates in each state.
Temporary medical insurance is designed for anybody that is temporarily without health insurance coverage…especially if they are in transition. Coverage is available to individuals, families, the self employed or anyone that is uninsured. This type of low cost plan is ideal for any US resident that is on COBRA, currently unemployed or between jobs, waiting for other medical coverage to become effective, or a recent school graduate. Premiums are typically 40%-65% less than a typical comprehensive health insurance plan. Also, the standard short term temporary health insurance application is usually completed in less than 10 minutes.
Most temporary medical insurance plans can be purchased in increments of 1-12 months. Billing is flexible as policies can be paid with an annual lump sum payment or monthly installments. If the policy needs to be cancelled early, most health insurers offer a pro-rated refund on the unused coverage. Since this type of plan is designed to protect a short-term need, it should not be used if coverage is needed for more than 12 months. Policies are often approved within 24-48 hours since there are very few medical questions to answer and physicals are not required.
Temporary medical insurance plans cover unforeseen injuries and illnesses. Typical coverages include inpatient hospital and outpatient services, emergency room and urgent care, ambulance and home health care (subject to policy limits) and diagnostic services. Some short term health insurance plans also include office visit and prescription drug coverages. Once the specified deductible has been met (usually between $250 and $10,000) 80%-100% of the medical expenses will be paid by the policy. The remaining balance (if any) is your responsibility until the total maximum out-of-pocket expense limit is reached.
Although short-term temporary health insurance plans feature low premiums, this type of policy is not designed to cover preventive benefits including routine physicals and well care visits, dental or vision expenses and long-term health care. Depending on the policy, your deducible may apply to each claim, or each cause. An “each clause” temporary medical insurance plan can result in substantial out of pocket expenses if multiple claims occur. Reducing the deductible will lower your potential maximum out of pocket expense. But the cost of the temporary health insurance coverage will rise. Also, pre-existing conditions are generally not covered and the renewal of the policy is not guaranteed. For that reason, this type of coverage works best when the exact duration of needed coverage is known. However, if your current policy expires and there have not been significant changes in your health, you may apply for an additional policy.
Finding affordable temporary medical insurance coverage is one of our specialties. To instantly view, compare or apply for a short term plan, please click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page. Or, you may also call us directly at (888) 513 6446.
So when does the next article come out? Thanks for this one! 5 stars.
I am trying to figure out if dental insurance for our family is really worth the cost. I mean, it’s not the same as medical insurance, where you may have a catastrophic injury or illness, and have to have major medical care for a long period of time. What’s the worst thing, from a financial standpoint, that can happen to your teeth? And whatever that is, I’m sure your dental insurance is set up to not pay for it.