Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
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Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
See Full Bio
Written By
Les Masterson
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
See Full Bio
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
See Full Bio
Deputy Editor, Insurance
Laura D. Adams, MBAInsurance and Credit Card Expert
Insurance and credit cards expert Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading personal finance and small business authorities. As an award-winning author of multiple books, keynote speaker, host of the "Money Girl" podcast (more than 42 million downlo...
See Full Bio
Laura D. Adams, MBAInsurance and Credit Card Expert
Insurance and credit cards expert Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading personal finance and small business authorities. As an award-winning author of multiple books, keynote speaker, host of the "Money Girl" podcast (more than 42 million downlo...
See Full Bio
Laura D. Adams, MBA
Laura D. Adams, MBAInsurance and Credit Card Expert
Insurance and credit cards expert Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading personal finance and small business authorities. As an award-winning author of multiple books, keynote speaker, host of the "Money Girl" podcast (more than 42 million downlo...
See Full Bio
Laura D. Adams, MBAInsurance and Credit Card Expert
Insurance and credit cards expert Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading personal finance and small business authorities. As an award-winning author of multiple books, keynote speaker, host of the "Money Girl" podcast (more than 42 million downlo...
See Full Bio
Expert Reviewed
& 1 other
Updated: Sep 5, 2024, 8:28am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Everest’s Flex Term Health Insurance, Pivot Health’s Epic Base and UnitedHealthcare’s Copay Select Max are the best short-term health insurance plans, according to our analysis.
Short-term health insurance is often inexpensive, but it’s also temporary. It’s meant to fill a gap in insurance if you’re suddenly without coverage (like when you leave a job). Short-term plans are usually not as comprehensive as regular health insurance.
Read more
Summary: Best Short-Term Health Insurance Companies
Our expert take | Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Top-scoring short-term health plan | Average monthly premium | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for prescription drug benefits | UnitedHealthcare | 5.0 | Copay Select Max | $234 | See Plans | ||
Best for 0% coinsurance option | Pivot Health | 5.0 | Epic Base | $120 | See Plans | ||
Best for low out-of-pocket costs | Everest | 5.0 | Flex Term Health Insurance | $150 |
Premiums reflect the average for a 30-year-old woman who is a nonsmoker for the three lowest quotes in these cities: Orlando, Florida, Phoenix and El Paso, Texas.
How We Chose the Best Short-Term Health Insurance
The Best Short-Term Health Insurance Companies
BEST FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE
UnitedHealthcare
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Top-scoring short-term health plan
Copay Select Max
Coverage maximum options
$2 million lifetime
Deductible options
$2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000, $12,500
Copay Select Max
$2 million lifetime
$2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000, $12,500
Editors’ Take
We appreciate Copay Select Max’s prescription drug coverage, which isn’t standard in many short-term health insurance plans. The company has a huge provider network of 1.4 million physicians and healthcare professionals, and over 6,500 hospitals and medical facilities.
Related: UnitedHealthcare Health Insurance Review
- Offers prescription drug benefits with a $25 copay for common (Tier 1) prescriptions with higher tiers costing more.
- Wide provider network of medical professionals, hospitals and facilities.
- Lifetime coverage maximum of $2 million is more generous than competitors.
- You can also buy standard health, dental and vision coverage through UnitedHealthcare.
Expert’s Take
UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest providers of health insurance in the United States, offering a wide range of products including short-term health insurance. Their benefit design is comprehensive and offers decent coverage for basic medical needs. One thing that stands out about UnitedHealthcare is its focus on preventive care and wellness programs. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to maintain their overall health and well-being. However, one downside of UnitedHealthcare’s short-term health insurance plans is the limited availability. These plans are not offered in all states and may not be an option for individuals living in certain areas.
– Evan Tunis, president of Florida Healthcare Insurance and a licensed health insurance broker
Drawbacks
- More expensive than competitors.
- Coinsurance level (30%) is higher than other companies.
State Availability
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- West Virginia
BEST FOR 0% COINSURANCE OPTION
Pivot Health
On Pivot Health's Website
Epic Base
$500,000 or $1 million
$5,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000
Editors’ Take
We like that Pivot Health’s Epic Base policy offers low costs and that its only coinsurance offering is 0%, which means the plan picks up all the costs for covered services once you reach your deductible. Pivot also allows you to buy optional prescription drug coverage, which many short-term plans don’t offer.
- One of the cheapest short-term health insurance policies in our analysis.
- Prescription drug benefits are possible.
- Approves short-term coverage within five minutes for those who qualify, according to the company.
Expert Take
Pivot Health is a relatively new player in the short-term health insurance market. They offer plans with flexible terms and coverage options, making them a popular choice for those who need temporary health insurance. One thing to note about Pivot Health is that their plans may have lower premiums compared to other companies, but it’s important to carefully review their benefit design as it may not provide as much coverage as other plans. Additionally, their availability is limited to certain states.
– Evan Tunis, president of Florida Healthcare Insurance, a licensed health insurance broker
Drawbacks
- Coverage maximum of $500,000 or $1 million is lower than competitors.
- One of the deductible options ($20,000) is higher than other companies, which means higher out-of-pocket costs if you have claims.
State Availability
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
BEST FOR LOW OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS
Everest
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Top-scoring short-term health plan
Flex Term Health Insurance
Coverage maximum options
$250,000, $750,000, $1 million, $1.5 million
Deductible options
$1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000
Flex Term Health Insurance
$250,000, $750,000, $1 million, $1.5 million
$1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000
Editors’ Take
We like Everest’s Flex Term Health Insurance policy for its excellent prices. The policy also offers more coverage maximum, deductible and coinsurance options than competitors.
- Four coinsurance options, including 0% coinsurance.
- Five deductible options.
- Four coverage maximum options, including as high as $1.5 million.
Expert’s Take
Everest is a notable health insurance provider with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Their plans offer comprehensive coverage for both basic and major medical needs, making them a top choice for individuals who need temporary health insurance. Everest has the advantage of being widely available in most states, which makes it easier for people to access their plans. However, one drawback is that their plans may have higher premiums when compared to other companies.
– Evan Tunis, president of Florida Healthcare Insurance, a licensed health insurance broker
Drawbacks
- Doesn’t typically cover prescription drugs unless you’re hospitalized.
State Availability
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
What Is Short-Term Health Insurance?
Short-term health insurance offers limited coverage for up to three months in most states, with the chance to extend the plan for another month for a total of four months in a 12-month period. The federal government reduced the previous length of one year with an option of up to three years in September 2024. Some states don’t allow short-term plans or restrict the length of coverage.
Short-term health insurance plans aren’t regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), so you can be denied based on pre-existing conditions. And these plans don’t have to cover the minimum “essential health benefits” mandated by the law. ACA benefits that are standard in regular health insurance include inpatient and outpatient care, mental health services, prescription drug coverage and maternity care. Since short-term plans don’t have to offer this coverage you may have trouble finding a short-term health plan that does.
Short-term health insurance plans also generally have caps on how much the insurer will pay for certain services or in total.
Short-Term Health Insurance Laws by State
The federal government now allows short-term health coverage for three months with the option to increase coverage for one more month in a 12-month period, but some states ban short-term coverage or limit coverage to three months max.
How Do You Qualify For Short-Term Health Insurance?
You can apply for a short-term health insurance policy at any time of year if your state allows short-term coverage.
You can be denied coverage based on your health, unlike standard health insurance. On the application you’ll likely answer yes/no questions about medical conditions.
A short-term health company could approve a policy but deny covering claims associated with pre-existing health issues. Insurers review claims to check whether the healthcare services were connected to pre-existing conditions. If they find a pre-existing condition is causing health problems, they could reject the claim or even drop your coverage at any time.
Ask an expert
How Do You Choose A Short-Term Health Insurance Plan?
Laura Adams
Credit Cards Expert
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
Understand which doctors are covered
If you need a temporary, budget-friendly health policy, a short-term health plan can be a solution. Since these policies typically include a network of healthcare providers, be sure you understand which doctors and hospitals are covered so you get the maximum plan benefits.
Laura Adams
Credit Cards Expert
Know the policy’s length
I suggest making sure you understand how long a short-term plan will last and whether it’s renewable. Short-term insurers can choose to make plans renewable and can set short policy lengths. That can play a part in which short-term plan you choose.
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Weigh pros and cons for a high deductible
The plan’s deductible and coinsurance affect your out-of-pocket costs. I would choose a high deductible if you want a cheap, safety net plan, but go with a lower deductible and coinsurance if you expect to make more claims.
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Evaluate prescription drug coverage
Many short-term plans don’t cover prescriptions. If that coverage is important to you, I’d suggest focusing on short-term plans with prescription drug coverage, such the UnitedHealthcare and Pivot Health plans highlighted on this page.
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
How Much Does Short-Term Health Insurance Cost?
The average cost for short-term health insurance is $171 a month, according to our analysis of eight policies.
We found costs as low as about $100 a month for barebones coverage to over $200 a month for coverage with prescription drug coverage. Short-term health insurers may promote coverage for under $100 a month, but you want to carefully read the print to understand what is and isn’t covered by cheaper short-term plans.
What you’re charged for short-term health insurance can vary by:
- Your age, gender and health.
- Tobacco use.
- Where you live.
- Coverage maximum.
- How many people are covered by your plan.
- Out-of-pocket costs, including coinsurance and deductible.
Average Monthly Short-Term Health Insurance Costs by Plan
Company | Policy name | Average monthly short-term health insurance cost |
---|---|---|
Pivot Health | Economy | $107 |
Pivot Health | Choice | $118 |
Pivot Health | Epic Base | $120 |
Everest | Flex Term | $150 |
UnitedHealthcare | Hospital & Surgical | $162 |
UnitedHealthcare | TriTerm Value | $198 |
UnitedHealthcare | Copay Select Max | $234 |
Pivot Health | Deluxe | $277 |
Source: Forbes Advisor research. Rates reflect the average for a 30-year-old woman who is a nonsmoker for the three lowest quotes in these cities: Orlando, Florida, Phoenix and El Paso, Texas.
What Does Short-Term Health Insurance Cover?
Short-term health insurance plans don’t have to follow ACA rules, which means there can be a significant difference between what one policy covers compared to another.
Short-term health insurance plans may cover:
Doctor visits | |
Emergency care | |
Preventive care | |
Urgent care |
What Does Short-Term Health Insurance Not Cover?
Short-term health insurance plans aren’t governed by Affordable Care Act requirements, so each company decides what it does not cover. Make sure to check the policy for lists of exclusions. Examples of typical exclusions are:
Maternity | |
Mental health | |
Substance abuse | |
Prescriptions. A short-term plan may offer a discount card so you can get cheaper drugs but the plan doesn’t actually help pay for them |
Ask an expert
We Answer Your Questions
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Can anyone get short-term health insurance?
Joshua C., Rochester, New York
Not everyone is eligible for short-term health insurance. Short-term plans may reject you because of pre-existing conditions. Short-term health insurance companies can deny coverage based on your medical history or choose not to cover any services associated with that pre-existing condition. Also, not all states allow these types of plans. New York is one of the states that I’ve found don’t allow short-term health plans.
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Is short-term health insurance a good idea for young adults?
Zack P., Cape Coral, Florida
Short-term health insurance might be an option when you’re young. One example is when you turn 26 and are no longer eligible to be on a parent’s health plan. Short-term plans are low cost, but I would suggest that you remember they also don’t offer nearly as much coverage that’s in standard health insurance. You’ll want to look closely at the plan’s details to see what it covers and any limitations before buying a short-term health plan.
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Is short-term health insurance a better alternative to COBRA insurance?
Kendra B., Alvin, Texas
I’ve found that short-term health insurance may be a more affordable solution if you only need coverage for a short period, you’re young and healthy, and you don’t generally need many healthcare services. Short-term plans are cheap but they come with limited coverage, so beware that prescriptions, mental health services and maternity care are not often covered by short-term plans. COBRA plans offer much better coverage but it’s also much more expensive.
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Does short-term health insurance cover prescriptions?
Roberta H., Port Huron, Michigan
Short-term health plans don’t have to cover prescriptions, but some do. Two examples are UnitedHealthcare’s Copay Select Max and Pivot Health’s Epic Base plan. I suggest reading the fine print to understand a short-term plan’s prescription benefits and what types of drugs it does and does not cover.
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Methodology
To identify the best short-term health insurance companies, we evaluated companies based on average monthly cost, coverage and out-of-pocket costs:
Short-term health insurance rates (25% of score): We compared quotes for a 30-year-old woman who is a nonsmoker for three cities: Orlando, Florida, Phoenix and El Paso, Texas. We took the three lowest quotes for each plan in each city and came up with an average.
Coverage maximum (25% of score): Unlike standard health insurance, a short-term health insurance plan has maximum coverage, either lifetime or annual, which is the most the company will pay for an individual’s care.
Deductible (20% of score): Short-term health insurance companies often offer multiple health insurance deductible levels. Plans with more options got more points in our analysis.
Coinsurance (15% of score): Coinsurance is the percentage you pay for healthcare services after you reach your plan’s deductible. The insurer picks up the rest of the bill until you reach the coverage limit. Lower coinsurance levels mean less money out of pocket, so we gave those plans more points.
Prescription drug coverage (15% of score): Many short-term health insurance plans don’t offer prescription drug benefits or only give a discount card for members. We analyzed which short-term plans offer prescription drugs, which ones do not and which have exclusions that only cover prescription drugs for specific reasons, such as only during hospitalizations.
Need Short-Term Health Insurance?
Get quotes fast from leading insurers.
Via ShortTermHealthInsurance.com
Other Short-Term Health Insurance Plans We Rated
Company | Policy name | Forbes Advisor rating |
---|---|---|
UnitedHealthcare | Hospital & Surgical | 4.5 stars |
UnitedHealthcare | TriTerm Value | 4.5 stars |
Pivot Health | Pivot Health Choice | 4 stars |
Pivot Health | Pivot Health Economy | 4 stars |
Pivot Health | Pivot Health Deluxe | 3 stars |
Best Short-Term Health Insurance FAQs
What are the pros and cons of short-term health insurance?
Short-term health insurance offers low-cost, limited coverage if you have a coverage gap, but detractors often call the plans junk health insurance because they lack many coverage types found in regular health insurance.
Pros of short-term health insurance are its low cost, you can apply for a plan at any time, you can get coverage quickly and you may have more flexibility to decide on your out-of-pocket costs compared to a standard health insurance plan. Cons include that short-term plans don’t typically offer coverage that is in standard health insurance plans, don’t generally cover pre-existing conditions and you can be denied.
What is the difference between COBRA and short-term health insurance?
COBRA insurance and short-term health insurance both let you have coverage for a limited time but they differ in many ways.
The COBRA law requires insurers to provide a temporary continuation of your same health insurance. There is a major drawback, though: The employer will likely no longer cover part of the monthly premium. You instead have to pay the full premium, plus an administrative fee.
Short-term health insurance isn’t connected to your employment. Short-term plans also don’t typically cost anywhere near what COBRA does, but you don’t get comprehensive coverage typically found in an employer plan.
Who needs short-term health insurance?
A short-term health insurance plan might make sense if you can’t find affordable health insurance anywhere or you will soon have health insurance, such as starting a new job. It could also work as an emergency stopgap if you were recently laid off and can’t afford COBRA insurance.
How can I get short-term health insurance?
You can get short-term health insurance directly from the company if your state allows those plans.
Unlike the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace at HealthCare.gov, you’re not able to compare short-term plans available in your area in one location. You instead have to go directly to each company to get details.
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