Short-term medical insurance

Short-term medical (STM) is temporary health coverage built to fill specific, short gaps — between jobs, while waiting for a new employer plan to start, or bridging to Medicare eligibility. It's dramatically cheaper than ACA plans, but it's not ACA-compliant and can decline pre-existing conditions.

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Coverage guide

What this page is about

Short-term medical is temporary health insurance for a limited gap. This page is only about short-term coverage — how it works, how it differs from ACA health insurance, what it excludes, and when it should be treated as a bridge instead of a long-term solution.

Short-term medical vs. ACA health insurance

Short-term medical is not ACA major medical coverage. It is usually medically underwritten, can decline applicants, and typically does not cover pre-existing conditions. ACA coverage is guaranteed issue, covers essential health benefits, and may qualify for subsidies.

Short-term can start quickly and may cost less for healthy applicants.
ACA is stronger for pre-existing conditions, prescriptions, maternity, mental health, and long-term coverage.
Short-term plans can have benefit caps, exclusions, and underwriting questions that ACA plans do not use.

What it usually covers

Unexpected illness or injury during a temporary coverage gap
Doctor visits, urgent care, ER, hospitalization, surgery, and imaging subject to plan terms
Some plans offer limited prescription discounts or benefits
Coverage that can often begin quickly after approval

What it usually does not cover

Pre-existing conditions in most cases
ACA essential health benefits in full
Maternity, many mental health services, preventive care, and ongoing prescriptions in many plans
Guaranteed approval or guaranteed renewability

Best fit

Healthy people between jobs for a short period
Early retirees waiting for Medicare or ACA Open Enrollment after evaluating risks
Recent graduates or contractors with a temporary gap
People who missed ACA Open Enrollment and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period

Usually not the right fit

Anyone with chronic conditions, expensive prescriptions, pregnancy, or planned care
Families needing comprehensive pediatric, maternity, or mental health benefits
People who qualify for strong ACA subsidies
Someone who needs a stable long-term health insurance strategy

Use the online quote link to price short-term coverage, but request a review before buying if you have any medical history, prescriptions, or upcoming care — exclusions matter.

Quote Short-Term Medical →Compare with ACA →

How it works

1Apply and get answered fast. Simple medical questions, no long underwriting. Coverage can start as soon as the next day.
2Pick a term length. 1–12 months in most states, renewable up to 36 months in some. Shorter terms = lower premium.
3Use it for major medical only. Designed to protect against a serious accident or illness — not routine care, mental health, or maternity.
4Switch to ACA when you can. Any Special Enrollment event (or the next Open Enrollment) is your bridge back to full ACA coverage.

How short-term plans work

STM plans use traditional medical underwriting — you answer health questions, and the carrier decides whether to offer coverage. Premiums are low because the carrier can exclude pre-existing conditions and doesn't have to cover the full ACA benefit set.

Coverage starts as fast as next-day
Choose your deductible ($1K – $10K) and coinsurance level
Broad PPO networks — often the same major networks ACA plans use
Pay by month; cancel anytime with no penalty
Duration varies by state (1 month up to 36 months with renewals)

What short-term does cover

Most STM plans cover the things you'd expect from a traditional PPO — as long as they're not tied to a pre-existing condition.

Doctor visits, urgent care, and ER visits
Hospitalization and surgery
Lab work and imaging
Ambulance and emergency transport
Some plans include limited prescription discounts

What short-term does NOT cover

This is where people get burned if they don't read the fine print. STM plans are catastrophic-style — they're not a substitute for real health insurance if you have ongoing needs.

Pre-existing conditions (typically anything diagnosed or treated in the last 5 years)
Maternity and newborn care
Mental health parity — coverage is limited or excluded
Preventive care at $0 copay (unlike ACA plans)
Prescription drug coverage in most plans (discounts only)

When short-term makes sense

STM is the right tool for a narrow, specific job — not a long-term replacement for real health insurance.

You're healthy and need catastrophic protection for 1–6 months
You missed Open Enrollment and don't have a qualifying life event
You're within 6 months of Medicare eligibility and need a bridge
You're between jobs and don't want to pay COBRA rates for a short window
You need proof of coverage while traveling domestically

When short-term is the wrong answer

If any of these apply, an ACA plan (even without subsidy) is almost always the better call.

You have a chronic condition or take maintenance medications
You're pregnant or planning pregnancy
You need mental health treatment
You expect to be uninsured for more than 6–12 months
You qualify for a substantial ACA subsidy

Short-Term Medical vs. ACA vs. COBRA

Feature	Short-Term Medical	ACA Marketplace	COBRA
Pre-existing conditions	Excluded	Covered	Covered
Preventive care	Not required	$0 copay preventive	Same as prior employer plan
Maternity	Excluded	Included	Included
Mental health / substance use	Excluded	Included	Included
Typical monthly cost (healthy 35 y/o)	$80–$180	$300–$500 (pre-subsidy)	Full employer premium (often $600+)
Best for	1–6 month gap, healthy adults	Long-term coverage w/ subsidies	Continuing an active treatment mid-gap

Example costs

Typical UnitedHealthcare short-term premiums for a healthy non-smoker.

30 y/o, $2,500 deductible, 3-month term

$85–$130/mo

≈$255–$390 for the gap

45 y/o couple, $5,000 deductible, 6-month term

$220–$340/mo total

≈$1,320–$2,040 for 6 months

60 y/o pre-Medicare, $7,500 deductible, 4 months

$260–$410/mo

Bridge to Part A/B start date

Ranges are typical 2025 examples for illustration only — request a personalized quote for exact pricing.

Common questions

How long can I keep short-term coverage?

Varies by state. Some allow up to 36 months with renewals, others cap at 3 months. We'll show what's available where you live.

Will it satisfy an employer's proof-of-coverage requirement?

Usually yes for general purposes, but confirm with HR — some employers or professional licensing bodies specifically require an ACA-compliant plan.

Can I be denied for pre-existing conditions?

Yes. STM plans use medical underwriting and can decline you or exclude conditions from coverage. Always disclose accurately — undisclosed conditions void claims.

Does it count as creditable coverage to avoid the Medicare Part B or Part D penalty?

No — short-term medical is not considered creditable for Medicare purposes.

Ready for a real answer?

A licensed independent broker — no cost, no pressure.

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