Short Term Medical

Who it's for

• People with a brief gap between jobs or before other coverage begins
• People who missed Open Enrollment and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period
• Healthy individuals who understand the limits and want temporary protection

How it works

A short term medical plan is temporary coverage meant to bridge a gap, for example between jobs or until other coverage begins. You apply with the carrier, answer health questions, and if approved, coverage runs for a limited period set by federal and state rules.

Because these plans don't have to follow ACA rules, carriers can underwrite them: they can look at your health history, decline an application, or exclude conditions you had before the plan started. Benefits are often capped, and some services that ACA plans must cover may not be covered at all.

When the plan ends, it may not be renewable, and having had a short term plan doesn't create a Special Enrollment Period for ACA coverage.

What it covers

Coverage varies widely by plan. Short term plans often include some combination of:

• Doctor visits and urgent care, often after a deductible
• Emergency room care and hospitalization
• Some surgeries and lab work
• Limits on total benefits paid, per condition or per plan term

Carriers you can quote online

Hollen can quote short term medical from UnitedHealthcare (plans underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company), Pivot Health, and Allstate Health Solutions. All three medically underwrite, and none cover pre-existing conditions the way ACA plans do. Term lengths, renewals, and even whether a plan is sold at all depend on your state. UnitedHealthcare lets you apply any time, with coverage that may start as soon as the day after you apply. Pivot Health says its plans run from one month up to a year where allowed. Allstate Health Solutions lists terms from 30 days to 3 months.

What affects the cost

Prices aren't one-size-fits-all. These factors usually make the biggest difference:

• Your age and health answers on the application
• Where you live, including whether your state allows these plans at all
• The deductible and coinsurance you choose
• The plan's benefit maximums and the length of coverage
• Optional add-ons, where offered

A lower premium often reflects less coverage. Compare what's excluded, not just what's included, and look at benefit caps before deciding.

When you can enroll

Short term plans can usually be bought any time of year where they're allowed. That's part of their appeal, but if you have ongoing health needs, check first whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or can enroll in an ACA plan during Open Enrollment. For 2027 coverage, Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Choose a plan by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1; plans chosen December 16 through January 15 generally start February 1.

Key things to know

Not ACA-compliant

Short term plans are not required to follow ACA rules and do not have to cover all essential health benefits, such as maternity care, prescription drugs, or mental health services.

Pre-existing conditions may be excluded

These plans can ask health questions, decline applicants, and exclude care for conditions you had before the plan started.

Not comprehensive coverage

Benefit limits and exclusions can leave you responsible for large bills. A short term plan is not a substitute for comprehensive health insurance.

No income-based savings

Marketplace premium tax credits can't be used for short term plans.

Rules vary by state

Federal and state rules limit how long these plans can last and whether they can be renewed. Some states restrict or don't allow short term plans at all.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a short term plan as a long-term substitute for comprehensive coverage
• Assuming a pre-existing condition will be covered
• Not reading the exclusions and benefit caps
• Missing Open Enrollment because a short term plan is in place
• Not checking your state's rules on length and renewal

How Hollen helps

Hollen will be straightforward about whether short term medical makes sense for you, and she'll always compare it with ACA options first, including any savings you might qualify for. If a short term plan does fit your gap, she'll walk through its limits so there are no surprises.

Frequently asked questions

Related coverage

Individual / Private Health Insurance · Affordable Care Act (ACA) Plans · Self-Employed Health Insurance Plans · Relocation Health Insurance

Hollen is licensed in 14 states. See coverage details for South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Florida, or all licensed states.

This page is general educational information, not a guarantee of coverage, eligibility, or cost. Benefits, availability, and rules vary by plan, carrier, and state. Contact Hollen for details on specific plans.