Short-Term Health Insurance Plans: 10 Facts You Need To Know

Not having health insurance is riskier and more costly than investing in one. You may be healthy and free from medical conditions now, but what about when an unexpected situation strikes? As not everyone can easily afford health insurance, at least you now have the option to apply for a short-term health insurance plan instead.

What is Short-Term Health Insurance?

Short-term health insurance is a type of health coverage that has a limited duration. It falls under the standard of minimum essential coverage established by the Affordable Care Act. Short-term health insurance is temporary and caters more to people who can’t afford regular insurance as well as those who do not have insurance coverage from their employers. Short-term health insurance is also a good option for those who are in-between jobs to be able to stay protected. Here are 10 facts you should know about this insurance option.

While coverage is limited, short-term health insurance is usually affordable and adaptable and may even come with telemedicine access. Pixabay (CC0)

1. It’s Affordable – The most common reason why people don’t get health insurance is that they can’t afford it. Short-term health insurance has significantly lower premiums making it more budget-friendly.

2. Short-Term Health Insurance is Adaptable – Another benefit of this kind of insurance is that it’s adaptable. The ACA usually has strict requirements when it comes to insurance benefits but with short-term health insurance, the benefits are more streamlined and flexible, making it perfect for those who only want specific coverage/benefits.

3. No More Tax Penalty – Federal tax returns used to ask about health coverage and often penalized those who don’t have them. Since 2019, the tax penalty has been waived to enable more people to enjoy the benefits of a short-term insurance plan without worrying about penalties.

4. Coverage is Limited – Coverage is usually limited as short-term insurance plans are not required to offer the 10 essential benefits. These also don’t have a standardized list of covered benefits.

5. Perfect for People Who are In-Between Jobs – If you are currently unemployed or still waiting to get started on your new job, short-term health insurance will come in handy. You will still get protection without having to shoulder high premium costs.

6. They’re a Great Option If You Missed Open Enrollment – Life can get super busy. Sometimes, you’ll also miss the open enrollment period because you put off making a decision especially if you’re not sure if you can afford it. Fortunately, short-term health insurance is a great option that’ll give you peace of mind while you wait for the next enrollment period.

7. Great for People Exempt from Obamacare – In most states, people are no longer required to buy health insurance. Still, it’s not a good idea to gamble on your health. While short-term health insurance will not cover everything, it’s still a good way to protect yourself from costly medical care.

8. Easy to Apply and Get Coverage – One other convenience brought about by short-term health insurance is that unlike traditional insurance, you can enroll online and get coverage as soon as possible. You can even apply today and get coverage starting tomorrow. For many people, this is a big plus.

9. Anytime Cancellation – With short-term health insurance, you also get the option and freedom of being able to cancel anytime as it’s not a long-term financial commitment.

10. Better Than Being Uninsured – Having coverage, no matter how limited, is always a good thing. Life can be unpredictable, so keeping yourself protected should save you from paying potential medical bills entirely out of pocket.

Best Short-Term Health Insurance

Pivot Health specializes in short-term health insurance. pivothealth.com

When it comes to the best short-term health insurance, you can count on Pivot Health. Since 2016, the Miami-based insurance company has given peace of mind to many Americans by offering short-term health insurance plans, supplemental health insurance plans and even discounts on prescription drugs.

Operating as the proprietary brand of HealthCare.com, a health insurance organization using data, technology and expert service to answer your questions and help you make the right decisions, Pivot Health is a top-ranked provider. Specializing in short-term health insurance and designed for flexibility, Pivot Health is an inexpensive health insurance option that offers great coverage.

How it Works

Some of Pivot Health’s benefits. pivothealth.com

Your journey with Pivot Health starts with its easy enrollment process, which you can do via phone or through its website. After providing your info, you can view quotes and compare plans. Pivot Health uses data analysis to help you find a short-term plan that will meet your needs.

Each short-term plan is very flexible, so you can adjust the deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses and coverage period. All of Pivot Health’s plans have options for 0%, 20% or 30% coinsurance while the deductibles range from $1,000 to $10,000. Pivot Health has included some bonus benefits that are usually not available with short-term health insurance. This includes access to telemedicine 24/7, allowing you to speak to a medical professional on demand.

Another great benefit is that Pivot Health has no network requirements attached to its plans. This means that you can choose specifically where you want to receive care and you have access to almost every doctor. The plans also offer coverage for a variety of medical services like doctor office visits, emergency room care, hospital stays, surgery and more after a deductible is met.

Additional Offerings

Here’s what to expect from Pivot Health as a short-term insurance provider. pivothealth.com

Aside from short-term health insurance, Pivot Health also offers:

Low-Cost Insurance

While short-term health insurance provides less coverage than traditional insurance, it’s still a great option for those who are looking for a more affordable plan. Pivot Health offers comprehensive and flexible coverage at a reasonable cost. Compare plans and find the best short-term health insurance from Pivot Health by clicking here.