Short Term Medical Insurance

Your Guide to Coverage Options

Short Term Medical Insurance plans have no open enrollment period restrictions, this means that you can apply at any time. Once your application has been approved, you can use your coverage as early as the NEXT DAY!

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A Short Term Health Insurance plan is much more affordable than an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan. Since a short-term plan does not have to cap out-of-pocket costs like an ACA-compliant plan, it can be availed with higher deductibles and much lower premiums.

Quick and Easy Sign Up for Oregon Short Term Medical Insurance

TOP OREGON SHORT TERM MEDICAL INSURERS:

| National General | United Healthcare (Golden Rule) | LifeMap |  Companion Life | Everest | Everest Prime | Independence American Life |  LifeShield 

What is a Short-Term Medical Insurance?

Short term medical insurance, also known as temporary health insurance, is a type of coverage that provides temporary protection against unexpected illnesses or accidents. This insurance coverage is designed for individuals who are in between jobs, waiting for their employer-sponsored insurance to start, or have missed the open enrollment period for regular insurance. It’s also a good option for people who are traveling abroad or need coverage for a short period.
 
Short-term insurance is a temporary health insurance plan meant to cover an individual for a short period, usually up to 12 months, when there is a gap in coverage. It is a cost-effective alternative to major medical insurance, offering limited coverage for unexpected medical expenses. These plans are typically less comprehensive and don’t provide the same level of coverage as regular health insurance.
 

Short-term Insurance is for you if:

  • You missed the Open Enrollment period and you’re not qualified for Special Enrollment.
  • You are waiting for your ACA (Affordable Care Act / Obamacare) coverage to start or if you’re unable to apply for ACA.
  • You are looking for coverage to bridge you to Medicare
  • You are in between jobs and waiting for benefits to begin at your new job
  • You are turning 26 and coming off your parent’s insurance
  • You are healthy and under 65

Benefits of Short-Term Medical Insurance:

  1. Quick and Easy Sign-Up Process: Unlike traditional health insurance, short term medical insurance policies are easy to obtain and can be purchased in a matter of days. You don’t have to go through a complicated sign-up process or wait for several months for your policy to take effect.

  2. Lower Premiums: Short term medical insurance policies are often less expensive compared to traditional health insurance policies. This makes them a cost-effective option for individuals who need coverage for a short period.

  3. Customizable Coverage: Short term medical insurance policies allow you to choose the coverage you need. You can opt for a plan that covers just hospitalization or add additional coverage for doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other medical expenses.

  4. Flexibility: Short term medical insurance policies are designed to be flexible. You can choose the length of your coverage and renew your policy when needed.

Limitations of Short Term Medical Insurance

Always remember that every short-term health care policy must list these exclusions, so review them thoroughly. 

  1. Limited Coverage: Unlike traditional health insurance, short term medical insurance policies provide limited coverage. They do not cover pre-existing conditions, and the coverage period is usually for a maximum of 12 months.

  2. No Guaranteed Renewal: Short term medical insurance policies are not guaranteed renewable, which means that you may not be able to renew your policy once it expires.

  3. Exclusions: Short term medical insurance policies often have exclusions, which means that they do not cover certain medical expenses. It’s important to thoroughly read the policy’s fine print and understand what is and isn’t covered.

Short Term Medical Insurance

Short Term Medical insurance (also called Temporary health insurance) might be the best option for you! It can help fill that gap in your coverage until you have a longer-term solution. Moreover, the benefits covered by short term medical insurance are typically high deductible that can cover catastrophic visits related to emergency care. Meaning these plans may work well if you don’t require regular medical care, such as frequent visits to the doctor or costly maintenance prescriptions.

Remember: Pre-existing conditions are NOT covered and applies for all insureds, including those under the age of 19.

What happens when you reach your coverage period?

At the end of your coverage term, most insurers will allow you to re-apply for another short term health plan. These health insurance plans do not normally constitute an automatic continuation of your first plan. Apart from the fact that Oregon law limits these plans to covering people for just 90 days, it also requires a 60-day gap in coverage before a second 90-day plan may be issued

Short-term medical insurance plans are limited duration plans not subject to certain provisions of federal health care reform, including the provisions related to Essential Health Benefits, lifetime limits, preventative care, guaranteed renewability, and pre‐existing conditions. However, the good thing about short term health care coverage is that it’s more affordable than traditional health insurance.

Policies are limited by the Oregon law to a duration of no more than 3 months, including renewal periods. This means that in Oregon, new federal rules that allow for longer short-term plans do NOT apply.

Starting in 2019, people who choose to enroll in Short Term plans sometimes called Temporary Health Plans are no longer liable for any penalties. The ACA individual mandate has been repealed to remove the penalty sanctions shouldered by those who prefers Short Term Health Insurance over ACA health plans.

You may sign up for a Short Term Health Insurance all-year-round. Unlike ACA health plans which have an Annual Open Enrollment Period (November 1 to December 15 of each year), Short Term policies are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Short Term Health Insurance is adaptable. When you purchase ACA health insurance, you are paying monthly premiums for all ‘essential health benefits’. With short term health insurance, you have the option to select and pay for just the benefits you need such as doctor visits, x-rays, and hospital coverage.

The enrollment and eligibility process is quick and easy. With just a couple of yes/no questions about major health concerns, you’ll be able to sign up and get health insurance at an affordable rate.

You can cancel a Temporary Health insurance plan anytime. Most Short-Term health plans allow you to make month to month payments up to the maximum term. And at the end of your policy, your coverage will automatically terminate, unless you decide to cancel your coverage at an earlier date, then you can do so.

Most Short Term policies allow you to choose your own doctor and hospital without restrictions. Apart from covering a wide range of doctor services, surgery, outpatient and inpatient care, you’ll have the option to choose your preferred doctor and hospital. However, you’ll pay lower out of pocket by using in-network providers.

FAQs on Short Term Medical Insurance

Q: Is short term medical insurance right for me?

A: Short term medical insurance may be right for you if you’re in between jobs, waiting for your employer-sponsored insurance to start, or need coverage for a short period. It’s important to understand the benefits and limitations of this type of coverage before you sign up for a policy.

Q: What is the coverage period for short term medical insurance?

A: The coverage period for short term medical insurance is usually for a maximum of 12 months.

Q: Does short term medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

A: No, short term medical insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions.

Q: Is short term medical insurance more expensive than traditional health insurance?

A: Short term medical insurance policies are often less expensive compared to traditional health insurance policies.

Need help? Call Health Plans in Oregon: 503-928-6918. Our assistance is at no cost to you.

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