Short-term health insurance plans are typically much more affordable than major medical plans. Short-term plans are available for as little as $55 per month,* compared to at least $225 per month for major medical coverage*.

* This is based on average pricing for plans from eHealth, but actual prices available depend on zip code, age, gender, and other factors. Get a personalized quote to see what may be available for you.

Short-term health insurance can be a good option for individuals who are healthy and do not generally require health services or have regular prescription needs. Short-term health insurance is often worth it for those who want a health plan in case of emergency or need immediate coverage.

Short-term medical insurance coverage will vary based on the plan you choose. Most short-term plans will cover emergency hospital visits, certain prescription medications, and some doctor's appointments not related to pre-existing conditions.

Most temporary health insurance plans do not cover treatment for pre-existing conditions, maternity care, and mental health, among other items. Short-term plans do not guarantee the essential health benefits and protections of Affordable Care Act plans. Short-term plans may also have waiting periods, during which the plan will not cover certain conditions at the beginning of the plan. If you end one term on a short-term plan and then begin another short-term insurance plan, you may lose coverage for certain conditions that become pre-existing conditions and may have to restart any deductible or waiting period requirement in your plan. In some cases, you cannot extend your short-term coverage or buy another short-term plan when your short-term coverage ends. Short-term plans also generally have an overall maximum amount they will pay out in coverage.

Be sure to read the details of your plan carefully to understand the limitations of your coverage. The above summary is only general guidance, so you must review your plan's official documentation to see your plan's coverage, limitations, and restrictions.

To qualify for short-term health insurance, you will likely have to fill out a health questionnaire, and you may need to disclose any pre-existing conditions, which can disqualify you from obtaining coverage with a temporary health insurance plan. You may also be disqualified by some insurance companies if you:

• are pregnant
• are currently insured under another policy
• are a man who weighs more than 300 pounds or a woman who weighs more than 250 pounds
• have been diagnosed with, or treated for, HIV or AIDS
• qualify for Medicaid
• aren't a U.S citizen

Please note this is not an inclusive list of all reasons you may be disqualified for a short-term plan. Plan qualifications will vary based on the carrier.

You can renew your short-term health insurance two times, which could bring your total coverage for up to three years if your state follows federal regulations. However, any medical conditions that you have treated under a preceding plan will be considered pre-existing conditions.

Short-term plans can deny you coverage if you have a pre-existing condition. You might also find that you're required to pay more for your plan due to pre-existing conditions or that costs related to your pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Short-term medical policies are designed to provide coverage for a limited period of time, typically less than 365 days.

Under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA) law, you may be able to choose your former employer's health plans after leaving a job. If you choose not to take COBRA coverage, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan, such as a short-term insurance plan, instead.