How to Get Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance

Is a Short-Term Plan Right for Me?

Although short-term health insurance can be a low-cost option, it isn’t right for everyone. You will need to understand what the plans will cover, and how long you will have that coverage.

It's important to know that short-term health insurance plans do not have to follow the ACA's rules.

For example, a short-term health insurance policy can place a cap on benefits. This limits the insurer’s potential losses if you get seriously ill while you're covered. If you get very sick and need a lot of medical care, that's expensive for the insurer.

Short-term plans also do not have to cover essential health benefits—that includes things like maternity care and mental health care. Many plans also do not include outpatient prescription drug coverage.

If you have a medical condition, you should know that almost all short-term plans do not provide coverage for any pre-existing conditions.