Introduction

Losing a job often means losing employer‑sponsored health coverage—leaving you exposed to potentially crippling medical bills. COBRA can bridge the gap, but its premiums average $700–$1,200/month, which few need‑to‑save–every–penny budgets can afford. Fortunately, short‑term health insurance offers a more pocket‑friendly alternative and can kick in within 24 hours of enrollment.

In this post, you’ll discover:

• The 7 best short‑term plans that actually pay real medical claims

• Premiums, deductibles, and coverage limits side by side

• Actionable tips for choosing the right plan for your health needs

• How to apply quickly (most enrollments complete entirely online)

• FAQs on coverage, preexisting conditions, and switching

Let’s get you the protection you need—without breaking the bank.

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Why Short‑Term Health Insurance?

Short‑term plans fill a temporary gap in coverage when you’re between jobs or awaiting open‑enrollment. Key advantages:

• Lower premiums than COBRA or ACA plans

• Fast approvals—often within 24–48 hours

• Flexible durations from 30 days up to 364 days (renewable)

• Vast national networks (major carriers like UnitedHealthcare)

• Customizable deductibles to match your budget

But beware: they don’t cover preexisting conditions and have annual/lifetime limits. Read the fine print on each plan to ensure it aligns with your health profile.

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How We Chose the 7 Plans

We evaluated over 30 carriers based on:

1. Claims paid — verified members received reimbursements on real hospital visits

2. Average premium for a 40‑year‑old male/female in good health

3. Deductible & out‑of‑pocket max

4. Maximum coverage duration (ideally 364 days)

5. Network size and portability

6. Online underwriting speed and customer reviews

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Comparison Table: At‑a‑Glance Overview

¹Premiums vary by age, ZIP code, and tobacco use.

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1. Pivot Health Short‑Term Plan

Why it stands out: Pivot Health consistently earns 4.7/5 on Trustpilot for fast claims processing and low denial rates.

• Premiums: $120–$150/month (avg. for a healthy 35‑year‑old)

• Deductible: $2,500

• Network: First Health & Aetna Choice PoP

• Coverage Highlights:

  • Inpatient hospitalization

  • Emergency room visits

  • Outpatient surgery

  • Mental health (limited)

• Excluded: Preexisting conditions

• Underwriting: Instant quotes; decisions in under 10 minutes

Pro Tip: Opt for the “Critical Illness Booster” rider if you want a lump‑sum cash benefit on diagnosis of heart attack, stroke, or cancer.

Get a free Pivot Health quote and enroll in under 10 minutes.

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2. UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Short‑Term Plans

Why it stands out: Backed by a Fortune 5 insurer and a massive network (over 1.3 million clinicians).

• Premiums: $130–$160/month

• Deductible: $3,000

• Network: UHC Choice Plus (nationwide)

• Coverage Highlights:

  • Preventive care (some plans)

  • Specialist office visits

  • Up to $1 million annual benefit

• Underwriting: Quick online application; coverage starts next day

UnitedHealthcare’s online portal makes it easy to track claims and locate in‑network providers, so you’re never in the dark on costs.

See UHC short‑term options

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3. eHealth Short‑Term Insurance

Why it stands out: Comparison engine that aggregates multiple carriers (e.g., National General, UnitedHealthcare).

• Premiums: $110–$140/month

• Deductible: $2,000

• Network: Varies by carrier; often HMO/PPO options

• Coverage Highlights:

  • Virtual doctor visits (telehealth)

  • Maternity emergency-only

• Extras:

  • 24/7 telemedicine, often included at no extra cost

• Underwriting: No‑medical exam plans available (fast approval)

Actionable Tip: Use eHealth’s comparison tool to filter by maximum out‑of‑pocket or specific deductible.

Compare on eHealth’s platform

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4. AgileHealth Insure

Why it stands out: Ultra‑low premiums for healthy applicants willing to accept a higher deductible.

• Premiums: $100–$130/month

• Deductible: $5,000

• Network: PHCS, First Health

• Coverage Highlights:

  • Hospitalization benefits up to $1 M

  • ER and urgent care

  • Outpatient physician fees

• Underwriting: 2‑minute health questionnaire; instant approval

Remember: A $5,000 deductible means you handle more costs before insurance kicks in—best for those who rarely visit the doctor.

Explore AgileHealth plans

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5. National General Benefit Design Plans (BDP)

Why it stands out: Carved‑out benefits designed to minimize claim denials.

• Premiums: $115–$145/month

• Deductible: $4,000

• Network: UHC, Aetna, Cigna (varies)

• Coverage Highlights:

  • Diagnostic tests (lab/x‑ray)

  • Physical therapy

• Underwriting: 1‑page application; coverage starts in 24 hours

National General’s BDP structure simplifies eligible services, reducing paperwork and speeding payouts.

Check National General’s BDP

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6. IHC Specialty Plans

Why it stands out: Short‑term plans tailored for specific medical needs (e.g., preventive maternity, mental health add‑ons).

• Premiums: $150–$180/month

• Deductible: $1,500

• Coverage Period: Up to 182 days (non-renewable)

• Coverage Highlights:

  • Pregnancy complications (emergency‑only)

  • Outpatient therapy sessions

• Network: Private hospital networks (urban centers only)

• Underwriting: Quick phone interview; decision in 48 hours

Ideal if you anticipate a short stay and want lower deductibles for specific care types.

Review IHC plans

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7. Lemonade Health Short‑Term Plan

Why it stands out: Tech‑driven insurer with claims paid in as little as 3 minutes via app.

• Premiums: $90–$120/month (lowest on our list)

• Deductible: $2,500

• Network: Aetna, Cigna in select states

• Coverage Highlights:

  • Telemedicine included

  • Flexible deductible credit on claim-free renewal

• Underwriting: 5‑min digital application; instant approval

Insider Tip: Check for Lemonade’s “Green Credit”—if you stay claim‑free, get a rebate on next term’s premium.

Get covered through Lemonade Health

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How to Choose the Right Plan for You

1. Assess Your Risk Profile

   • Good health & low utilization → high deductible + low premium

   • Preexisting condition free → ok for any short‑term plan (but still excluded)

2. Compare Deductibles vs. Premiums

   • Lower deductible = higher premium, and vice versa

   • Match your deductible to the amount you can pay out‑of‑pocket

3. Check Coverage Limits

   • Annual/lifetime max must align with potential hospitalization costs

   • $1 million limit is typical; ensure it’s sufficient for worst‑case scenarios

4. Network Access

   • National vs. regional network—will you travel?

   • PPOs cost more but gives you the broadest provider access

5. Underwriting Speed & Simplicity

   • If you need immediate coverage, choose digital, no‑exam options

   • Confirm start date—many plans begin within 24 hours of approval

6. Add‑Ons & Riders

   • Critical illness, accident-only, telehealth, maternity boosters

   • Factor extra rider costs into total monthly premium

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Step‑by‑Step Enrollment Guide

1. Gather Personal Info

   • Name, address, date of birth, SSN (for payments), basic health info

2. Get Quotes Online

   • Use direct insurer sites or aggregators like eHealth for side‑by‑side

3. Select Plan & Riders

   • Confirm deductible, network, coverage duration

4. Complete Underwriting

   • Electronic or phone questionnaire; no exam for most plans

5. Pay First Premium

   • Credit card or bank draft; coverage often starts next day

6. Download Your ID Card

   • Print or save to your phone; present at appointments

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FAQs

Q1: Can unemployed individuals qualify for short‑term health insurance?
Yes. No income requirement—most carriers focus on age and health status only.

Q2: Does short‑term insurance cover prescription drugs?
Typically, only for acute illnesses (e.g., antibiotics). Maintenance meds for chronic conditions are excluded.

Q3: Are preexisting conditions covered?
No. Any treatment related to a condition you had before enrollment is excluded.

Q4: Can I switch to an ACA plan later?
Yes. Short‑term doesn’t affect your eligibility for ACA open-enrollment or Medicaid.

Q5: What happens if I need care beyond my plan’s max limit?
You become responsible for costs once you hit the annual maximum. Consider a $1 million+ limit or gap coverage rider.

Q6: Is preventive care covered?
Rarely. Most short‑term plans exclude routine checkups and vaccines.

Q7: Can I renew my short‑term plan?
Some carriers (Pivot Health, UHC, Lemonade) allow renewals up to a cumulative 364 days. Others cap at 182 days non‑renewable.

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Conclusion

Short‑term health insurance is not a perfect substitute for an ACA or employer‑sponsored plan, but it can be a lifesaver when you’re unemployed—protecting you from financial ruin due to unexpected medical emergencies. By comparing premiums, deductibles, networks, and coverage limits side by side (see our summary table), you can select the plan that fits your budget and health needs.

Ready to secure your peace of mind?

• Get quotes from Pivot Health, UHC, Lemonade, or eHealth today

• Apply online in under 10 minutes

• Activate coverage within 24 hours

Don’t wait until illness strikes—bridge your coverage gap now and focus on landing your next opportunity without the fear of a medical bill.

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This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always read your policy documents carefully before enrolling.