Health Insurance Series
Health · Short-Term Plans
Short-Term Health Plans —
When They Work, When They Don't
Short-term limited-duration insurance (STLDI) plans are cheaper than ACA marketplace plans — sometimes much cheaper. The trade-off is significant: they're not real health insurance in the ACA sense. They're a bridge product, not a destination.
What short-term plans don't cover
Pre-existing conditions (often excluded entirely), pregnancy/maternity, mental health, prescription drugs (limited), and essential health benefits the ACA requires. You can be denied coverage based on health history. They're medically underwritten.
When short-term plans make sense
• Between jobs, waiting for new employer coverage to start
• Missed open enrollment, need something until next window
• Young + healthy, no pre-existing conditions, willing to take risk
• Bridging until Medicare eligibility (62-65 gap)
• COBRA is too expensive and marketplace doesn't fit
When they're a bad idea
• You have ANY pre-existing condition — it won't be covered
• You're planning a pregnancy — not covered
• You take regular prescriptions — limited or excluded
• Long-term use as a substitute for real coverage — exposes you to massive bills
• Anyone who would qualify for marketplace subsidies — marketplace is almost always better with subsidies
Bridge gap vs. real coverage — which do you need?
We'll review your situation and tell you whether short-term is the right gap solution or whether you should hold out for marketplace.
Carriers We Represent
We're independent — we shop the market for the policy that fits, not the highest commission.
Carrier logos shown are trademarks of their respective owners. We work with additional regional carriers — ask about a specific plan.
Keep Reading
More in Health Insurance
Sources
Educational content only. State regulations on short-term plans vary widely.