Short-Term Health Insurance

Flexible coverage for in-between moments.

Life doesn’t always follow a clean schedule—and sometimes your health insurance doesn’t either. Whether you’re between jobs, waiting for Medicare, or in transition, short-term health insurance can help provide temporary coverage until your next long-term plan starts.



At BCI Insured, we help you understand if short-term insurance is a smart choice for your situation—and we’ll walk you through what it covers, what it doesn’t, and what to consider before enrolling.

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When Does Short-Term Insurance Make Sense?

Short-term plans may be a good fit if you’re:

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Between jobs or recently left your employer plan

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Waiting for a Marketplace plan to begin

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Retiring before Medicare starts

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Losing dependent coverage (turning 26 or aging off a family plan)

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In need of temporary coverage during a move or transition

These policies are generally fast to enroll in, with basic medical coverage, and can help protect you from the unexpected while you wait for permanent insurance.

What Does Short-Term Health Insurance Typically Cover?

Most short-term plans offer limited benefits for:

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Doctor visits

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Emergency care

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Hospitalization

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Lab work or diagnostic tests

These plans are not required to follow the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and they usually don’t cover pre-existing conditions, prescription drugs, or preventive care. That’s why it’s important to understand the trade-offs before signing up.

Pros and Cons of Short-Term Plans

Potential Benefits:

  • Lower monthly premiums than long-term plans
  • Quick enrollment and approval
  • Coverage for unexpected illness or injury

Potential Limitations:

  • May not cover medications or preventive care
  • Pre-existing conditions may be excluded
  • Not intended as a long-term solution

We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons clearly—and never recommend a short-term plan if something else fits you better.

Who Should Avoid Short-Term Plans?

You may want to avoid short-term insurance if:


  • You have ongoing health needs or prescriptions
  • You’re eligible for ACA subsidies or Medicare
  • You want guaranteed benefits and preventive services


If this sounds like you, we’ll help you explore other options like Marketplace coverage or a bridge plan to Medicare.

Why Work With BCI Insured?

  • We help you compare short-term with long-term alternatives
  • We explain what’s actually covered—and what isn’t
  • We represent multiple carriers and plan types
  • We’re independent, experienced, and 100% no-cost to you

FAQs About Short-Term Health Insurance

  • Can I get short-term insurance anytime?

    Yes. These plans are available year-round and often start within 24–48 hours of applying.

  • How long can I keep a short-term plan?

    It depends on your state. Some allow plans up to 12 months, others shorter. We’ll help you check your local rules.

  • Is a short-term plan good for dental, vision, or prescriptions?

    Typically not. You may want to pair a short-term plan with supplemental coverage if needed. We can help with that, too.

  • Will this affect my ability to get a long-term plan later?

    No. But it’s important to enroll in a long-term plan when eligible to avoid gaps or penalties in the future.

Need Temporary Coverage? Let’s Find the Right Fit.

Short-term insurance can be a smart solution—but only if it matches your needs. We’ll help you explore the options, understand the limitations, and choose what’s right for right now.

Have a question?

Contact us today