Short term medical insurance is designed to provide medical coverage on a temporary basis to fill a temporary need. It cannot be renewed and is not intended to replace coverage. New rules impacting short-term medical (STM) plan durations are now in effect. As of April 1, 2017, STM policies are limited to a maximum of 90 days. After the first 90 days it is possible to reapply once, then a 60 day break in coverage is required before applying again. Short term coverage is not intended to replace permanent coverage.
There is no continuous coverage between policies. Any condition that may have existed or occurred under one policy will be a pre-existing condition under the subsequent policy, and therefore, will not be covered under the subsequent policy.
When is short term medical insurance appropriate?
- Temporary or seasonal workers
- Recent graduate or no longer on their parents’ plan
- Between jobs, on leave from work, or recently laid off
- Temporary or seasonal workers
- Waiting for an individual policy to get issued
- Entering the job market
- Starting a business
Pre-existing conditions These plans are designed to cover any new sickness or injury that occurs while covered on the policy. There is no continuous coverage between policies. Any condition which may have existed or occurred under one policy will be a pre-existing condition under the subsequent policy, and therefore, will not be covered on the subsequent policy.