Benefit coverages under short-term medical insurance?
When you are between permanent plans, short-term medical insurance fills in the temporary coverage gap. This can occur when you are in between jobs, waiting for group coverage, laid off or among other reasons. Coverage may be available for you and your dependents if you meet health, U.S. residency, and age requirements. In order to keep premiums affordable, coverage isn’t as extensive as that under permanent plans; however, basic charges in the event of sudden illness or an accident are typically covered.
Typically, short-term medical plan coverage
Does not include:
- Dental care
- Routine medical exams
- Intentionally self-inflicted injury
- Medical expenses outside the U.S.
- Preexisting conditions
- Childbirth and pregnancy expenses
- Expenses that aren’t medically necessary
Short-term medical plan coverage
Does include:
- Ambulance services
- Prescription drugs
- Your choice of doctors and hospitals
- Intensive care unit charges
- Hospital room and board charges
- Charges for outpatient and inpatient services provided by medical professionals
- X-rays and diagnostic lab exams
Generally, short-term medical coverage is provided for about 1-6 months, but there are companies out there who provide short-term coverage for up to 12 months. You might be able to renew your short-term coverage, but it usually doesn’t last for more than 365 days. Purchasing short-term coverage while you are in between job is a good idea and is considered to be cost-effective.