04/07/2026
I talk with a lot of people who are considering short-term health insurance plans to save money, so I wanted to share a little insight about these plans and why I don’t typically recommend them for most of my clients.
There are a few situations where they can help temporarily. Some possible pros include:
• Sometimes access to a PPO network
• Lower monthly premiums
• Can act as temporary coverage between gaps
• Fast approval, sometimes even same-day
BUT what many agents and websites advertising these plans don’t clearly explain is what coverage you may be missing, often hidden in the fine print.
Plans like this usually come with very limited benefits and they are not required to follow the same protections as major medical insurance.
That means insurers can deny claims more easily, sometimes when people need coverage the most. And honestly, what is health insurance for if you don’t have peace of mind that on your worst day your plan will protect you from financial trouble?
Many pre-existing conditions are not covered, which surprises a lot of people after enrollment.
A short-term plan can feel like protection, but sometimes it leaves people responsible for large unexpected medical bills. The good news is many people are surprised to learn they actually qualify for Marketplace savings, Medicaid, or private options that provide stronger coverage than short-term plans. If you’re considering a short-term plan and want a second opinion before enrolling, I’m always happy to help you compare your options.