UNDERSTANDING TYPES OF HEALTH COVERAGE

 

  • Temporary Health Insurance

    Temporary health insurance, or short-term health insurance, is beneficial for people who may be between jobs, new graduates, temporary employees, or waiting for their employer's coverage to take effect, among other reasons. The short-term nature of their circumstance makes temporary health insurance coverage an ideal solution.

    Temporary Health Insurance Protection
    Since individual health insurance plans can be costly, temporary health insurance provides healthcare coverage at a more affordable rate. The decreased cost, however, is offset by a reduction in coverage. While the plan may not be as comprehensive as an individual policy, it will provide adequate protection for a variety of situations, including:

    Hospital room and board
    No limitations on your selection of physicians or hospitals
    Inpatient and outpatient procedures
    Intensive care unit costs
    Prescription drugs
    Lab exams and x-rays
    Exclusions in Coverage with Temporary Health Insurance
    Pre-existing conditions
    Routine medical visits
    Dental procedures, cleaning, x-rays
    Pregnancy
    Review the term coverage, as temporary health insurance is available between 30 days and 180 days. Some companies may offer plans that will last longer, so research your options carefully. In most instances, temporary health insurance can not be extended beyond one year.

    Temporary health insurance plans don't typically involve networks, so you are free to see any physician that you wish, with a fairly low deductible. Temporary health insurance policies will also require you to get pre-certification for some medical services or procedures. Be certain to review all of this information so that you completely understand the policy. Pay careful attention to deductibles and when you will have to pay them.

    Temporary Health Insurance Eligibility
    Keep in mind that if you have a pre-existing condition, you may be denied a temporary health insurance policy. Since the cost of a short-term policy is relatively low, insurance companies have restrictions against any higher risk circumstances that would drive the cost up