How do you get health insurance immediately?

Key Takeaways
If one needs immediate proof of insurance for a short period of time, Short-term health insurance could be the solution. Coverage can begin once you've applied and qualified for a plan
Short-term immediate health insurance is often called temporary insurance and provides coverage for specific circumstances.

Short-term immediate health insurance is a low-cost, temporary solution that can provide coverage for medical expenses in case of a gap in your insurance, such as when you lose your job. However, it is important to note that these plans do not offer the same level of comprehensive coverage as regular health insurance and may result in significant out-of-pocket costs if you require medical care

Short-Term Health Insurance That’s Effective Immediately:

Short-term health insurance provides coverage for up to 12 months and can be extended by two years in many states. However, some states impose limits on short-term plans
Short-term insurance plans do not come under the regulations of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Therefore, they have the right to refuse coverage to individuals based on their pre-existing medical conditions, and they are not required to provide the minimum essential health benefits mandated by the law. These benefits are typically included in standard health insurance plans
It is important to note that since short-term plans are not obligated to cover these essential benefits, it may be challenging to find a short-term health insurance plan that provides the same level of coverage as regular health insurance plans
Short-term health insurance plans typically have limits on covered services and total payouts

What Does Short-Term Health Insurance Cover?

Short-term health insurance plans are generally not required to abide by ACA regulations, resulting in significant variations in coverage between different short-term plans. Short-term health insurance plans may cover:

Emergency care
Preventive care
Urgent care
Doctor visits
Short-term plans often exclude maternity, mental health, and substance use care, unlike standard health insurance
One of the issues with short-term health insurance is prescription drug benefits. Unlike regular health insurance plans, short-term plans may or may not cover prescription drugs. Some short-term plans may offer a discount card instead of covering medications. In such cases, the insurer will not help pay for the drugs, but the card may offer a lower price than what you would normally pay without insurance
You should carefully review the details of your short-term health policy to understand its coverage limits, restrictions, and exclusions

Pros and Cons of Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance is often promoted as a cost-effective alternative, but some criticize it as inferior due to its limited coverage compared to regular health insurance. Additionally, seeking medical assistance while under short-term coverage may result in substantial expenses. It is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of short-term insurance before making a purchase

Pros

Lesser cost
You can enroll in an insurance plan anytime without waiting for open enrollment
Once approved, you can receive coverage within a short period of time, even as early as the following day
With our plans, you can have greater control over your out-of-pocket expenses when compared to standard plans

Cons

Usually, it does not cover the same benefits as those included in standard health insurance plans
Plans have limits on coverage
Most of the insurance policies do not cover pre-existing medical conditions
It is possible for an individual to have their policy application rejected

Who Can Benefit from Short-term Health Insurance?

An immediate health insurance plan might make sense if:

One can’t find convenient and affordable health insurance anywhere else
One might need a short-term health insurance plan as a stopgap until they start a new job and receive coverage
If someone is not expected to need any healthcare in the coming months, including doctor visits, tests, or mental health care, or to require any prescriptions or physicals
If you're no longer eligible for your parent's health insurance plan and you are looking for an affordable coverage option but can't qualify for or afford catastrophic health insurance through the ACA marketplace, there are some options available. Catastrophic health insurance plans are specifically designed for individuals under the age of 30 or those facing severe financial challenges. Although they have low monthly premiums, they come with high initial out-of-pocket expenses, similar to short-term plans. However, unlike short-term plans, catastrophic health insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage, similar to ACA plans, which is a major difference to consider

Who Is Eligible for Short-Term Health Insurance?

Short-term health insurance plans are available in all states, but unlike standard health insurance, you could be denied coverage.
Short-term health insurance plans evaluate your health risk with medical underwriting, which may include yes/no questions about medical conditions. Your answers impact your approval status
After obtaining coverage, it is important to note that short-term health plans will review your claims to ensure that your healthcare services are not related to a pre-existing condition. In the event that a pre-existing condition is found to be causing health problems, the plan may reject the claim or even terminate your coverage at any time

The Bottom Line
Immediate short-term health insurance is a great option if you need immediate coverage without waiting for a long time. However, it is important to note that these plans have limited medical benefits and are time-limited. So, before getting one, make sure you are aware of the duration and specific benefits offered by the plan