Short term health insurance policies are popular because they are much less expensive than their alternative. Usually clients find short term insurance when they have been shocked by a bill for COBRA that is way too high. It can be a good solution for many people. But temporary medical plans are not appropriate for everyone.
Primarily, temporary health plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. This is OK for healthy people. But for someone who has a chronic condition there might be something better. Sometimes people search for health insurance when something happens and they get sick. While the person might qualify for the insurance based on the medical questionnaire, if they are injured prior to taking out the policy, the injury will not be covered. Do not purchase these plans if you get sick or injured without insurance and expect this plan to pay for you.
Another reason short term medical insurance might not be right for you is if you take expensive medications. These policies do not have copayments for prescription drugs. Some drugs do not cost very much. But if you are taking a maintenance drug that is expensive on a monthly basis, there might be another option that is better.
One final limitation of temporary medical policies is preventive care. Most benefit packages include preventive care for an annual physical. The short term insurance plans only cover new illnesses or injuries. Annual physicals and other tests are only available if you pay out of your pocket. Again, other programs are available if this is a concern.
Temporary plans are popular because they are so expensive. People faced with an increased monthly premium in what they have to pay for COBRA can save a lot of money with this alternative. People who need coverage instantly also benefit. But if you purchase short term insurance, understand the limitations of the benefits.
Primarily, temporary health plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. This is OK for healthy people. But for someone who has a chronic condition there might be something better. Sometimes people search for health insurance when something happens and they get sick. While the person might qualify for the insurance based on the medical questionnaire, if they are injured prior to taking out the policy, the injury will not be covered. Do not purchase these plans if you get sick or injured without insurance and expect this plan to pay for you.
Another reason short term medical insurance might not be right for you is if you take expensive medications. These policies do not have copayments for prescription drugs. Some drugs do not cost very much. But if you are taking a maintenance drug that is expensive on a monthly basis, there might be another option that is better.
One final limitation of temporary medical policies is preventive care. Most benefit packages include preventive care for an annual physical. The short term insurance plans only cover new illnesses or injuries. Annual physicals and other tests are only available if you pay out of your pocket. Again, other programs are available if this is a concern.
Temporary plans are popular because they are so expensive. People faced with an increased monthly premium in what they have to pay for COBRA can save a lot of money with this alternative. People who need coverage instantly also benefit. But if you purchase short term insurance, understand the limitations of the benefits.
Brian W. Thacker has been working with individuals and their families to meet their medical insurance needs since 1996. He brought the agent appointment and application process to the web in 1998 with his website http://www.thackeragency.com. He has clients all over the world who have used his websites to get quotes and information about a variety of options from short term health insurance to Medicare and Family plans. Get a quote and apply online in minutes at 866-373-4948. Your coverage can be in place by midnight and you get your cards sooner than that.
