Short Term Health Insurance in Florida

Short term health insurance, also known as temporary health insurance plans, have historically been designed to fill gaps in coverage between major medical policies. It is also often used to cover the transition period from one employer group health plan, to a new employer’s plan. Policies are good for up to 90 days, but some companies within the state of Florida allow consumers who need more than 90 days of coverage to lock in a rate with the initial application process. 

Temporary plans typically cover things like surgery, hospitalization and visits to the emergency room because they’re designed with catastrophic or unexpected medical problems in mind. Most policies in Florida as well as other states, don’t typically cover pre-existing conditions, and even in the infrequent instances where a plan does cover for some Pre-X conditions, there is usually a limit on the amount of coverage provided. A pre-existing condition is usually defined as an illness that was diagnosed or treated in the previous three to five years, but regulations vary.

Why Is Short Term Health Insurance Becoming So Popular?

Because traditional health insurance (or Obamacare) in Florida can cost two or three times as much as short-term plans, short term health insurance, even when used as a year-round solution, may help people who cannot afford higher premiums obtain some level of coverage. Medicaid recipients who have an income that is too high to be eligible for the program but are unable to qualify for a subsidy can request a quote. People who live in rural areas with few medical options may also apply for short-term insurance. Temporary plans typically have a large network of medical facilities that they have access to, as with traditional insurance.

In Florida, getting temporary health insurance is not usually difficult, and many providers do not require physical exams. You can usually get coverage within one day once your application is approved and you pay your first premium. That said you should be aware that some services, such as mental health, substance abuse treatment, or even certain preventive screenings may not be covered by short-term plans.

A temporary plan may limit the amount the insurance company will pay, a practice that was prohibited under the ACA for major medical plans. In serious illnesses or hospital stays, this sum can be substantial. Florida residents can call or visit the insurance companies’ websites to get quotes and compare the different options the providers offer. When searching for a short-term health care plan, experts also recommend that consumers work with a reputable provider with a strong network of doctors and hospitals.

Carriers Offering Short Term Policies in Florida

• Standard Life
  
• IHC Group
  
• National General Accident and Health
  
• Companion Life Insurance Company
  
• Lifeshield National Insurance Company
  
• UnitedHealthcare

 

Sources:

Marketplaces located at STHP.com, FL DOI and HealthNetwork.com.