Best Short-Term Health Insurance in Mississippi (2024)


Updated: October 3, 2024

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Short-term health insurance plans can be a good option for those needing coverage between long-term plans. For instance, a short-term insurance plan can provide temporary weekly or monthly coverage if you missed open enrollment or are between jobs.

However, short-term health insurance plans may not cover essential health benefits and shouldn’t replace marketplace plans. If you’re considering a short-term health plan instead of a marketplace plan for budgetary reasons, look into subsidies that can help you find a marketplace plan at a reduced price.

In Mississippi, MoneyGeek’s top choices for short-term health insurance providers include National General Accident & Health and Everest Reinsurance Company, with scores of 95 and 85 out of 100, respectively. However, the best plan for your needs depends on your budget and health requirements.

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2024

Best Companies for Short-Term Health Insurance in Mississippi

METHODOLOGY

To determine the best short-term health insurance companies, MoneyGeek analyzed the pricing, plan options and cost-sharing choices for thousands of plans. Within each state, plans were aggregated by company to compile an overview of a short-term health insurance provider. In determining the best short-term providers for specific categories, weights were redistributed to take into account the goal of the health insurance plan.

Please be advised that the costs provided are averages. Actual rates will vary based on consumer profile and location.

Best Overall Short-Term Health Insurance in Mississippi

MoneyGeek found that National General Accident & Health offers the best overall short-term medical insurance in Mississippi, achieving a total score of 95 out of 100. The runner-up is Everest Reinsurance Company, with a score of 85 out of 100, and the third-place company is Companion Life Insurance Company, with a score of 63 out of 100.

We ranked these companies based on average maximum out-of-pocket costs and selection of cost-sharing options. National General Accident & Health’s average maximum out-of-pocket cost (MOOP) is $7,500, while Everest Reinsurance Company’s average MOOP is slightly higher, at $7,958. Finally, Companion Life Insurance Company has the highest MOOP out of the three, at $12,438.

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MoneyGeek Top Pick
National General Accident & Health

With a total MoneyGeek score of 95, National General Accident & Health offers a wide range of insurance products, including short-term health insurance, dental insurance and supplemental insurance. The company offers nationwide service through a network of 49,000 agents and brokers. It also has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating for reliability and performance.

Mississippi residents can benefit from short-term policies that range from 30 days to a year, with some plans providing the opportunity for renewal or consecutive terms. Plans can include prescription benefits as well as coverage for urgent care and office visits. However, some plans may have waiting periods for certain illnesses.

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CAN I GO WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE?

Putting off buying health insurance for the short term can be tempting. However, an unforeseen medical emergency can cost you thousands of dollars. Buying temporary health insurance can help protect you against this financial burden.

Best Cheap Short-Term Health Insurance

National General Accident & Health offers the cheapest temporary health insurance in Mississippi. The average maximum out-of-pocket cost you can expect to pay in a year is $7,500. Although choosing a low-cost, short-term health insurance plan may seem like a good idea, check to see whether it provides enough coverage for your needs. Additionally, it may come with higher out-of-pocket costs than pricier plans.

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MoneyGeek Top Pick
National General Accident & Health

National General Accident & Health is MoneyGeek’s top pick for the cheapest short-term monthly health insurance provider in Mississippi. Despite its affordable cost, it offers customizable benefits, co-insurance and deductible options to get the coverage you need. You can also choose between networks such as Aetna Open Choice or Cigna to work with specific providers in your state.

SHORT-TERM HEALTH INSURANCE LIMITATIONS

While short-term health insurance may be cheaper than long-term insurance, it has several limitations. Many temporary plans don’t cover treatment for pre-existing health conditions. In addition, your policy may not be renewable if you develop a health condition during the plan’s term. Short-term health insurance protects you against catastrophic expenses in the event of an accident and should never replace a marketplace or long-term plan.

Best Short-Term Health Insurance Between Jobs

If you are currently unemployed in Mississippi, purchasing a short-term health plan may be a good idea. Generally, cheaper premiums come with higher MOOPs, but these may be a better option if you don’t need regular health visits. Based on monthly premiums and cost-sharing options, MoneyGeek evaluated several options and found that the following companies offer the best health insurance if you’re unemployed in Alabama:

  • Companion Life Insurance Company: $144 per month
  • United Healthcare: $153 per month
  • Independence American Insurance Company: $156 per month

Although all three companies charge similar premiums, Companion Life Insurance Company provides a broader range of cost-sharing options.

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MoneyGeek Top Pick
Companion Life Insurance Company

Companion Life Insurance Company has operated since 1971. It offers insurance policies that include stop loss, short-term plans and company group coverage. Companion Life and its subsidiaries operate in 49 states with a network of over 19,000 insurance agents and brokers.

In 2022, Companion Life Insurance Company received an A+ rating from AM Best for the 20th consecutive year, demonstrating financial strength. It offers several short-term insurance time lengths with limited co-insurance options.

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SHOULD I EXTEND SHORT-TERM HEALTH INSURANCE?

Extending your short-term health insurance plan makes sense if your job’s start date is delayed or open enrollment is a few months away. However, don’t choose short-term coverage over marketplace plans for the long run. Bronze and Catastrophic marketplace plans are affordable and provide greater coverage than short-term options.

How Does Short-Term Health Insurance Work in Mississippi?

Short-term health insurance serves as a bridge between long-term insurance plans and covers emergencies rather than preventive health measures. Choose a well-rated short-term health insurance plan that provides a good balance of affordability and coverage.

Also look into state-specific laws that may impact your coverage. For instance, in Mississippi, your insurance plan may refuse to cover your pre-existing health condition for 12 months.

How to Buy Short-Term Health Insurance in Mississippi

Before buying short-term health insurance in Mississippi, weigh your needs and budget. Everyone's health requirements differ, so there is no one-size-fits-all health insurance. MoneyGeek outlines steps to get you started.

1
Determine How Long You Need Coverage

Most companies offer coverage terms from three to 12 months, with the option to renew.

2
Assess Your Health Care Needs

In addition to your monthly premium, assess fees you might incur. These include prescription fees, application fees and copayments. Determine any waiting periods that can impact your ability to get immediate care.

3
Research Providers and Available Plans

Once you’ve decided on coverage and duration, check which plans are available and compare providers. Don’t forget to read the fine print and ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your plan before making a final decision.

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SHORT-TERM HEALTH INSURANCE VS. MARKETPLACE PLANS

Short-term plans aren’t ACA-compliant, meaning they may not cover preventive, maternity and mental health care. In contrast, marketplace plans comply with the Affordable Care Act and provide coverage for pre-existing conditions. Short-term plans are generally designed to offer coverage for under one year, while marketplace plans provide coverage for the long term.

FAQs About Short-Term Health Insurance in Mississippi

Shopping for health insurance can be confusing, so MoneyGeek answers some common questions to help you.

What does short-term health insurance cover?
Can you get short-term health insurance with pre-existing conditions?
How long can you stay on short-term health insurance in Mississippi?
Can you cancel short-term health insurance in Mississippi?

About Brenna Kelly


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Brenna Kelly, the former Health Insurance Content Manager at MoneyGeek, is a licensed health insurance agent and real estate associate. She is qualified to provide expert insight and advice on medical insurance, disability, long-term care, critical illness, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans.

Kelly has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Applied Sociology from the University of Central Florida. She uses her content production experience and health insurance expertise to deliver informative articles.


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