Short-Term Health Insurance in Missouri

Short-term health insurance typically lasts less than a year and can bridge coverage gaps between long-term plans. You can purchase these plans for a few weeks or months and extend them. They cover people transitioning between employers or waiting for open enrollment. However, these plans aren't Affordable Care Act-compliant, so they don't necessarily cover essential health benefits and allow providers to reject applicants with medical problems or pre-existing conditions.

National General Accident & Health and Everest Reinsurance Company, with ratings of 90 and 85, respectively, are the two best short-term health insurance providers in Missouri. The best insurer for you will offer the coverage you need at an affordable premium.

However, short-term health insurance isn't meant to replace long-term marketplace plans. If you qualify for subsidies, you can find a marketplace plan with significantly better coverage than a short-term plan at a comparable price.

With a MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100, National General Accident & Health is Missouri's best short-term health insurance provider.

The following came in second and third:

• Everest Reinsurance Company: 85 out of 100
• Companion Life Insurance Company: 63 out of 100

These companies offer the best cost-sharing options and average maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs. The best insurer’s average MOOP is $6,700, while the runners-up quote $7,958 and $12,438, respectively.

National General Accident & Health provides Missouri's cheapest short-term health insurance, with an average MOOP of $6,700. In most cases, lower premiums mean higher out-of-pocket costs. Ensure the plan’s level of coverage meets your requirements before making a purchase decision based on price alone.

Although people opt for cheaper plans while between jobs, it’s prudent to weigh monthly premiums against coverage and cost-sharing options. If you need frequent medical care, the high MOOPs associated with cheaper plans can end up costing more.

MoneyGeek compared premiums and cost-sharing alternatives for companies offering temporary health insurance in Missouri and recommends the following:

• Everest Reinsurance Company: $122 per month
• National General Accident & Health: $139 per month
• Companion Life Insurance Company: $147 per month

One-month premiums from these providers typically average $120 to $150. Everest Reinsurance Company offers the most options for splitting coverage costs.

Short-term health insurance, which usually lasts no longer than a few months, is meant to be a stopgap until you can obtain permanent health insurance. It’s an emergency plan rather than a preventive approach.

In contrast to several states, Missouri's law permits you to extend your short-term insurance coverage for up to 36 months, provided each term last six months or less. After your coverage expires every six months, you can renew or extend your short-term plan. Additionally, you may purchase extra coverage.

MoneyGeek provides answers to questions about short-term health insurance in Missouri.