Best Short-Term Health Insurance in North Carolina (2024)

Short-term health insurance can temporarily cover you if you're between jobs, missed open enrollment or need coverage before Medicare kicks in. Although you can extend it, coverage normally lasts less than a year. However, short-term plans are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act, meaning they don't always cover essential health benefits or pre-existing medical conditions.

National General Accident & Health received an overall MoneyGeek rating of 85 out of 100, making it the best short-term medical insurance provider in North Carolina. Everest Reinsurance Company, which garnered a similar score, is yet another excellent choice in the state.

Short-term health insurance is not a good substitute for a marketplace plan. Explore health insurance subsidies if you're concerned about cost-cutting and need a long-term insurance plan.

Based on MoneyGeek's research, the companies offering the best temporary health insurance in North Carolina are:

• National General Accident & Health: 85 out of 100
• Everest Reinsurance Company: 85 out of 100
• Companion Life Insurance Company: 63 out of 100

We based this ranking mainly on the range of cost-sharing choices and average maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs. While the first two companies share the same overall rating, the average MOOP for the winner is $6,875, Everest’s is around $7,958 and Companion Life’s is a hefty $12,438.

National General Accident & Health offers the cheapest short-term health insurance in North Carolina for people on a tight budget. The average maximum out-of-pocket expense for a plan from this insurer is $6,875.

Companies typically offer cheaper rates for plans with higher out-of-pocket expenses. If you choose an inexpensive plan, make sure its coverage is adequate for your health care needs.

Many people choose to purchase temporary health insurance when they’re between jobs. The top short-term health insurers in North Carolina for unemployed people are:

• Companion Life Insurance Company: $148 per month
• Everest Reinsurance Company: $162 per month
• UnitedHealthcare: $171 per month

Despite offering fewer plan options than the other two, Companion Life Insurance Company had the lowest average premium, which increased its value in our ranking of North Carolina carriers.

As usual, it's a good idea to consider coverage and cost-sharing alternatives in addition to monthly fees. Plans with lower premiums tend to have higher MOOPs and may only be suitable for persons who don't require extensive medical care.

Short-term health insurance usually lasts a few months while you wait for long-term protection. It more closely resembles an emergency plan than a preventive strategy. In North Carolina, you can enroll in a plan for 364 days, at which point you can renew for a total duration of 36 months.

MoneyGeek answers questions about short-term health insurance in North Carolina to help your search.