Best Short-Term Health Insurance Plans in 2026

Updated: April 25, 2026

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Key Takeaways
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UnitedHealthcare ranks first among short-term health insurance plans for plan variety, lower deductibles and out-of-network coverage in most plans.

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National General Accident & Health ranks second, with the highest available coverage ceiling and low coinsurance across most of its plans.

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Short-term plans don't qualify as ACA-compliant coverage, so pre-existing conditions and maternity care are excluded in every plan reviewed.

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Application fees across reviewed providers range from $0 to $40, and deductibles range from $1,000 to $25,000 depending on the plan.

Which Short-Term Health Insurance Plan Is Best?

UnitedHealthcare ranks first in MoneyGeek's analysis of short-term health insurance plans, earning the top position for plan variety, lower deductibles, out-of-network coverage and generic drug inclusion across most of its plans. National General Accident & Health ranks second, with the highest available coverage ceiling and low coinsurance. MoneyGeek analyzed more than 3,000 data points across providers to produce these rankings. 

The best short-term health insurance plan varies by situation. The top pick may not be right for every reader, particularly those who need specialist access, take ongoing medications or expect a longer coverage gap.

Overall
United Healthcare
$21 to $660
$1,000 to $15,000
Without application fees
Independence Insurance Company
$67 to $1,029
$2,500 to $10,000
Students & the unemployed
Everest Reinsurance company
$76 to $641
$1,000 to $10,000
At-risk individuals
National General Accident & Health
$36 to $873
$1,000 to $25,000
UnitedHealthcare

Best Overall Short Term Health Insurance Provider

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  • Most plans include generic drug coverage

  • Many options for plan types, term lengths and out-of-pocket spending limits

  • Short general waiting period

  • Out-of-network coverage

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  • Highest application fee

  • Highest out-of-pocket spending limits

  • Most expensive short-term plan on the market

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

UnitedHealthcare offers a wide range of short-term plan options, making it more likely you’ll find one that works for you. Plans with low out-of-pocket limits, low or no coinsurance and low deductibles are available. Deductibles range from $1,000 to $15,000. UnitedHealthcare offers a wide range of options to suit different needs, form the cheapest and the most expensive and short-term plans range from $21 per month to $660.

American Independent Ins Co

Best Short-Term Health Insurance Company Without Application Fee

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  • No application fees

  • No waiting period

  • Many plan options

  • Various term lengths to choose from

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  • Shortest plan term is six months, which may be too long for some customers

  • Not all plans offer out-of-network coverage

  • Though many plan options, only one plan type

  • Maximum out-of-pocket spending can be high

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

If you don’t want to pay a fee to get short-term coverage, Independence Insurance Company offers the best options. It also offers many term lengths. However, the shortest is six months, which may be longer than you need. With no waiting periods, no application fees and the cheapest plans for up to $2 million in coverage, these plans are more easily accessible than others. About half the plans offer generic prescription drug coverage. Its lowest deductible is $2,500 and its highest is $10,000, while monthly premiums range from $67 to $1,029.

Everest

Best Short-Term Health Provider for Students & the Unemployed

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  • Lowest out-of-pocket spending limits

  • Decent coverage for the cost

  • Short general waiting period

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  • Available in the fewest number of states

  • Long waiting period for people with cancer

  • No generic prescription drug coverage

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

With plans ranging from three months to a year in length, Everest Reinsurance company offers good options for students or others with short-term coverage needs, like people who are in between jobs. Its plans provide out-of-network coverage, low out-of-pocket limits, low deductibles and good coverage for the cost. Often, plans with low out-of-pocket limits and coinsurance cost more in terms of monthly premiums and annual deductibles. Everest Reinsurance Company offers a good balance for people on a budget because the out-of-pocket and coinsurance costs are low, but premiums aren’t necessarily more expensive. It's monthly premiums range from $76 to $641, with deductibles ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

National General Accident & Health

Best Short Term Coverage for At-Risk Individuals

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  • Low out-of-pocket spending limits in some plans

  • Highest available coverage limit

  • Low coinsurance

  • Available in most states

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  • Longest general waiting period

  • Cheaper plans generally not worth the cost

  • High out-of-pocket spending limits and deductibles on some plans

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

With low out-of-pocket spending limits, low coinsurance and high levels of coverage, National General Accident & Health offers some great options, especially for people with complex health needs. But beware of astronomical (up to $25,000) deductibles, which could mean you’re paying a ton out of pocket if you need services. Also, the premiums range from $36 to $873 monthly and are comparatively higher than our best pick.

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WHAT IS SHORT-TERM HEALTH INSURANCE?

Short-term health insurance covers temporary gaps in coverage for people who don't qualify for or can't access a standard plan at that moment. These plans don't have to include the 10 essential health benefits required of ACA-compliant coverage, and insurers can reject applicants or exclude coverage based on preexisting conditions. Available duration varies by state. 

For people who qualify for income-based subsidies, ACA Marketplace plans may cost less than a short-term plan while offering broader coverage. Check eligibility on HealthCare.gov before buying a short-term plan.

State Rules for Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance rules differ by state. The 2024 federal final rules (effective for coverage periods beginning on or after September 1, 2024) amended the federal definition of short-term, limited-duration insurance. But in 2025, the U.S. Departments of Labor, HHS and the Treasury announced they do not intend to prioritize enforcement of those 2024 rules while future rule-making is pending. Some states have their own definitions and restrictions that continue to apply regardless of federal enforcement posture. 

In all other states, apart from the ones mentioned below, short-term plans are generally allowed. Check directly with your state's Department of Insurance to confirm what duration limits and plan types are available where you live.

States that have banned or effectively eliminated short-term coverage 

States that allow only limited short-term coverage

What Does Short-Term Health Insurance Not Cover?

Short-term health insurance plans are exempt from the ACA's essential health benefits requirements, which means insurers can exclude categories of care that ACA-compliant plans must cover. The exclusions below apply across virtually all short-term plans regardless of provider.

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    Pre-existing conditions

    Short-term insurers can reject applicants outright or exclude coverage for any condition diagnosed or treated before the policy start date. There is no look-back period standardization across providers. A condition you've managed for years may receive no coverage at all under a short-term plan.

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    Maternity and newborn care

    Short-term plans are not required to cover pregnancy, prenatal visits, labor, delivery or newborn care. A pregnancy that begins after the policy start date may still be excluded depending on how the insurer defines a preexisting condition in its contract language. Confirm this in writing before enrolling.

    • Prenatal and postnatal visits
    • Labor and delivery costs
    • Newborn hospital care
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    Mental health and substance use services

    ACA-compliant plans must cover mental health and substance use disorder services at parity with medical benefits. Short-term plans carry no such requirement and most exclude these services entirely or cap them at a level well below what a course of treatment costs.

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    Prescription drugs

    Coverage for prescription drugs varies by plan and provider. Some short-term plans include generic drug coverage; others exclude prescriptions entirely. Check the formulary, if one exists, before enrolling. Specialty medications and brand-name drugs are rarely covered even on plans that include some prescription benefits.

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    Preventive care

    ACA plans must cover a defined set of preventive services, including screenings and vaccines, at no cost to the enrollee. Short-term plans have no such requirement. Routine checkups, cancer screenings and immunizations are typically not covered or are subject to the full deductible.

Should You Get Short-Term Health Insurance?

Short-term health insurance is designed for people who need to fill temporary gaps in coverage. For example, if you graduate from college and know you’re starting a job with benefits in a few months, short-term insurance may be a good low-cost option. Or, you may have started a job but have to get through a waiting period for benefits to kick in. Only go this route if you’re generally healthy with few health risks.

Short-term insurance is not ideal for people who are uninsured for longer periods or who have more serious health care needs. These plans aren’t required to cover things that other health insurance must include, such as maternity care or coverage for preexisting conditions.

Short-term health insurance covers a narrow set of use cases well and fails in others. The three scenarios below describe the situations where a short-term plan is a good low-cost, reasonable choice. For people with ongoing prescriptions, pre-existing conditions or an unpredictable coverage gap, health insurance options after open enrollment may be a better starting point.

  1. 1
    You lost your job and need coverage right away.

    If you suddenly find yourself without a job or health insurance coverage, and you can’t afford COBRA (which lets you keep your employer’s health insurance but requires you to pay the full cost), short-term health insurance could be a way to make sure you’re covered while you figure out a longer-term solution.

  2. 2
    You’re in between coverage.

    If you have a defined gap in coverage, such as after you graduate from college or graduate school but before you start a job, short-term insurance can be a relatively quick and inexpensive way to protect yourself.

  3. 3
    You’re in a waiting period for benefits at a new job or to qualify for other benefits, such as Medicare.

    Short-term health insurance may be a good option if you’ve got a job with benefits but you need to wait until you’re eligible for them. In this case, you know you’re going to be covered and can plan for that specific period.

Short-Term Health Insurance vs. ACA Marketplace Plans

The choice between a short-term health insurance plan and an ACA Marketplace plan comes down to two variables: what you need covered and what you qualify for. Short-term plans cost less upfront in many cases, but they exclude categories of care that Marketplace plans must include. For people who qualify for premium tax credits, the after-subsidy cost of a Marketplace plan may be lower than a short-term plan's monthly premium.

Pre-existing conditions
Can be excluded or used to deny enrollment
Must be covered. Insurers cannot deny based on health history
Essential health benefits
Not required
All 10 ACA essential health benefits required
Premium tax credits
Not eligible
Available to qualifying income levels
Maternity care
Not required
Required
Mental health coverage
Not required
Required at parity with medical benefits

ACA Marketplace plan availability and subsidy eligibility depend on household income and state of residence. Short-term plan availability and coverage terms vary by state. Check HealthCare.gov for Marketplace options and your state's Department of Insurance for short-term plan rules.

How to Choose the Perfect Short-Term Health Plan for You

Short-term health insurance plans work best for people in a defined, temporary coverage gap who are generally healthy and don't take ongoing prescription medications. The five steps below cover the key variables to compare before choosing a plan: duration of coverage needed, medical history, travel habits, total cost exposure and alternatives. Working through all five helps you avoid a plan that leaves major costs uncovered.

  1. 1
    Think realistically about how long you’ll need coverage.

    Short-term plans can last anywhere from three months to three years. If you know how long your coverage gap will last, like if you’re starting school or a new job at a particular time, you can choose the right plan duration. If you’re unsure, you may want to err on the side of longer coverage so you don’t get caught uninsured.

    Remember that short-term health insurance is designed for temporary needs. If your gap in coverage could stretch longer than a few months or you don’t know how long it may be, it could be better to explore Marketplace plans.

  2. 2
    Look at your medical history and assess the chances that you’ll need to use health care services.

    Short-term health insurance companies aren’t required to offer all the essential health benefits covered by Affordable Care Act-compliant plans. Make sure you know what is covered in any plan you’re considering. If you know you have specific needs, such as a particular medication or access to a type of specialist, pay close attention to what those things will cost you on each plan. Narrow down your choices to plans that cover what you know you’ll need. If you have a complex medical history or a high risk of needing care, consider more comprehensive coverage, because you could spend a lot out-of-pocket on a short-term plan.

  3. 3
    Examine your travel habits and plans.

    Not all plans cover you when you’re away from home. If you travel a lot or have upcoming travel plans, you’ll want to find a plan with out-of-network coverage. Indemnity plans are likely to offer you the most flexibility to see health care providers wherever you may be. On the other hand, you may want to avoid HMOs, EPOs or network plans, which restrict you to specific providers contracted with the plan. Those may look cheaper, but if you need services outside the network, it’s likely to be much more expensive if it’s covered at all.

  4. 4
    Calculate how much you’re willing to spend.

    Short-term plan costs have four components beyond the monthly premium: the deductible, coinsurance, copayments and the out-of-pocket maximum. Deductibles across the reviewed providers range from $1,000 to $25,000. The out-of-pocket maximum is the most important number when comparing real financial exposure, because it caps your total liability per coverage period. MoneyGeek's ratings factor the coverage-to-cost ratio across all four dimensions, not premium alone. 

    If you have savings and no major health risks, a lower premium with a higher deductible may work. If a large out-of-pocket bill would create a financial problem, a plan with a lower maximum spending limit is worth the higher monthly cost.

  5. 5
    Check out all your options.

    ACA Marketplace plans must cover the 10 essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act, including maternity care, mental health services and prescription drugs. Short-term plans aren't required to cover any of those. For people who qualify for ACA premium tax credits, a subsidized Silver plan may cost less per month than a comparable short-term plan. The health insurance marketplace and COBRA alternatives are both worth pricing before committing to a short-term plan.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Feeling overwhelmed? Start with whatever’s most important to you, such as the monthly cost or coverage for a specific drug, service or coverage when you’re away from home. Narrow down your search based on your needs and preferences and start with options that fit your criteria.

Compare Short Term Health Insurance Rates

Ensure you are getting the best rate for your short term insurance plans. Compare quotes from the top insurance providers..

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Insurance Rates

Bottom Line

Short-term health insurance plans: UnitedHealthcare is the strongest pick, with premiums from $21 to $660 monthly, lower deductibles and out-of-network coverage on most plans. National General Accident & Health ranks second for its high coverage ceiling and low coinsurance. These plans don't cover preexisting conditions or maternity care. Duration and availability vary by state. Application fees run up to $40.w

Best Short Term Health Insurance Providers: FAQ

Not sure if short-term health insurance is right for you? Overwhelmed by the options? See our frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you get started:

Does short-term health insurance count as minimum essential coverage?

Can I be denied for a preexisting condition on a short-term plan?

What happens if my short-term coverage ends and I still need insurance?

How much does short-term health insurance cost?

Methodology

To determine the best short-term health insurance companies, MoneyGeek analyzed more than 3,000 short-term health insurance plans from various companies across America, rating each company’s product offering based on the number of options, state availability, coverage-to-cost ratio, and more.

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About Deb Gordon

Deb Gordon headshot

Deb Gordon, the co-founder and CEO of Umbra Health Advocacy, has held executive roles in health insurance and health care technology services. She authored a book titled “The Health Care Consumer’s Manifesto,” based on her research as a senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government. Her works have been published on JAMA Network Open, Harvard Business Review blog, USA Today and RealClear Politics, among others.

Gordon is an Aspen Institute Health Innovators Fellow and an Eisenhower Fellow. She was a 2011 Boston Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and a volunteer at MIT’s Delta V start-up accelerator, the Fierce Healthcare Innovation Awards. She earned her bioethics degree from Brown University and her MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School.

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