Best Short-Term Health Insurance in Wisconsin (2024)


Updated: October 3, 2024

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Short-term health insurance protects you while you’re between jobs or if you missed the marketplace open enrollment period. In Wisconsin, short-term health insurance generally lasts less than a year but can be extended. It can cover you for several weeks or a few months.

However, short-term health insurance doesn’t comply with ACA mandates, so it doesn’t cover essential health benefits. Insurers can also decline applicants due to certain health issues or pre-existing conditions.

The top two companies with the best short-term medical insurance in Wisconsin are National General Accident & Health and Everest Reinsurance Company. They earned outstanding scores of 95 and 85 out of 100, respectively.

The best short-term health insurance provides affordable coverage that matches your needs. Remember that market-based plans, which include vital medical benefits, are better than short-term health insurance. By exploring marketplace subsidies, you may find a market plan with the coverage you need for the same cost as a short-term plan.

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2024

Best Companies for Short-Term Health Insurance in Wisconsin

METHODOLOGY

To determine the best short-term health insurance companies, MoneyGeek analyzed the pricing, plan options and cost-sharing choices for thousands of plans. Each state aggregated plans by the 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 Wisconsin

National General Accident & Health ranks as Wisconsin’s best overall short-term health insurance company. It earned a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100.

The second and third-place insurance providers are:

  • Everest Reinsurance Company: 85 out of 100
  • UnitedHealthcare: 55 out of 100

We chose these providers based on their average out-of-pocket maximums (MOOP) and cost-sharing options. National General Accident & Health has an average MOOP of $7,500. Everest has an average MOOP of $7,958, while UnitedHealthcare’s MOOP is considerably higher at $11,833.

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MoneyGeek Top Pick
National General Accident & Health

National General Accident & Health tops Wisconsin's temporary health insurance list with a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100. It features a diverse range of deductibles, co-insurance and benefits. Plus, policyholders can access large national networks like Aetna Open Choice or Cigna.

Coverage periods range from 30 days up to a year, with options for renewal or consecutive coverage. Aside from short-term medical insurance, National General Accident & Health also offers fixed-benefit medical and dental insurance.

The company’s policies protect you from unforeseen medical fees and health care expenses. Some of its plans have high deductibles, which can mean increased out-of-pocket maximums.

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CAN I GO WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE?

While it may be enticing to skip paying for health insurance temporarily, it’s a bad idea. It’s better to get short-term medical coverage than incur hefty fees due to an accident or unforeseen illness. Unexpected surgery can cost thousands of dollars and wreak havoc on your finances.

Best Cheap Short-Term Health Insurance

National General Accident & Health provides Wisconsin's cheapest short-term health insurance, with an average MOOP of $7,500.

Note that more affordable premiums usually come with higher out-of-pocket expenses. When you choose a plan according to price, ensure its coverage meets your health needs.

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MoneyGeek Top Pick
National General Accident & Health

Based on MoneyGeek’s research, National General Accident & Health offers Wisconsin’s most affordable immediate health insurance. This provider offers different benefit tiers for all of its plan options.

It also provides reasonable out-of-pocket limits and low co-insurance for select plans. But, its more affordable choices may not give you the coverage you need.

SHORT-TERM HEALTH INSURANCE LIMITATIONS

Monthly health insurance doesn’t replace a market or long-term plan but protects you from unforeseen expenses in case of urgent medical need.

Most short-term health care policies don’t cover pre-existing medical conditions and don’t provide vital health coverage. If you develop an illness during your short-term coverage, the insurer can choose not to renew your policy.

Best Short-Term Health Insurance Between Jobs

Most people need to cut costs when they’re between jobs, so affordable premiums are attractive. But remember that cheap short-term health insurance may come with higher MOOPs, which can cost you more if you anticipate needing frequent physician care.

MoneyGeek reviewed premiums and cost-sharing options and identified the following as the best health insurance providers while between jobs in Wisconsin:

  • Everest Reinsurance Company: $163 per month
  • Companion Life Insurance Company: $150 per month
  • Independence American Insurance Company: $167 per month

While Companion Life is the cheapest, Everest Reinsurance Company takes the lead by offering 11 plan choices.

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MoneyGeek Top Pick
Everest

Everest Reinsurance Company offers the best one-month health insurance in Wisconsin. You may choose from temporary health insurance, Medicare supplements and managed care. Even though it’s an international company, its policies are only available in half of the U.S. states.

Everest Reinsurance Company provides multiple deductibles, copay, co-insurance and maximum out-of-pocket options. But the company doesn’t offer generic prescription drug coverage and has high application fees. Plus, there’s a long waiting period for cancer coverage.

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SHOULD I EXTEND SHORT-TERM HEALTH INSURANCE?

If you experience delays in starting your new job or are waiting for open enrollment to begin soon, extending your short-term health insurance may make sense. But, refrain from choosing short-term plans over marketplace plans to save money. Marketplace plans offer affordable Catastrophic, high-deductible, and other plans that can suit your budget and still cover essential health care needs.

How Does Short-Term Health Insurance Work in Wisconsin?

Generally, short-term health insurance protects you for a few months and is not a replacement for long-term coverage. Short-term medical insurance is not a permanent solution but a backup plan in case of unforeseen events.

In most states, like Wisconsin, you can get a short-term plan for 365 days and renew it for a maximum of 18 months.

How to Buy Short-Term Health Insurance in Wisconsin

With so many factors to consider, finding suitable temporary health insurance in Wisconsin can be overwhelming. MoneyGeek explains the steps you need to take to find a short-term medical insurance plan.

1
Determine How Long You Need Coverage

Generally, short-term insurance plans differ in coverage length and can range from three months to three years. Yet, some only last for a few weeks. Choose a plan period to cover the gap before your job or marketplace plan starts.

2
Assess Your Health Care Needs

Determine which plans meet your health care needs, such as prescription drugs, immediate care or procedures.

3
Research Providers and Available Plans

MoneyGeek highly suggests reading about different insurers and comparing quotes and plans.

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SHORT-TERM HEALTH INSURANCE VS. MARKETPLACE PLANS

Generally, short-term health insurance provides urgent medical coverage, while ACA marketplace plans provide primary health benefits and coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Marketplace plans provide essential health care benefits, such as maternity care, mental health care and routine checkups. They are more comprehensive and competitive than short-term health insurance, which is generally used to bridge a lapse in coverage.

FAQs About Short-Term Health Insurance in Wisconsin

Exploring different health insurance options can be challenging. Below, MoneyGeek answers the most commonly asked questions about short-term health insurance plans.

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 Wisconsin?
Can you cancel short-term health insurance in Wisconsin?

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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