Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of this website is to provide an overview of Short Term Medical Plans. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding this valuable coverage.

What is a short term health insurance plan?

short term Medical covers a person for a limited period of time. Typically, short term plans offer coverage up to six months, in some states coverage can go up to 12 months. short term Medical does not cover pre-existing conditions. It is designed to protect against the unforeseen.

A pre-existing condition is any medical condition for which the covered person required medical treatment, consultation, or expense during the 3 years immediately prior to his/her coverage effective date or which provides symptoms within 12 months to 5 years immediately prior to his/her effective date of Insurance. This definition may vary by state.

If you or a dependent have an existing health condition, you may want to consult with your independent insurance agent prior to applying for or changing health/medical insurance. Insurance fraud is a crime. Any person who, with intent to defraud or knowingly facilitates a fraud against an insurer, submits an application or files a claim containing false, deceptive and/or incomplete information is subject to civil and criminal prosecution.

Why would I want coverage for a limited amount of time?

If you are between jobs, unemployed, waiting for coverage from another health plan to start, laid off, on strike, a recent college graduate or seasonal employee and know that you only need coverage for a specific period of time, short term health insurance may be right for you.

How long may I be insured under this plan?

Most insurance plans are issued on a temporary need and expires at the end of the period applied for. If the need for temporary health insurance continues, you may apply for another new STM* coverage period. Your application is subject to the eligibility and underwriting requirements. Furthermore, the coverage is not continuous. Any condition that incurred expense during the last coverage period will be treated as a Pre-Existing Condition, and excluded under the next coverage period. *Only if an STM Plan is available in your resident state at that time; plan benefits, premium and features may vary. Some states do not allow for re-applies.

What if I only need coverage for less than 30 days?

Most short term plans have a minimum coverage period of 30 days. Even if you need coverage for less than 30 days, you can still purchase a 30 day plan.

How soon can coverage start?

The insurance can be effective as early as 12:01 a.m. the next day after the transmission date. However, the applicant can choose a later effective date not to exceed 60 days from transmission date. Coverage ends on termination date listed in your policy.

What do I need to do to have coverage start as soon as possible?

Select the short term plan that meets your needs and then apply on-line. During application process, select when you would like coverage to start. In order for coverage to start promptly, you will need to make your first premium payment.

How will I know if I qualify for short term coverage?

As soon as you complete your application, we will tell you whether or not you qualify for short term coverage.

If I don't qualify for short term coverage, will my credit card still get charged?

No. Your credit card will only be charged if you qualify for short term coverage.

How is this coverage billed?

After submitting your enrollment form with first month's premium, you will then be billed monthly. You indicate on your enrollment form how you wish to pay for your coverage. You may elect to be billed for the monthly rate, OR you can select one of the other two payment methods: (1) Automatic Pre-authorized Bank Withdrawal; or (2) Credit Card - MasterCard, Visa and Discover are accepted.

Can I get a refund of my premium if I am not satisfied?

Yes. If upon review of your Certificate of Insurance you are not COMPLETELY SATISFIED with your coverage, and you have not filed any claims, you may return the Certificate of Insurance within 30 days and receive a full refund of all premiums paid -- no questions asked. Review plan details, some plans require you to return the Certificate of Insurance within 10 days to receive a full refund of all premiums paid.

How long may I be insured under this plan?

This plan is specifically designed to fill temporary insurance needs and coverage stops at the end of the period applied for. Depending on the payment option you select, the plan offers coverage for one to 6 months or even a full 12 months depending on the state.

Once my coverage is issued, do I have the option to select my doctors, hospitals and medical providers?

Yes. You have the freedom to select the doctors and hospitals of your choice. This plan is not an HMO or PPO.

How does this coverage work?

The benefit options for covered expenses are usually per insured person per coverage period. First, you meet your deductible. Standard options: $250, $500, $1,000, $2,000 or $2,500. Then the plans pay 80% or 50% of the next $5,000 of covered expenses. After this, the plans pay 100% of covered expenses up to your lifetime maximum per certificate.

See plan details for deductible and co-insurance options. The maximum benefit may vary depending on the plan.

What is a deductible?

A deductible is the amount of money you would pay each year to cover your medical care expenses before your insurance policy starts paying. Select higher amounts to lower your monthly premiums

What is a Co-Insurance?

Co-insurance is the amount you are required to pay for medical care in a fee-for-service plan after you have met your deductible. It is usually expressed as a percentage of billed charges. For example, if the insurance company pays 80 percent of the claim, you pay 20 percent. Select higher amounts to lower your monthly premiums

Are there expenses not covered under this plan?

Yes, this plan is designed to protect you in the event of an illness or injury and is not meant to cover routine exams and preventive care. Short Term Medical is for temporary coverage only and therefore does not include some of the benefits a permanent health plan offers. Please refer to the Exclusions and Limitations section of the plan you select.

Do short term plans include a dental and vision benefit?

No. short term plans are designed to protect you in the event of an illness or injury and are not meant to cover dental and vision care. short term plans are for temporary coverage only and therefore do not include some of the benefits a permanent heath plan offers.

What do I do if I get a standard, longer-term policy at a future date?

Once you receive written confirmation that the health insurance company you selected approved your application for a standard health insurance policy, you must contact the insurance company that issued your short term policy and cancel the short term policy.