Compare Individual Health Insurance vs. Short Term Health Insurance

Individual Health Insurance

Short Term Health Insurance

Cost Starting at $141.37/month*** Starting at $66.93/month****
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Most appropriate for

Individuals and families whose need for health insurance is expected to last longer than six months.

Examples of people who might purchase Individual Health Insurance:

  • Self employed
  • Not covered by your employer
  • Working part time
  • Retiree not yet eligible for Medicare
  • Not employed and unsure when you'll get coverage

People in transition.

Examples of people who might purchase Short Term Health Insurance:

  • Between jobs
  • Seeking a less expensive alternative to COBRA*
  • Waiting for employer benefits
  • A temporary or seasonal employee
  • A recent graduate about to start a new job
Type of coverage

Major Medical Features vary by product selected.

Major Medical Features vary by product selected.

Length of coverage Permanent 6 months or less**
Renewability

Guaranteed renewable.

Not renewable. However, if your temporary need continues beyond your policy period, you may apply for a new plan if there have been no significant changes in your health.

Application

Applications are fully underwritten. Most customers will have a response in less than 48 hours, and many receive an approval on the spot with coverage effective the next day.

Simple application with yes or no questions. Coverage starts as early as the next day.

Pre-existing condition limitation

Treatment for pre-existing conditions is excluded for the first 12 months** of the plan. Any previous or current health condition or symptom** not fully disclosed on the application will be considered a pre-existing medical condition..

Treatment for pre-existing conditions is excluded. Any previous or current health condition or symptom** will be considered a pre-existing medical condition that will not be covered under a new plan. There is no continuous coverage between plans** - therefore your new plan will not provide benefits for any condition or symptom which began during a previous plan.

*If you purchase Short Term Medical rather than maintaining COBRA coverage, you may give up your rights to coverage for pre-existing conditions or guaranteed health insurance in the future.
**Varies by state
***Premiums shown are for a $2,000 deductible, $6 million lifetime maximum, 80/20 rate of payment, in 60614 ZIP code (Chicago, IL). Single: 32-yr-old.
****Premiums shown are for a $2500 deductible, $2 million lifetime maximum, 80/20 rate of payment, in 60614 ZIP code (Chicago, IL). Single: 32-yr-old primary insured; with an effective date of 5/2/2010. Preferred rates are subject to underwriting.

Click blue "Get a Quote" buttons and enter your information and ZIP code for more information on the specific coverages and rates for your specific state.


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