Best Short-Term Health Insurance Plans for 2025

Short-term health insurance is a popular option for people in transition—whether you're between jobs, waiting for employer benefits to kick in, or simply need temporary coverage. In 2025, short-term plans offer more flexibility and choices than ever, but they also come with trade-offs you should understand before enrolling.

This guide covers everything you need to know about short-term health insurance in 2025, including who it’s best for, what’s covered, and our top plan picks for affordability and benefits.

What Is Short-Term Health Insurance?

Short-term health insurance provides temporary medical coverage for gaps in traditional insurance. Policies typically last from one month to 12 months (and up to 36 months in some states). These plans are designed for people who are:

  • In between jobs or recently laid off
  • Waiting for open enrollment or a new job’s coverage
  • Recent college graduates
  • Temporary workers or freelancers
  • Healthy individuals looking for low-cost alternatives

Key Features of Short-Term Health Plans

  • ✔ Quick approval — sometimes within 24 hours
  • ✔ Lower monthly premiums than ACA-compliant plans
  • ✔ Flexible durations and coverage periods
  • ✘ Limited benefits — often excludes pre-existing conditions
  • ✘ No coverage for maternity, mental health, or prescriptions in some cases
  • ✘ Not a substitute for long-term insurance

Who Should Consider a Short-Term Plan?

Short-term insurance might be a good fit if:

  • You’re between jobs or waiting for group coverage to begin
  • You’re healthy and don’t require frequent medical care
  • You missed open enrollment and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period
  • You need a low-cost plan for basic protection

It's not recommended if you have ongoing medical needs, expect to get pregnant, or require coverage for prescriptions, pre-existing conditions, or preventative care.

Best Short-Term Health Insurance Plans in 2025

1. UnitedHealthcare Short Term Medical

  • ✔ Offers nationwide network access
  • ✔ Several deductible and coinsurance options
  • ✔ Available in most states
  • ✘ Limited mental health coverage

2. Pivot Health Short-Term Plans

  • ✔ Strong coverage flexibility
  • ✔ Includes discounts for vision and telehealth
  • ✔ Good customer service reputation
  • ✘ High deductibles on lower-cost plans

3. National General (an Allstate Company)

  • ✔ Customizable plan designs
  • ✔ Offers optional add-ons like dental/vision
  • ✔ Up to 36 months of coverage in some states
  • ✘ Coverage limitations apply to chronic care

4. Everest Short Term Health Insurance

  • ✔ Very competitive monthly premiums
  • ✔ Includes preventive care and urgent care visits
  • ✔ Flexible deductibles
  • ✘ Not available in all states

Typical Costs of Short-Term Health Insurance in 2025

Costs will vary based on age, location, health, and coverage levels. On average, expect the following:

Individual Monthly Premium Deductible Out-of-Pocket Max
$60 – $250 $1,000 – $10,000 $5,000 – $20,000

How to Choose the Right Short-Term Plan

  1. Review what’s covered. Make sure basic services like doctor visits, ER, and hospitalization are included.
  2. Understand exclusions. Most plans exclude maternity, mental health, and pre-existing conditions.
  3. Check network access. Some plans let you use any provider, while others have a narrow network.
  4. Compare deductibles and coinsurance. Low premiums often come with higher out-of-pocket costs.
  5. Consider plan duration. Choose a plan that covers the full gap in your coverage, up to the legal limit in your state.

Short-Term Health Insurance vs. ACA Marketplace Plans

Feature Short-Term Plan ACA Plan
Pre-Existing Condition Coverage No Yes
Preventive Care Limited Full
Prescription Coverage Sometimes Yes
Subsidy Eligibility No Yes
Enrollment Window Year-round Open/Special Enrollment

FAQs About Short-Term Health Insurance in 2025

Is short-term health insurance available in every state?

No. Some states restrict or ban short-term plans. Always check your state’s regulations.

Can I renew a short-term plan?

It depends. Some insurers allow renewal, while others limit your total coverage duration. Rules vary by state.

Does it count as minimum essential coverage?

No. Short-term plans do not meet ACA requirements, so they may not protect you from penalties (if your state has mandates).

Can I cancel my short-term plan anytime?

Yes. You can usually cancel a short-term policy at any time without penalty.

Final Thoughts

Short-term health insurance can be a smart, affordable solution for temporary coverage in 2025—if you understand the limitations. It's best suited for healthy individuals who need a safety net during life transitions. Be sure to compare providers, read the fine print, and only use it as a bridge—not a long-term substitute for full coverage.

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