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Understanding What A Short Term Health Insurance Plan Is Not

The big reason Short Term health insurance plans offer such attractive rates is because they also offer scaled-down benefits which you’ll need to weigh as you consider your options.
You should always thoroughly read plan details from a Short Term insurance provider before making your decision, but here are a few good rules for what typically is, and isn’t, covered:

Typically Covered Under Short Term Insurance

  • Standard doctor visits
  • Ambulance care and surgery
  • Emergency room care
  • Diagnostic services including x-Rays and lab tests
  • Hospital stays

Typically Not Covered Under Short Term Insurance

  • Preexisting conditions
  • Prenatal and maternity care
  • Sports-related injuries
  • Preventive care, including immunizations
  • Drug and alcohol treatment

Preexisting Conditions Are Not Covered

This may be the biggest drawback to Short Term insurance. Preexisting conditions simply aren’t covered. So if you’ve recently received treatment for a health condition, services needed to treat that condition won’t be covered. For example, if you have cancer, diabetes, asthma, or other illnesses or injuries prior to applying for a plan like this, you’ll want to explore alternative options.

Prescription Drugs Are Usually Not Covered

Most Short Term plans won't cover the cost of prescribed medication, especially specialty drugs. If you find yourself needing regular treatment and regular prescriptions, a Short Term insurance plan probably isn’t for you.

Maternity or Prenatal Care Is Not Covered

Pregnancy is often considered a preexisting condition. If you’re pregnant or planning to be, you’re better off going with an ACA plan because you’re guaranteed maternity and prenatal care.

This policy has exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits, terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, call or write your insurance agent or the company, whichever is applicable.