Reviewed by a licensed health insurance agent. HealthPlusLife agents are licensed in all 50 states. Plan data sourced from Healthcare.gov, CMS.gov, and KFF Health Policy. Call 888-828-5064.
Short-Term Health Insurance Plans in 2026: Costs, Coverage, and When They Make Sense
Short-term plans cost $75 to $200 per month but cover far less. Here is exactly when they are the right choice and when a U65 private plan is better.
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Quick Answer: Short-term health insurance plans cost $75 to $200 per month and provide temporary, limited coverage for gaps of 1 to 3 months. They are not ACA-compliant and typically exclude pre-existing conditions, mental health, and maternity care. For gaps longer than 2 months or for anyone with health conditions, U65 private health insurance at $155 to $350 per month provides comprehensive coverage with minimal premium difference. Call 888-828-5064 to compare short-term vs U65 private options for your specific gap.
📊 Per CMS.gov, short-term limited duration insurance is defined as coverage lasting less than 12 months with renewal limited to a total of 36 months in most states. Federal regulations explicitly classify short-term plans as not meeting ACA essential health benefit requirements, meaning they do not qualify as minimum essential coverage for ACA purposes.
Short-Term Health Insurance vs U65 Private: When Does Each Win?
| Factor | Short-Term Plan | U65 Private Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $75 to $200 | $155 to $500 |
| Pre-existing conditions | Usually excluded | Medical underwriting, some exclusions possible |
| Mental health coverage | Often excluded or limited | Usually included |
| Maternity coverage | Typically excluded | Varies by plan |
| Prescription drug coverage | Limited | More comprehensive formularies |
| Network type | Varies, often narrow | Broad PPO or HMO networks available |
| Maximum benefit | Often capped at $1M or less | Higher limits, federal OOP maximum on ACA-compliant plans |
| Best for | Gaps of 1 to 2 months only | Gaps of 2+ months or ongoing individual coverage |
Compare Short-Term vs U65 Private Plans for Your Gap
A licensed HealthPlusLife agent finds the right option for your specific coverage gap length and health situation. Call 888-828-5064 | TTY 711 | Free quote.
When Short-Term Health Insurance Makes Sense
- You are starting a new job in 30 to 60 days and need brief coverage while you wait for employer benefits to begin
- You are between ACA marketplace open enrollment and the first of the month and need immediate coverage for 2 to 4 weeks
- You are healthy with no active pre-existing conditions and the gap is genuinely short
- You are in a state that allows short-term plans (some states restrict or prohibit them)
When Short-Term Plans Are the Wrong Choice
- Coverage gap is longer than 60 days: U65 private insurance is better coverage for a modest premium difference
- You have a pre-existing condition: Short-term plans will likely exclude your condition entirely
- You take prescription medications regularly: Short-term drug formularies are often very limited
- You might need mental health or maternity care: These are typically excluded from short-term plans
- You need comprehensive coverage: U65 private plans provide significantly stronger protection
We recommend short-term plans in a very narrow set of circumstances. If someone tells me they need coverage for 3 weeks while their new employer’s plan kicks in, I will mention the short-term option. If they need coverage for 3 months, I recommend U65 private health insurance every time. The premium difference is small. The coverage difference is enormous.
Licensed HealthPlusLife Agent, Fort Lauderdale, FL
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