Updated: December 14, 2025
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UnitedHealthcare offers the best short-term health insurance with premiums from $21 to $660 monthly and the most plan options.
Application fees range from $0 to $40, and coverage periods last three months to three years for temporary gaps.
Short-term coverage works best for temporary gaps, such as waiting for job benefits, not for long-term needs or complex health conditions.
These plans exclude maternity care and preexisting conditions, with deductibles ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 across providers.
MoneyGeek’s picks for the best short-term health insurance plans are UnitedHealthcare and National General Accident & Health. UnitedHealthcare earned MoneyGeek’s top ranking among short-term health insurance plans for having the most plans, more coverage for the cost, lower deductibles, low coinsurance and low out-of-pocket limits.
Other companies do well on specific dimensions, offering decent options depending on the features that matter most to you.
Overall | United Healthcare | $21 to $660 | $1,000 to $15,000 |
Without application fees | Independence Insurance Company | $67 to $1,029 | $2,500 to $10,000
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Students & the unemployed | Everest Reinsurance company | $76 to $641 | $1,000 to $10,000 |
At-risk individuals | National General Accident & Health | $36 to $873 | $1,000 to $25,000 |
Most plans include generic drug coverage
Many options for plan types, term lengths and out-of-pocket spending limits
Short general waiting period
Out-of-network coverage
Highest application fee
Highest out-of-pocket spending limits
Most expensive short-term plan on the market
UnitedHealthcare offers a wide range of short-term plan options, making it more likely you’ll find one that works for you. Plans with low out-of-pocket limits, low or no coinsurance and low deductibles are available. Deductibles range from $1,000 to $15,000. UnitedHealthcare offers a wide range of options to suit different needs, form the cheapest and the most expensive and short-term plans range from $21 per month to $660.
Short-term health insurance is designed to cover temporary gaps in coverage, typically for one year or less though it can last longer. It does not provide comprehensive coverage or long-term financial protection for many health needs. Short-term plans don’t have to include essential health benefits or protections for people with preexisting conditions required in Affordable Care Act-compliant plans.
If you think short-term plans are a good way to save money on health insurance, think again. You might be able to get better coverage for less with expanded subsidies on Healthcare.gov or your state’s health insurance marketplace.
No application fees
No waiting period
Many plan options
Various term lengths to choose from
Shortest plan term is six months, which may be too long for some customers
Not all plans offer out-of-network coverage
Though many plan options, only one plan type
Maximum out-of-pocket spending can be high
If you don’t want to pay a fee to get short-term coverage, Independence Insurance Company offers the best options. It also offers many term lengths. However, the shortest is six months, which may be longer than you need. With no waiting periods, no application fees and the cheapest plans for up to $2 million in coverage, these plans are more easily accessible than others. About half the plans offer generic prescription drug coverage. Its lowest deductible is $2,500 and its highest is $10,000, while monthly premiums range from $67 to $1,029.
Lowest out-of-pocket spending limits
Decent coverage for the cost
Short general waiting period
Available in the fewest number of states
Long waiting period for people with cancer
No generic prescription drug coverage
With plans ranging from three months to a year in length, Everest Reinsurance company offers good options for students or others with short-term coverage needs, like people who are in between jobs. Its plans provide out-of-network coverage, low out-of-pocket limits, low deductibles and good coverage for the cost. Often, plans with low out-of-pocket limits and coinsurance cost more in terms of monthly premiums and annual deductibles. Everest Reinsurance Company offers a good balance for people on a budget because the out-of-pocket and coinsurance costs are low, but premiums aren’t necessarily more expensive. It's monthly premiums range from $76 to $641, with deductibles ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Low out-of-pocket spending limits in some plans
Highest available coverage limit
Low coinsurance
Available in most states
Longest general waiting period
Cheaper plans generally not worth the cost
High out-of-pocket spending limits and deductibles on some plans
With low out-of-pocket spending limits, low coinsurance and high levels of coverage, National General Accident & Health offers some great options, especially for people with complex health needs. But beware of astronomical (up to $25,000) deductibles, which could mean you’re paying a ton out of pocket if you need services. Also, the premiums range from $36 to $873 monthly and are comparatively higher than our best pick.
Short-term health insurance rules differ by state, but federal rules still set the floor: for policies sold on or after Sept. 1, 2024, short-term, limited-duration coverage can last only three months, or four months total including any renewals or extensions. In all other states, apart from the ones mentioned below, short-term plans are generally allowed, and as of now. But check directly with your state’s Department of Insurance or ACA marketplace to confirm any changes.
States that have banned or effectively eliminated short-term coverage
In these places, state law or market rules mean short-term plans aren’t currently for sale at all (or are functionally unavailable):
States that allow only limited short-term coverage
Some states cap how long a short-term plan can last, even if federal rules would allow more time:
Short-term health insurance plans aren’t right for everyone. They don’t tend to cover very much and they can be pricey. But, if you have a temporary gap in coverage and no other options, they can help you avoid being exposed financially if you need health care services.
Finding the best short-term plan can be overwhelming, but we’ve outlined the key steps you can follow, from assessing your needs to comparing options based on the criteria that matter most to you.
Short-term plans can last anywhere from three months to three years. If you know how long your coverage gap will last, like if you’re starting school or a new job at a particular time, you can choose the right plan duration. If you’re unsure, you may want to err on the side of longer coverage so you don’t get caught uninsured.
Remember that short-term health insurance is designed for temporary needs. If your gap in coverage could stretch longer than a few months or you don’t know how long it may be, it could be better to explore Marketplace plans.
Short-term health insurance companies aren’t required to offer all the essential health benefits covered by Affordable Care Act-compliant plans. Make sure you know what is covered in any plan you’re considering. If you know you have specific needs, such as a particular medication or access to a type of specialist, pay close attention to what those things will cost you on each plan. Narrow down your choices to plans that cover what you know you’ll need. If you have a complex medical history or a high risk of needing care, consider more comprehensive coverage, because you could spend a lot out-of-pocket on a short-term plan.
Not all plans cover you when you’re away from home. If you travel a lot or have upcoming travel plans, you’ll want to find a plan with out-of-network coverage. Indemnity plans are likely to offer you the most flexibility to see health care providers wherever you may be. On the other hand, you may want to avoid HMOs, EPOs or network plans, which restrict you to specific providers contracted with the plan. Those may look cheaper, but if you need services outside the network, it’s likely to be much more expensive if it’s covered at all.
A good rule of thumb is to spend about 10% of your income on health insurance. That may not be realistic, depending on where you live, because monthly health insurance costs can vary widely by state. When you’re thinking about what you can afford to spend on health insurance, don’t just look at the monthly premium. Consider the annual deductible (the amount you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance kicks in) and other costs such as copayments and coinsurance (the percent of medical bills) that you’ll have to pay until you reach your out-of-pocket maximum or spending limit. Also, think about what you’re getting for your money. MoneyGeek’s ratings consider the coverage-to-cost ratio or the value of the coverage you’re getting with each plan.
If you have savings and no major health risks or conditions, you may be safe opting for a lower premium and higher deductible plan. But if you would struggle with huge out-of-pocket responsibilities, paying a bit more each month to know you’re covered may be worthwhile.
Health insurance that seems cheaper because of low premiums can cost you more if it doesn’t cover what you need. With expanded subsidies available on the health insurance marketplace, you may be able to spend less for better coverage.
Feeling overwhelmed? Start with whatever’s most important to you, such as the monthly cost or coverage for a specific drug, service or coverage when you’re away from home. Narrow down your search based on your needs and preferences and start with options that fit your criteria.
Short-term health insurance is designed for people who need to fill temporary gaps in coverage. For example, if you graduate from college and know you’re starting a job with benefits in a few months, short-term insurance may be a good low-cost option. Or, you may have started a job but have to get through a waiting period for benefits to kick in. Only go this route if you’re generally healthy with few health risks.
Short-term insurance is not ideal for people who are uninsured for longer periods or who have more serious health care needs. These plans aren’t required to cover things that other health insurance must include, such as maternity care or coverage for preexisting conditions.
If you suddenly find yourself without a job or health insurance coverage, and you can’t afford COBRA (which lets you keep your employer’s health insurance but requires you to pay the full cost), short-term health insurance could be a way to make sure you’re covered while you figure out a longer-term solution.
If you have a defined gap in coverage, such as after you graduate from college or graduate school but before you start a job, short-term insurance can be a relatively quick and inexpensive way to protect yourself.
Short-term health insurance may be a good option if you’ve got a job with benefits but you need to wait until you’re eligible for them. In this case, you know you’re going to be covered and can plan for that specific period.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
UnitedHealthcare offers the best options, with premiums from $21.18 to $659.96 monthly, while National General Accident & Health ranks second at $35.57 to $872.90 monthly. Short-term plans work best for temporary coverage requirements such as waiting for job benefits, not long-term needs. Coverage lasts three months to three years, with application fees up to $40 and deductibles from $1,000 to $15,000.
Not sure if short-term health insurance is right for you? Overwhelmed by the options? See our frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you get started:
MoneyGeek identified UnitedHealthcare as the best overall short-term health insurance company. It offers a wide range of options and is available in many places. Most of its plans offer generic prescription drug coverage, which some companies do not.
National General Accident & Health is MoneyGeek’s pick for runner-up overall because it offers plans with low coinsurance, low application fees, plus out-of-network coverage and several plans with generic prescription drug coverage. Its higher-end plans are among the best value for what you pay.
Short-term health insurance is sometimes called “skinny coverage” because it doesn’t cover the same comprehensive set of services required in other insurance. It may cover emergency room visits and some prescription drugs and doctor visits, but it generally doesn’t cover preexisting conditions, maternity care or mental health. It’s meant to be gap coverage used in short, defined periods for people who don’t have complex health care needs.
Like any health insurance, short-term plans include a range of factors to consider: monthly costs (premiums), deductibles, coinsurance and coverage options are among them. Think about what matters most to you. Is it the amount you’ll spend each month or how much you might have to pay if you use health care services? Do you care about where you can get care or how much bureaucracy you have to go through? Do you take a specific medication or see a particular provider? Filter the options by these criteria, and you’ll be able to narrow down your search.
Monthly premiums cost anywhere from about $20 per month to more than $1,000. But don’t just look at monthly premiums when considering how much a plan may cost. Look at the deductible, copayments, coinsurance and out-of-pocket spending limits, because those will give you a better sense of your total financial exposure. Also, look at coverage limits because anything beyond those will be on your dime.
To determine the best short-term health insurance companies, MoneyGeek analyzed more than 3,000 short-term health insurance plans from various companies across America, rating each company’s product offering based on the number of options, state availability, coverage-to-cost ratio, and more.
About Deb Gordon
Deb Gordon, the co-founder and CEO of Umbra Health Advocacy, has held executive roles in health insurance and health care technology services. She authored a book titled “The Health Care Consumer’s Manifesto,” based on her research as a senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government. Her works have been published on JAMA Network Open, Harvard Business Review blog, USA Today and RealClear Politics, among others.
Gordon is an Aspen Institute Health Innovators Fellow and an Eisenhower Fellow. She was a 2011 Boston Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and a volunteer at MIT’s Delta V start-up accelerator, the Fierce Healthcare Innovation Awards. She earned her bioethics degree from Brown University and her MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School.
