Best Short-Term Health Insurance in Tennessee (2024)

Although the coverage period of short-term health insurance ranges from a few weeks to more than a year, the typical length is a few months. It doesn’t cover essential health benefits because it does not comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

If you’re waiting for the marketplace open enrollment period or are between jobs, short-term health insurance can protect you until the new insurance kicks in. However, if you have a pre-existing condition, insurance companies can decline short-term coverage.

The top short-term health insurance companies in Tennessee are National General Accident & Health (MoneyGeek score: 90 out of 100) and Everest Reinsurance Company (MoneyGeek score: 85 out of 100). However, the best short-term health insurance for you will combine cost-effectiveness with custom coverage.

Keep in mind that market-based plans with essential medical coverage are better than short-term health insurance plans. By looking into subsidies, you might find a market plan that offers better coverage than a short-term plan for a similar price.

Tennessee's top short-term health insurance company is National General Accident & Health, which has a MoneyGeek rating of 90 out of 100. Coming in second and third are:

• Everest Reinsurance Company: 85 out of 100
• UnitedHealthcare: 68 out of 100

We chose these companies based on their cost-sharing options and average maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) expenses. The winner's average MOOP is $6,700, while the runners’-up are roughly $7,958 and $11,324, respectively.

National General Accident & Health offers the least expensive short-term health insurance in Tennessee, with a MOOP averaging $6,700. Lower premiums frequently come with higher out-of-pocket costs, so ensure the coverage you purchase is sufficient for your health care needs.

If you’re between jobs, you may want to choose a short-term plan based on cost. However, low-cost plans typically have high MOOPs. So if you need frequent medical attention, you could pay more in the long run.

MoneyGeek’s research into rates and cost-sharing options indicates the following are the best temporary health insurance providers in Tennessee:

• Independence American Insurance Company: $120 per month
• UnitedHealthcare: $143 per month
• National General Accident & Health: $137 per month

These companies offer monthly premiums ranging from $120 to $137. Independence American Insurance Company comes in first because it offers 12 different plan selections.

Short-term health insurance — which normally only lasts a few months — is a temporary solution until you can obtain long-term insurance. It’s a preparedness plan rather than a preventive strategy.

In Tennessee, you can enroll in a short-term plan for 364 days, and you can renew up to three times.

Navigating the complexities of Tennessee’s short-term health insurance can be difficult. MoneyGeek answers frequently asked questions to help you through the process.