Best Short-Term Health Insurance in West Virginia (2024)

Short-term health insurance provides coverage while you wait for a longer-term plan to take effect. You can purchase short-term plans for a few weeks or months at a time. They typically last less than a year but are often extendable.

Those who missed open enrollment or are between jobs may benefit from short-term health insurance. However, because they are not ACA-compliant, short-term health insurance plans don’t provide essential health benefits. Additionally, insurers can reject applicants with health problems or pre-existing conditions.

Short-term health plans are not substitutes for long-term marketplace plans. If cost is an issue, explore subsidies that can help you find a marketplace plan with far better coverage than a short-term plan at a similar cost.

MoneyGeek's top overall pick for short-term medical insurance in West Virginia is National General Accident & Health, scoring 95 out of 100, followed by Health and Everest Reinsurance Company with a score of 85 out of 100.

The best overall short-term health insurance company in West Virginia is National General Accident & Health, which scored 95 and has an average maximum out-of-pocket limit (MOOP) of $7,500. MoneyGeek analyzed average maximum out-of-pocket costs and available cost-sharing options to develop its rankings.

In second and third place are:

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

Our runner-up is Everest Reinsurance Company, which scored 85 out of 100 and has an average MOOP of $7,958. Everest offers the most plan options in the state. UnitedHealthcare comes in third with a score of 68 out of 100 and an average MOOP of $11,324.

In West Virginia, National General Accident & Health offers the cheapest short-term health insurance, with an average MOOP of $7,500. While low premiums are great, they usually translate to higher out-of-pocket expenses. So, before choosing an inexpensive plan, consider whether it provides sufficient coverage for your health needs.

If you are between jobs, shop around and compare each provider's monthly premiums, cost-sharing options and health care coverage. MoneyGeek's top picks for West Virginia short-term health insurance companies if you’re unemployed are:

• Companion Life Insurance Company: $141 per month
• UnitedHealthcare: $167 per month
• Independence American Insurance Company: $169 per month

The average monthly premiums for these companies range from $140 to $170. However, Independence American Insurance Company offers the most flexible coverage plan options.

Short-term plans generally have lower premiums than major medical plans but are less comprehensive. A short-term health insurance policy typically covers you for a period of 30 to 90 days, and up to 12 months.

Persons with short-term insurance in West Virginia can extend their coverage after 364 days, if necessary, for a maximum of 36 months.

Health insurance is a complicated topic, especially if you are in the midst of a life transition and urgently need coverage. We answer some frequently asked questions about West Virginia short-term health insurance to help you choose the best option for your needs.