Twelve plan structures, twelve state markets, ten cost profiles and the exclusion lists that decide real payouts — so you can see the worst case before you apply.
Every short-term plan class broken down to deductibles and exclusions.
Gap-Filler with Dental/Vision explained: 4 months term, $160–$240/month, $3,000 deductible, 25% coinsurance, $500,000 cap. Who it fits and the real worst case.
Family Short-Term explained: 4 months term, $320–$520/month, $6,000 (aggregate) deductible, 30% coinsurance, $1,000,000 cap. Who it fits and the real worst case.
Short-Term Telehealth Bundle explained: 4 months term, $125–$190/month, $3,000 deductible, 25% coinsurance, $500,000 cap. Who it fits and the real worst case.
Short-Term with Rx Discount explained: 4 months term, $110–$170/month, $4,000 deductible, 30% coinsurance, $250,000 cap. Who it fits and the real worst case.
What common treatments actually cost on and off coverage.
Job loss, aging out, missed windows — the deadline mechanics.
Losing Medicaid eligibility: window = redetermination-triggered; coverage immediate for short-term. Both doors compared.
Waiting for employer coverage to start: window = common 30-90 day gap; coverage day after application. Both doors compared.
Moving to a new state: window = move triggers aca sep; coverage immediate for short-term. Both doors compared.
Missing open enrollment: window = closed for aca — short-term unaffected; coverage immediate. Both doors compared.
Marketplace subsidies, Medicaid, health shares — compared honestly.
Going uninsured (self-insure): $0 + risk, best for very short gaps with savings. Honest comparison against short-term.
COBRA continuation: $450–$700+ (full group cost), best for keeping exact current doctors. Honest comparison against short-term.
Fixed indemnity plan: $50–$150, best for supplementing a high-deductible plan. Honest comparison against short-term.
Health share ministry: $150–$450, best for healthy, flexible, budget-driven. Honest comparison against short-term.
Standalone coverage that stacks with short-term medical.
Pediatric dental rider: Premium, Annual Max and Waiting Periods
Pediatric dental rider: +$10–$20, max $500–$1,000, waiting Often none for kids. When it beats paying cash.
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Bundled medical + dental short-term: Premium, Annual Max and Waiting Periods
Bundled medical + dental short-term: +$15–$30 over medical, max Varies by rider, waiting Per rider. When it beats paying cash.
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Standalone vision plan: Premium, Annual Max and Waiting Periods
Standalone vision plan: $10–$18, max $100–$200 materials, waiting None. When it beats paying cash.
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PPO vs indemnity, out-of-network rules, provider verification.
Rural coverage reality: out-of-network = often indemnity-only; ER flat schedule. Verify before you buy.
Checking your doctor before buying: out-of-network = varies; ER varies. Verify before you buy.
Urgent care vs ER economics: out-of-network = yes; ER separate deductible. Verify before you buy.
Duration limits and availability by state.
Colorado short-term rules: 4 months, no renewal, typical premium $115–$210. What a coverage gap really costs here.
Washington short-term rules: Not permitted, —, typical premium —. What a coverage gap really costs here.
North Carolina short-term rules: 4 months, no renewal, typical premium $100–$185. What a coverage gap really costs here.
Long-form explainers, cost breakdowns and field notes — updated as rates and rules change.
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