What is "short-term health insurance"?

Short-term health insurance refers to temporary health coverage that is designed to provide a limited safety net for individuals who find themselves between health plans or in need of coverage for a short period. This type of insurance is typically much less expensive than comprehensive health insurance plans, but it also comes with significant limitations in terms of the benefits it offers.

Individuals often opt for short-term health insurance when they are transitioning between jobs, waiting for other coverage to begin, or simply need coverage for a brief duration (e.g., a few months). However, it's important to understand that while short-term plans can fill gaps, they do not provide the same breadth of coverage as comprehensive plans. They often exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, preventive services, and sometimes critical areas like mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

The other options illustrate different types of insurance that do not accurately describe short-term health insurance. Comprehensive health coverage offers extensive benefits and is not temporary; long-term medical needs would be better suited for policies designed for ongoing medical care rather than temporary solutions; and plans specifically for seniors cater to a different demographic with unique coverage needs, which does not reflect the broad nature of short-term insurance.