Never rely solely on short-term health insurance to provide you with the health insurance coverage you need. Short-term health insurance coverage should only be used on a temporary basis to fill in the gaps between permanent health insurance plans that result from change of job, educational advancement or other reasons. Given these recommendations, short-term health insurance plans normally only provide coverage for 1-6 months.

Short-term health insurance will generally only provide health insurance benefits in the event of unexpected illness or accidental injury resulting in hospitalization. Short-term health insurance will not extend coverage for standard health care, preventive care including immunizations or dental and eye care. It is important to maintain a short-term health insurance plan for as little time as possible so as not to make it difficult to receive approval for a permanent health insurance plan in the event that your health condition changes.