Short-term health insurance plans should only be purchased by those who are fully certain that they will be receiving permanent, comprehensive health insurance in the immediate future. Short-term health insurance plans should never be used as a substitute for comprehensive, permanent health insurance plans purchased privately or provided by an employer. Typically, short-term health insurance plans will allow term limits of 1-6 months.

Short-term health insurance plans will only cover medical procedures that are immediately necessary, such as those for unexpected illness or accidental injury. Short-term health insurance plans will not cover costs associated with routine health care, preventive health care and immunizations or dental and eye care. Moreover, short-term health insurance plans provide health insurance coverage for a limited time frame and once that period has passed, it may be difficult to purchase additional, permanent health insurance plans depending on the condition of your health.