It’s no secret that we live in an unpredictable and unprecedented time. Unemployment is at an all-time high in many nations, and families struggle to make ends meet. Even if you have a job that seems secure today, there is unfortunately no guarantee that it will be here tomorrow. Knowing this, it’s more important than ever to understand the value of short term health insurance.
The concept of short term insurance is simple. If you are without insurance temporarily (because you are between jobs or for some other reason), you can buy short term coverage to make sure that you and your family are still protected in the event of a medical emergency. So if you lose your job, or you leave your current job for a new one which doesn’t make insurance available to new hires until a probationary period has passed, you don’t need to worry.
If you are used to only paying co-pays through your current insurance program, you may not realize that typical doctor’s visits cost hundreds of dollars before insurance coverage is applied to them. When you’re between jobs, the last thing you need to deal with is the unwelcome expense of medical care, especially given how expensive it is. Short term medical insurance offers a solution to that problem.
Temporary insurance offers a very affordable option for those who are searching for a new job or who are waiting out the probationary period at a new employer. One way to make the plans more affordable is to select a higher co-insurance rate and higher deductible. This will reduce your premium fees, allowing you to further maximize your savings when it’s most important to you.
Another way that short term health insurance puts the power of choice in your hands is through the actual length of the policy. You can buy short term insurance in increments from 30 to 360 days, which means you can get just the amount of coverage you need, rather than wasting money on extra time that you don’t require. So if you’re seeking a new job but finding it’s taking a while, or if you need a quick insurance solution while you wait for your new company to admit you to your plan, you can find a convenient option.
Worried that a temporary plan will have major restrictions on where you can get health care from? Short term health insurance plans actually let you choose the doctors and hospitals you’re most comfortable with, rather than limiting you to a predefined provider.
The headache of waiting for approval is gone as well. Short term insurance plans offer next day application approval, giving you the chance to enjoy immediate coverage. You can rest easily knowing your family’s health is secure.
While you focus on getting settled into your new job or finding another one, short term insurance will take away the worry of how your family will get affordable healthcare. With affordable prices, flexible terms, and the ability to choose providers you’re comfortable with, this type of temporary insurance offers a valuable service.
Dan Miller often writes about short term insurance.