Short-term medical plans cover gaps - between jobs, post-graduation, awaiting Medicare. They're cheaper than ACA plans because they aren't ACA-compliant: pre-existing conditions can be excluded and coverage limits are common.
Typical cost
$80-$180/month depending on age and deductible.
How STM plans work
- 01
Buy coverage for 1-12 months at a time.
- 02
No subsidies available.
- 03
Pre-existing conditions may be excluded.
- 04
Daily / lifetime maximums apply.
Pros
- • Significantly cheaper than ACA plans
- • Quick to start (often same day)
Cons
- • Not ACA-compliant
- • Pre-existing conditions often excluded
- • Coverage limits
Best for
- Healthy people in true coverage gaps
- Between-job bridges
Compare other plan structures
- HMO PlansLowest cost, network-only care, referrals for specialists.
- PPO PlansMaximum flexibility - in-network preferred, out-of-network allowed.
- EPO PlansPPO flexibility for in-network care - no out-of-network coverage.
- Catastrophic PlansLow premium, high deductible - protects against worst-case medical events.