Whether you’re between jobs, waiting for open enrollment, or newly self-employed, having a lapse in health insurance can be risky—and expensive. Even a short period without coverage exposes you to the full cost of medical care, which can be financially devastating. That’s where short-term health insurance comes in. These temporary plans are designed to provide fast, affordable coverage for those transitional times in life.

Short-term health insurance can offer protection for periods ranging from 30 days up to a year (and in some states, even longer). These plans typically cover unexpected medical events like ER visits, hospital stays, and surgeries. While they don’t offer all the benefits of ACA-compliant plans (such as maternity or mental health coverage), they’re much more affordable and can be activated quickly—often within 24 hours.