Short term health insurance is ideal for people who are in a period of transition during their lives. They’re a great solution when you’re between jobs, waiting for group health cover to start, or if you’re a recent university graduate.
The policies are usually for a duration of between one and twelve months, (although some insurers offer up to thirty six months) and are usually short, simple and flexible, with protection starting almost immediately after taking out the cover. The policy is usually paid in monthly premiums, and can be stopped at the end of any month.
Short term coverage tends to be a particularly affordable form of health insurance, but the benefits tend to be relatively generous. This is because the policy is designed for healthy individuals and families: the policy does not cover for any pre-existing illnesses. The purchasing of short term health cover has increased of late therefore competition between insurers in the market has increased. This is great news for the customer, as this means that premiums are being reduced further still.
As with all insurance policies, short term health insurance policies do contain exclusions and limitations, so when shopping around for your cover, be sure to familiarise yourself with these as they vary from insurer to insurer.
The short term health insurance policy works like an indemnity plan in that you have the freedom to decide which doctor or specialist you go to see. Most short term health insurance policies usually cover surgery, hospital care, emergency services, diagnostic tests, prescription medicine and follow-up office visits. The policy does not cover preventative care such as vaccinations or medical examinations.
It is worth bearing in mind that if you claim on a short term health insurance policy, your insurer may to insure you a second or third short term policy.
*All information displayed in this table is subject to change. Please consult individual insurers for terms and conditions.
