Temporary Medical Insurance

Everyone is talking about health care these days. Whether it’s the politician or the nice old lady across the street, it is definitely on a lot of people’s minds. But why is having health care coverage so important? Well, when someone gets sick and doesn’t have health care then they usually go to the emergency room. Emergency room visits are very expensive and if the person can’t pay the bill (which a lot of times they can’t) then that added expense gets passed along to people that pay for their health insurance.

As you can see, this is not a very fair or efficient system. There is word that we all might be getting universal health care soon. This would work on the principle that if everyone were insured then the costs would be lower for us all. While it unclear if this plan will actually work in America, it seems like anything would be better than our current inefficient system.

While you and your family wait around to see what Washington does you do have an immediate option. It’s called temporary medical insurance. It is basically short-term insurance that is intended to fill a gap in your life where you don’t have insurance. After reading this article, you will learn what this medical insurance will cost you, how it works, and its disadvantages.

This health insurance is designed to act as an “indemnity” plan, giving you the free choice to pick whichever doctor or specialist that you desire. Keep in mind that most plans require that you get a pre-certification from your insurer before you can go to the hospital (the exception would be emergency treatment). If you fail to get the pre-certification then you may not be reimbursed for hospital bills that you incur.

Temporary medical insurance (it’s not just for individuals, it can also be family medical insurance) covers the following: diagnostic tests, surgery, follow-up office visits, emergency services, prescription drugs, and even mental health care could potentially be covered under your plan. This just depends on the type of coverage that you opt for.

These short-term policies can be renewed for a total of 36 months. However, once you file a claim you will not be able to renew your current policy; you will have to apply for a new policy. This is because they treat your injury or illness as a pre-existing condition once you file a claim.

Most insurers will offer a 30-day money back guarantee. They will usually refund all of your premium within this time period if you decide you don’t want to continue with the plan. Keep in mind, if you file a claim during this time then you will not be eligible for a refund.

Low premiums are a distinctive advantage to having temporary medical insurance.

Short-term health care insurers deal with people and families that are relatively healthy.  This, coupled with the fact that they only need to be insured for a short time, allows the companies to expect few claims and therefore offer lower premiums.

For example, healthy and single males who do not smoke (age 30) can expect to pay around $150 per month. A female with the same characteristics can expect to pay $140 per month. If you are over the age of 30 then you can expect slightly higher premiums.

Some short-term polices have you pay a deductible on a per-injury or per-illness basis. After the deductible has been met the insurers will pay a portion (normally 50 to 80 percent) of the next $5,000 of expenses. After that they pay 100% of the expenses (up to the plan maximum).

1. It has significantly lower premiums than regular health insurance.
2. You get to choose your hospital and your doctor.
3. You are covered from the day that you postmark your application.
4. Some plans even cover preventative measures such as breast exams and PAP smears.
5. Some plans cover transplants.
6. All dependents (spouse, kids) are also covered.

1. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
2. Policies cannot be renewed indefinitely. You can reapply, but you are not guaranteed that you will be accepted for another policy.
3. Dental and vision are not covered.
4. Pregnancy and childbirth are not covered.

Most temporary medical insurance companies will only sell policies to persons under age 65. Additionally, if you have previously been denied for health insurance then you may not qualify.

You should not buy a short-term health policy if you are already covered by another policy. Carrying double coverage is redundant and is not a good use of your money.

You must meet certain guidelines, including but not limited to an acceptable height and weight.