Temporary Medical Insurance

The Importance of Health Insurance

Medical insurance is an important asset to have. Even if you are completely healthy, you can't predict when or if you will get sick. You could find yourself involved in an accident requiring a hospital stay, medical bills and surgery. Unfortunately, medical expenses are expensive. A trip to the doctor can easily cost you $100 without insurance.

Studies show those without insurance often put off getting the medical attention they require. With many sicknesses and diseases, early detection can make a huge difference in your recovery rate.

If you do find yourself with a new health problem such as cancer or kidney problems, you will have a difficult time finding a company to insure you. Many companies require a medical evaluation before covering you and most will not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Though no one wants to think something bad will happen, having a health plan like temporary medical insurance will protect you if you do find yourself in need.

About Temporary Medical Insurance

Temporary medical insurance is similar to regular insurance. Most companies can begin covering you tomorrow. They focus on offering you convenient plans that can last as short as 30 days or as long as one year. Some companies require you purchase a term, which often lasts three or four months.

Reasons to be Covered

Temporary insurance is not meant to cover yearly visits and check-ups, but instead be used as a crutch if something were to happen such as:

• Illness, like ammonia or meningitis
• Injury, such as a fall resulting in broken bones
• Disease, such as cancer
• Pregnancy
• Emergency surgery
• Protection of your children in case of an illness or accident

What Insurance Covers

Most providers offer both individual health insurance and family health insurance plans that let you choose your doctor and hospital. Other billable items typically covered include:

• Hospital stays in a semi-private room
• Intensive care charges
• Outpatient charges
• X-rays
• Medical tests and laboratory charges
• Inpatient psychiatric care
• Other miscellaneous hospital expenses
• Physician services incurred at the hospital
• Doctor office visits
• Surgical charges
• Prescription drugs
• Blood work-up
• Radiology and laboratory charges
• Manipulative therapy

What is Not Covered

Most temporary medical insurance plans will not cover preexisting conditions. Make sure you read your policy to know what is and isn't covered. For example, private rooms are often excluded from being covered by your insurance policy.

Good Candidates for Temporary Insurance

Anyone can apply for temporary insurance. Particularly good candidates include:

• Students attending college
• Recent college graduates
• Individuals between jobs or who are laid off
• Someone starting a job and waiting for health insurance to begin
• Recent military discharges
• Someone with a part-time job looking for a full-time job
• Freelance workers and independent contractors
• Someone recently retired waiting for Medicare
• An independent individual no longer covered by his parents’ plan

Any individual without health insurance qualifies as an ideal candidate for temporary medical insurance. If you are without medical insurance, begin researching different companies today.

Payment Plans

When setting up your temporary insurance plan, you will be given payment plan options. Choose from paying your insurance in one single payment, or setting up a monthly payment plan.

Important Facts about Temporary Medical

Every state offers different requirements for temporary medical insurance. Laws differ based on pre-existing conditions to costs and what is covered. Make sure you understand your state's laws.

• Temporary medical insurance is short term. You need to find an alternative within a year.
• Temporary plans are exempt from HIPAA legislation. This means they do not have to:
  • Require renewal
  • Guarantee issue
  • Waive the pre-existing condition limitation for federally eligible individuals
• If you know you need long term coverage on your own, find it sooner then later. Temporary insurance will not role over into a full-time plan.

Shop around for the best insurance plans. Many providers offer different payment plans and options of co-pay versus out of pocket expense.

A Final Note

Temporary health insurance is a temporary solution. It can not be used as a replacement for long-term health coverage. Most plans will only cover you for up to one year.