Short-term health insurance (also called temporary insurance) is designed for healthy individuals who need quick, low-cost coverage for a brief transitional period.
: Unlike standard plans, you can apply year-round —you do not need to wait for an Open Enrollment period. 2. Coverage and Costs Best Short-Term Health Insurance Companies Of 2026 - Forbes can i buy short term health insurance
: As of 2026, federal rules limit the duration of these plans to an initial term of 3 months , with a maximum total coverage period of 4 months in any 12-month period. : Availability varies wildly
Yes, you can buy short-term health insurance, but it is important to understand that it serves as a temporary stopgap rather than a long-term solution. In 2026, federal regulations have significantly shifted the landscape of these plans. and Massachusetts have effectively banned them
: Availability varies wildly. States like California, New York, and Massachusetts have effectively banned them, while others like Florida and Ohio allow them but subject to the new federal duration caps.