Written by Inga Back
We want to help you make educated healthcare decisions. While this post may have links to lead generation forms, this won’t influence our writing. We adhere to strict editorial standards to provide the most accurate and unbiased information.
What You Need to Know
Short-term health plans, also known as Short-Term Medical (STM) insurance, offer fast, flexible coverage from 1 month to 364 days. Under federal rules, these plans can be renewed for up to 36 months, and Alaska follows those federal guidelines.
These plans allow you to enroll online in minutes, with coverage often starting as soon as the next day. Premiums are usually lower than ACA Marketplace plans without subsidies.
At the same time, these plans often exclude coverage for preexisting conditions and essential health benefits, making them best suited as a temporary option.
What Is Alaska Short-Term Health Insurance?
Short-term health insurance in Alaska provides temporary coverage for residents who need an alternative to ACA-compliant plans. These plans are popular among Alaskans who work in seasonal industries like fishing, tourism, or construction and may face gaps in coverage.
Short-term plans typically last up to 12 months and can be renewed for a total of 36 months. Rates vary by age, gender, and health history.
Unlike Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, short-term health insurance is not required to provide comprehensive benefits. That means insurers may:
- Deny coverage based on health history
- Exclude preexisting conditions
- Omit services like maternity, prescriptions, and mental health treatment
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently updated the federal definition of short-term insurance, though strict enforcement will be delayed while further review takes place.
Healthcare.com, the parent company of Healthcare Insider, develops and markets short-term and supplemental insurance products in other states under the Pivot Health brand.
What Short-Term Health Insurance Includes
Short-term health plans in Alaska generally help with costs from unexpected medical needs, such as:
- Doctor visits
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
- Surgical procedures
- X-rays and lab tests
Limitations and Common Exclusions
Because these plans are designed for temporary coverage, they often exclude:
- Preexisting conditions
- Maternity and newborn care
- Preventive services
- Prescription drug coverage
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Dental and vision services
Short-term health insurance in Alaska is best for bridging coverage gaps rather than replacing comprehensive ACA-compliant insurance.
Who Should Consider a Short-Term Plan in Alaska?
Short-term plans may be a good fit for:
- People between jobs or waiting for employer coverage to begin
- Seasonal workers with temporary gaps in coverage
- Healthy young adults needing minimal benefits
- Individuals waiting for Medicare eligibility
- Those who don’t qualify for ACA plan subsidies and need a lower-cost option
When it may not be a good fit:
- You have preexisting or chronic medical conditions
- You require essential benefits like maternity, prescriptions, or mental health care
Learn more about when short-term medical plans make sense.
Pros and Cons of Short-Term Plans
Pros
- Lower premiums than unsubsidized ACA plans
- Can be purchased year-round
- Enrollment is fast and flexible
- Useful as a temporary bridge during coverage gaps
Cons
- May deny applicants based on health history
- No coverage for preexisting conditions
- Do not include all ACA essential health benefits
- Out-of-pocket costs can be higher if you need care
Types of Costs with Short-Term Plans in Alaska
If you choose a short-term plan in Alaska, you may encounter these types of costs:
- Premiums: Regular payments to keep your plan active
- Deductibles: The amount you must pay before insurance begins to cover expenses
- Copayments: Flat fees for specific services like doctor visits
- Coinsurance: Your share of medical costs after meeting your deductible
- Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you’ll pay during the plan’s term
Other Alternative ACA Plan Options to Consider
If a short-term plan isn’t right for you, other coverage options may help fill gaps:
Supplemental Health Plans
Supplemental insurance can cover expenses that primary plans don’t, such as accident or critical illness costs.
Dental and Vision Insurance Plans
Bundling dental and vision insurance with your health plan helps lower costs while ensuring preventive care.
Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs
A faith-based plan allows members to share healthcare costs as part of a community-driven approach.
Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance
Fixed benefit medical insurance pays set cash amounts for services, offering predictable and flexible coverage that can work alongside short-term or ACA-compliant plans.
Explore more Alaska health insurance plan options.
Next Steps: Is a Short-Term Plan Right for You?
If you’re considering a short-term plan in Alaska:
- Compare quotes against ACA Marketplace or employer-sponsored coverage
- Review the details closely, including deductibles, coinsurance, copays, and exclusions
- Make sure the plan covers your most likely healthcare needs
Licensed insurance agents can help you review all available options and find the right coverage for your situation.
A friendly team of licensed insurance agents is here to guide you.
Thank you for your feedback!
ACA open enrollment: For consumers considering short-term policies. kff.org. Accessed June 18, 2021.
Short-term, limited-duration insurance final rule. cms.gov. Accessed August 1, 2021.
Short-term, limited-duration insurance. Alaska.gov. Accessed August 1, 2021.
