How to Apply for a Short-Term Medical Plan: Step-by-Step With a Checklist

Overview

Applying for health coverage can feel confusing, especially if you need something fast. That’s where short-term medical insurance comes in — a flexible, budget-friendly option for people who need coverage outside open enrollment.

These plans can begin as soon as the next day after approval and help fill unexpected coverage gaps. But because they differ from Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, it’s important to understand the application process before you enroll.

This guide explains exactly how to apply for a short-term medical plan, what information you’ll need, and how to make sure your policy fits your situation.

What Is Short-Term Medical Insurance?

Short-term medical insurance protects individuals and families who need coverage between major life events such as job changes or waiting for new benefits to begin.

Depending on state rules, plans can last from 90 days to 12 months, and can be renewed for up to 36 months. Unlike ACA-compliant plans, short-term medical policies aren’t required to cover all ACA essential benefits (like maternity or mental health care), but they do provide budget-friendly protection for doctor visits, urgent care, and emergencies.

If you want to explore carriers and coverage options, see our list of the best short-term health insurance companies for 2025.

How to Apply for a Short-Term Medical Plan

Step 1: Decide Who You’re Covering

The first question most applications ask is: Who will be on this plan?
You can apply just for yourself, add your spouse and children, or choose child-only coverage. When enrolling multiple dependents, note that the youngest child must be enrolled first.

Having everyone’s details — full names and birth dates — ready before you begin will make the process faster.

Step 2: Compare Plans and Carriers

Not all short-term medical insurers are the same. Compare plans based on:

• Coverage period: Length of coverage and renewal limits (up to 36 months in some states)

• Deductible and coinsurance: How much you’ll pay before the plan starts paying

• Provider networks: Whether your preferred doctors or hospitals are included

• Exclusions: Services often not covered (e.g., preventive care, maternity, prescriptions)

Tip: Look for reputable insurers and check reviews or ratings from sources like A.M. Best or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to ensure reliability.

To better understand how private short-term medical plans differ from government-regulated options, read our comparison of Marketplace insurance vs. private health insurance plans.

Step 3: Check State and Carrier Eligibility Rules

Each state has its own laws about how long short-term medical plans can last and how they’re renewed. Some states limit coverage to 3 months, while others allow renewals up to three years.

You can check your state’s rules through your state Department of Insurance.

For current and upcoming regulation updates, see our breakdown of short-term medical insurance changes for 2025.

Step 4: Gather What You’ll Need

Before you start your application, collect all the key details you’ll need, including your:

• Personal information (name, date of birth, address, and contact info)
• Dependent information (names, birth dates, and relationships to you)
• Health background (recent diagnoses, hospitalizations, or prescriptions)

You’ll also need a payment method, such as a credit or debit card, to activate your policy once approved. Having everything ready ensures a smoother and faster process.

If you’re comparing off-exchange options, our guide to non-Marketplace health insurance vs. Marketplace coverage explains what to consider before you apply.

Step 5: Complete Your Application

Most short-term medical applications can be completed online in about 10 minutes. You’ll answer a few health questions that determine eligibility.

Be accurate — incorrect information could delay approval or invalidate coverage later. Most applicants receive a decision within minutes.

Step 6: Review Your Policy Before Paying

After approval, review your policy carefully before paying your first premium:

• Start date: Confirm when your coverage begins

• Premium amount: Verify monthly payment schedule

• Exclusions and renewals: Review what’s not covered and when the plan ends

Keep a copy of your policy and insurer contact information in case you need to make changes or cancel later.

FAQs / Troubleshooting

What if my application is denied?
If your short-term medical plan application isn’t approved, you still have coverage options. You can explore ACA Marketplace plans, which must accept all applicants regardless of health history, or consider private health insurance that offers broader benefits.

Can I cancel a short-term medical plan?
Yes. You can cancel a short-term medical plan anytime, but refunds depend on the insurer’s policy and how long the plan has been active. Check the cancellation terms for prorated refunds.

When does coverage start?
Most short-term medical plans begin the day after approval, but you can often choose a later start date if preferred. Always confirm your effective date in your approval notice.

Bottom Line

Applying for short-term medical insurance is quick and convenient — often with next-day coverage if you qualify. By preparing your information ahead of time and reviewing each plan carefully, you can make confident, informed choices about your healthcare coverage.

If you’re not approved, remember that ACA Marketplace and private health plans are still available in many cases.