How to Get Health Insurance Immediately: Fast Coverage Options

How to Get Health Insurance Immediately: Same-Day & Next-Day Options

If you’re suddenly uninsured—maybe you left a job, lost coverage, or realized you can’t risk going without—your first question is usually how to get health insurance immediately. The good news: You do have options. Some plans start as soon as today or tomorrow, while others require a short waiting period but offer more comprehensive benefits. Understanding the trade-offs can help you choose the plan that best protects your health and your wallet.

How Immediate Health Insurance Works

When You Actually Need Coverage “Right Now”

Many people look for immediate coverage because of:

• A sudden job loss
• An unexpected gap between plans
• Missing ACA Open Enrollment
• Needing proof of insurance quickly

Different insurance options offer different start dates, ranging from within 24 hours to the next month.

Same-Day & Next-Day Health Insurance Options

1. Short-Term Medical Insurance (Fastest Approval)

Short-term medical (STM) plans are often the quickest way to get health insurance immediately. Most applications take only a few minutes and may start as early as the next day.

How STM Plans Work

• Policies usually last less than 12 months.
• Renewals up to 36 months are allowed in some states.
• They don’t cover all 10 essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Pre-existing conditions are excluded.

Pros

• Lower monthly premiums
• Nearly instant approval
• Works well as a temporary bridge

Cons

• Can deny you for pre-existing conditions
• Limited benefits (i.e., no maternity, mental health)
• No financial help or subsidies
• High out-of-pocket risks if you get sick

When STM Makes Sense

• You’re between jobs
• You missed ACA Open Enrollment
• You want temporary protection until long-term coverage starts

Learn more about considerations before buying short-term health plans.

2. Medicaid (Coverage Can Start Immediately)

If your income qualifies, Medicaid may offer the fastest form of comprehensive coverage.

How Fast Does Medicaid Start?

Coverage may begin:

• Immediately, based on eligibility
• Retroactively for up to 3 months in some states (varies by state). This means some states allow Medicaid to start earlier than the date you apply, if you would have qualified during those months.

Who Qualifies?

• Low-income adults
• Pregnant individuals
• Children and teens
• Some people with disabilities

You can apply any time of year; there’s no Open Enrollment period.

3. COBRA Continuation Coverage

If you recently lost employer health insurance, COBRA lets you stay on your former plan for 18 months or more.

How Fast Does COBRA Start?

• Coverage is retroactive once you elect it
• You usually have 60 days to decide
• You must pay the full premium (often expensive)

Still, if you need your old coverage immediately, COBRA can effectively restore it without waiting.

Near-Immediate: Fast ACA Marketplace Options

ACA Plans Don’t Start Today—But You May Qualify for Faster Enrollment

Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans begin on the 1st of the month after you enroll.

When You Can Get ACA Coverage Quickly

You must qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which includes:

• Losing employer coverage
• Moving to a new state
• Marriage or divorce
• Having a baby
• Income changes

Why Consider ACA Over Short-Term Medical (STM) plans?

If you’re eligible for subsidies, ACA plans are often cheaper than STM, and far more comprehensive.

Short-Term Medical vs. ACA Plans: What’s Your Best Fast-Coverage Option?

Consumer Tip: If you qualify for ACA subsidies, marketplace coverage can be more affordable than short-term medical insurance, and far more robust. Use our ACA subsidy calculator to estimate your eligibility regardless of income.

Other Temporary Coverage Options

Fixed Indemnity Plans

These pay a set dollar amount per service (like $50 for a doctor visit). They aren’t full insurance and won’t protect you from major medical bills, but they may help with small, routine costs.

Supplemental Accident or Critical Illness Plans

These pay lump-sum cash benefits if you’re injured or diagnosed with certain conditions. They’re add-ons, not substitutes for major medical insurance.

Learn more about marketplace vs non-marketplace health insurance and the different coverage options based on health needs and budget.

How to Choose the Right Immediate Coverage

Use these steps to find the best “right now” option:

1. Identify Your Timing Needs

Do you need coverage today or just before the next month begins?

2. Check Eligibility for ACA Subsidies

If your income qualifies, an ACA plan may be your most affordable path. Use our Health Insurance Marketplace calculator to determine the income limit for marketplace insurance in 2026, and if you qualify.

If you don’t qualify and are looking for more budget-friendly options, explore what to know about leaving your ACA plan for short-term health insurance.

3. Assess Your Health Needs

• Chronic conditions? Choose ACA.
• Rarely see doctors? STM might work temporarily.

4. Consider Budget vs. Protection

Low premiums are attractive, but limited benefits could cost you more later.

Bottom Line

If you need health insurance immediately, you have multiple options—each with different trade-offs. Short-term medical plans offer the fastest start date, sometimes within 24 hours, but provide limited benefits. Medicaid can offer same-day coverage if you meet eligibility rules. ACA plans take longer to start but provide the most comprehensive protection and may cost less with subsidies.

Your best choice depends on your income, health needs, and how quickly you need coverage to begin. When in doubt, compare options side by side and consider applying for financial help through the marketplace.