Short-Term Health Insurance in Arizona

What Is Arizona Short-Term Health Insurance?

Short-term health insurance in Arizona provides temporary coverage for individuals who need an alternative to ACA-compliant major medical insurance. Policies can last up to 364 days, with renewals allowed for a maximum duration of 36 months.

Rates vary depending on age, gender, and health history.

Unlike ACA plans, Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules do not apply to STM insurance. That means insurers may:

• Deny coverage based on medical history

• Exclude preexisting conditions

• Omit important services like maternity care, prescriptions, or mental health

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently updated its definition of STM insurance, but stricter enforcement is still pending.

Healthcare.com, parent of Healthcare Insider, develops and markets short-term and supplemental insurance products under the Pivot Health brand, underwritten by Companion Life Insurance Company, The North River Insurance Company, and Pan-American Life Insurance Company.

What Short-Term Health Insurance Includes

In Arizona, STM plans often provide limited coverage for:

• Doctor visits

• Emergency care

• Hospitalization

• Surgical procedures

• Lab tests and imaging

Limitations and Common Exclusions

Arizona short-term plans may exclude:

• Preexisting conditions

• Maternity services

• Routine preventive care

• Mental health services

• Dental and vision

These policies are best for temporary coverage gaps, not as a replacement for ACA-compliant health plans.

Who Should Consider a Short-Term Plan in Arizona?

Short-term coverage may be a good fit for:

• People between jobs or waiting for employer benefits to begin

• Healthy individuals who need minimal coverage

• Those who missed ACA Open Enrollment

• Individuals not eligible for ACA plan subsidies and seeking lower-cost alternatives

It may not be a good fit if:

• You have ongoing or preexisting medical needs

• You need coverage for maternity, prescriptions, or mental health

Learn more about when short-term medical plans are worth considering.

Pros and Cons of Short-Term Plans

Pros

• Lower premiums than ACA plans without subsidies

• Year-round enrollment available

• Helpful as temporary bridge coverage

Cons

• Can deny applicants based on health history

• Do not cover preexisting conditions

• Exclude essential health benefits

Types of Costs with Short-Term Plans in Arizona

While actual costs vary by insurer, short-term plans typically include:

• Premiums: Monthly payments to maintain your plan

• Deductibles: What you pay before insurance contributes

• Copayments: Flat fees for specific services

• Coinsurance: Percentage of costs you pay after deductible

• Out-of-pocket maximum: The cap on what you’ll spend during a plan term

Other Alternative ACA Plan Options to Consider

Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental insurance fills in coverage gaps left by traditional insurance. Options include accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity policies, which can help cover extra costs such as rent or rehab while recovering.

Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Separate dental and vision coverage helps manage preventive care, exams, and major procedures. Bundling these benefits with health coverage can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs

A faith-based plan allows members to share medical expenses in a community-driven structure. While not insurance, these programs can be an affordable alternative for those with aligned values.

Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed benefit medical insurance pays a set cash amount per covered service. It offers predictable coverage, works without networks, and can supplement other insurance types.

Next Steps: Is a Short-Term Plan Right for You?

If you live in Arizona and are considering short-term insurance, here’s how to decide:

• Compare STM quotes with ACA Marketplace and employer-sponsored coverage

• Review policy details, including deductibles, exclusions, and coverage caps

• Evaluate your health needs and whether you’ll require services STM plans don’t cover

Licensed insurance agents can help you review available short-term plans and choose the option that works best for your situation.