Written by Michael LaPick
Healthcare Writer
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.
- Short-term health plans, also known as Short-Term Medical (STM) insurance, offer fast, flexible coverage from 1 month to 364 days. Plan durations and renewals vary by plan and state.
- These plans allow you to enroll online in minutes with coverage starting as soon as the next day.
- Premiums are usually lower than ACA Marketplace plans without subsidies.
- These plans often exclude coverage for preexisting conditions and essential health benefits.
What Is Short-Term Health Insurance in Florida?
Short-term health insurance in Florida offers temporary medical coverage for individuals who need an alternative to ACA-compliant plans. These plans typically last from 1 month to 364 days, with certain states allowing renewals for up to 36 months.
Important: These plans are not required to follow the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules, so they may:
- Deny coverage based on health history
- Exclude preexisting conditions
- Omit key services like maternity care, mental health, or prescriptions
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has updated the definition of short-term health insurance, but will delay strict enforcement of the new rules while considering further changes.
What Short-Term Health Insurance Includes
Short-term medical plans generally help with costs from unexpected illnesses or injuries. Benefits often cover:
- Doctor visits
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
- Surgical procedures
- X-rays and lab tests
Find Plans that meet your health needs and budget.
Limitations and Common Exclusions
These plans are not designed to meet every healthcare need and often exclude:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Maternity services
- Routine preventive care
- Dental and vision care
- Mental health treatment
Short-term health insurance is meant for temporary protection and is less comprehensive than ACA-compliant major medical coverage.
Who Should Consider a Short-Term Plan in Florida?
Short-term plans may be a good fit for:
- People without employer coverage who are looking for affordable premiums
- Those who missed Open Enrollment for ACA plans
- Healthy individuals who need minimal coverage
- People between jobs or waiting for new coverage to start
- Healthy individuals who don’t qualify for ACA plan subsidies and need a more affordable option
When it may not be a good fit:
- You have ongoing or preexisting medical conditions
- You require essential benefits like maternity or mental health services
Discover more situations where short-term medical plans make sense.
Pros and Cons of Short-Term Plans
| Pros | Cons |
| Lower monthly premiums | May deny applicants based on health |
| Available year-round | No coverage for preexisting conditions |
| Useful as a temporary bridge | Doesn’t include essential health benefits |
What Type of Costs Come with Short-Term Plans in Florida?
Typical costs associated with short-term plans could include:
- Premiums: Monthly payment to keep your plan active
- Deductibles: What you pay before the plan contributes
- Copayments: Flat fees for services like doctor visits
- Coinsurance: Your share of covered service costs after the deductible
- Out-of-pocket maximum: The maximum you’ll pay during the plan’s term
Costs may vary depending on the specific plan you choose.
Other Alternative ACA Plan Options to Consider
Supplemental Health Plans
Supplemental insurance fills in gaps left by primary coverage — ideal when you’re on a low-cost insurance plan, or private health insurance with higher deductibles. From accident insurance to critical illness protection, these supplemental health insurance plans can cover unexpected costs like rent or rehab while you recover.
Types of Supplemental Insurance:
- Accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and cancer policies
- Every day coverage for urgent care and surprise bills
- Year-round enrollment for many plans
Dental and Vision Insurance Plans
Bundling dental and vision insurance with your private medical insurance keeps your overall health in check while helping manage out-of-pocket expenses.
Coverage Benefits:
- Routine care + major procedures with fast activation
- Bundled savings with vision (glasses, lenses, exams, surgery discounts)
- Useful for families, young adults, and students managing tight budgets
Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs
These faith-based plans provide an alternative to traditional private health insurance, especially for those aligned with Christian values seeking low-cost medical insurance. Though not technically insurance, they offer flexible, budget-friendly ways to share medical costs.
Highlights:
- Monthly “shares” instead of premiums
- Great alternative to affordable private health insurance
- Faith, agreement, and a healthy lifestyle are typically required
Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance
Fixed benefit medical insurance pays a set cash amount per service, giving you a predictable, deductible-free way to manage care costs — great for those on low-cost insurance plans or managing limited budgets.
A friendly team of licensed insurance agents is here to guide you.
Next Steps: Is a Short-Term Plan Right for You?
Here’s how to evaluate your options:
- Compare short-term plan quotes with ACA Marketplace or employer-sponsored plans
- Review policy details: premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, copays, and exclusions
- Determine whether the plan covers your likely medical needs
If you’re ready to explore health insurance in Florida, licensed insurance agents can help you find a short-term plan that works for your situation.
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