Short-Term Health Insurance in Texas

What Is Texas Short-Term Health Insurance?

Short-term health insurance in Texas provides temporary coverage for individuals who need an alternative to ACA-compliant plans. Plans may last up to 364 days and can be renewed for a maximum of 36 months, subject to federal rules.

Important: These plans are not required to follow the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This means they may:

• Deny coverage based on health history 
• Exclude preexisting conditions 
• Omit essential services such as maternity care, mental health, or prescription drugs 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently updated the definition of short-term health insurance but will delay strict enforcement while considering further changes.

Healthcare.com, the parent company of Healthcare Insider, develops and markets short-term and supplemental insurance products under the Pivot Health brand. These plans are underwritten by Companion Life Insurance Company, The North River Insurance Company (an affiliate of Crum & Forster), and Pan-American Life Insurance Company.

What Short-Term Health Insurance Includes

Short-term medical plans in Texas generally help cover costs from unexpected illnesses or injuries. Benefits often include:

• Doctor visits 
• Emergency care 
• Hospitalization 
• Surgical procedures 
• X-rays and lab tests 

Limitations and Common Exclusions

Short-term health insurance is not designed to meet every healthcare need. These plans often exclude:

• Pre-existing conditions 
• Maternity services 
• Routine preventive care 
• Dental and vision services 
• Mental health or substance abuse treatment 

Because these plans provide less comprehensive coverage than ACA-compliant insurance, they are best used as temporary protection until more complete coverage is available.

Who Should Consider a Short-Term Plan in Texas?

Short-term plans may be a good fit for:

• People between jobs or waiting for employer benefits to start 
• Those who missed ACA Open Enrollment 
• Healthy individuals who need only basic coverage 
• Young adults aging off a parent’s plan 
• People who don’t qualify for ACA plan subsidies and need a more affordable option 

When a short-term plan may not be a good fit:

• You have ongoing or preexisting health conditions 
• You need essential benefits such as maternity care, prescriptions, or mental health services 

Discover more situations where short-term medical plans make sense.

Pros and Cons of Short-Term Plans

Pros

• Lower monthly premiums 
• Available year-round 
• Useful as a temporary bridge between major coverage 

Cons

• May deny applicants based on health 
• No coverage for preexisting conditions 
• Does not include essential health benefits 

Types of Costs with Short-Term Plans in Texas

Typical costs associated with short-term health insurance include:

• Premiums: Monthly payments to keep your plan active 
• Deductibles: What you pay before the plan begins contributing 
• Copayments: Flat fees for services such as doctor visits 
• Coinsurance: Your share of covered costs after meeting the deductible 
• Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you’ll pay during the plan’s term 

Other Alternative ACA Plan Options to Consider

Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental insurance can fill coverage gaps, helping with expenses from accidents, critical illness, or hospital stays. These plans provide financial protection alongside short-term or high-deductible health insurance.

Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Dental and vision coverage can help with routine care and major procedures, from exams and cleanings to braces and LASIK. Bundling these with medical insurance can reduce overall expenses.

Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs

A faith-based plan allows members to share medical expenses as part of a community. While not technically insurance, these programs can be a budget-friendly option for individuals aligned with Christian values.

Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed Benefit medical insurance pays set cash amounts for specific services, helping control costs without deductibles. This can be a strong supplement to short-term or private health insurance.

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

To determine if a Texas short-term health insurance plan is right for you:

• Compare short-term plan quotes with ACA Marketplace or employer-sponsored coverage 
• Review policy details such as deductibles, exclusions, and coinsurance 
• Consider your likely medical needs and whether temporary coverage is enough 

If you’re ready to explore health insurance in Texas, licensed agents can help you compare plans and find the right fit for your situation.