Short-Term Health Insurance in South Carolina

What Is South Carolina Short-Term Health Insurance?

Short-term health insurance in South Carolina provides temporary medical coverage for individuals who need an alternative to ACA-compliant plans. Plans typically last up to 1 month to 364 days and may be renewed for a maximum of 36 months.

Rates vary based on age, gender, and medical history.

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

• Deny coverage based on health history

• Exclude preexisting conditions

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

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 products under the Pivot Health brand. 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 generally help with costs tied to unexpected illnesses or injuries. Benefits often cover:

• Doctor visits

• Emergency care

• Hospitalization

• Surgical procedures

• X-rays and lab tests

Limitations and Common Exclusions

Short-term plans are not designed for comprehensive healthcare needs and often exclude:

• Preexisting conditions

• Maternity services

• Routine preventive care

• Dental and vision care

• Mental health treatment

Short-term health insurance is best for temporary protection and bridging coverage gaps, but it is less comprehensive than ACA-compliant major medical plans.

Who Should Consider a Short-Term Plan in South Carolina?

Short-term plans may be a good fit for:

• People without employer coverage 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 want a lower-cost option

When it may not be a good fit:

• You have ongoing or preexisting medical conditions

• You need essential benefits such as maternity or mental health coverage

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

Pros and Cons of Short-Term Plans

Pros

• Lower monthly premiums than unsubsidized ACA plans

• Available year-round

• Useful as a temporary bridge between traditional coverage

Cons

• May deny applicants based on health

• No coverage for preexisting conditions

• Doesn’t include essential ACA benefits

Types of Costs with Short-Term Plans in South Carolina

While short-term plan pricing varies, typical types of costs you may encounter include:

• Premiums: Monthly payment to keep your plan active

• Deductibles: Amount you pay before the plan contributes

• Copayments: Flat fees for doctor visits or other services

• Coinsurance: Your share of covered costs after the deductible

• Out-of-pocket maximum: The maximum you’ll pay during the plan’s term

Other Alternative ACA Plan Options to Consider

If short-term health insurance isn’t the right fit, other affordable or supplemental coverage options may help:

Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental insurance fills gaps left by primary coverage, such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and cancer policies. These plans can help with everyday expenses like rent or rehab while you recover.

Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Bundling dental and vision insurance supports preventive care and lowers out-of-pocket costs for exams, cleanings, crowns, braces, LASIK, and more.

Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs

A faith-based plan provides an alternative to traditional health insurance. These community-based programs share medical costs and are often more affordable, though they are not technically insurance.

Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed benefit medical insurance pays a set cash amount per covered service. This offers predictable, deductible-free costs and works well as a supplement to short-term or private health insurance.

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

Here’s how to decide:

• Compare short-term quotes with ACA Marketplace or employer-sponsored plans

• Review policy details: premiums, deductibles, copays, and exclusions

• Evaluate whether the plan covers your likely medical needs

If you’re ready to explore health insurance in South Carolina, licensed agents can help you find a short-term plan that works for your situation.