Short Term Health Insurance or Short Term Medical (STM for short) is an affordable health insurance that is meant to bridge the gap in between traditional health coverage. Those who missed open enrollment and without a qualifying event in order to purchase a traditional plan outside of open enrollment would be candidates for STM.
How long a short term plan can last depends on your state. A 2024 federal rule limits short term plans to 3 months, or 4 months with renewals, but that rule has not been enforced since August 2025, so many states allow plans of up to 12 months and up to 36 months back to back. Some states set shorter limits (North Carolina and Pennsylvania still use 3 and 4 months), and Illinois banned short term plans starting January 1, 2025. See What States Can I Get a Year-Long Short Term Health Plan In 2027?
It’s important to know that short term plans are not considered minimum essential coverage so STM insurance does not include preventive visits at no cost.
As with traditional health plans emergency events are nearly always covered but in general short-term plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions, and sometimes do not cover maternity, mental health or preventive care.
Bottom line: Temporary health insurance is a low-cost option to protect yourself temporarily from unforeseen and emergency medical expenses. But it’s not a substitute for ACA-compliant coverage, and it doesn’t include the myriad consumer protections provided under the law.
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