Health insurance is a controversial topic these days, but it’s hard to argue against its necessity. Even though you may be healthy and active, a sudden severe illness or injury could occur, easily costing you tens of thousands of dollars in medical debt if you don’t have insurance. Private insurance is extremely expensive, so many people rely on employer-sponsored insurance plans as part of their employment benefits package. Healthcare changes are coming soon, but in the meantime, what health insurance options are available for the unemployed or under-employed who don’t receive benefits?
Purchasing short-term health insurance is one way to guarantee you are covered while looking for a job or waiting to get benefits.Short-term health insurance can be purchased for any length of time from one month to 36 months depending on the provider. These plans cover inpatient and outpatient medical expenses resulting from an accident or an illness. It is important to note that they do not cover any pre-existing conditions, so if you have a chronic medical problem this may not be a viable option. These plans traditionally do not cover dental, vision or any kind of annual physical exam, so try to schedule these visits before your current health insurance coverage runs out.
As with any type of insurance, shop around and compare rates to make sure that you get the best deal for your money. Make sure to ask about any additional discounts you may qualify for and be prepared to quote competitor’s rates. Don’t take a gamble with your health if you can afford the temporary coverage!
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