Finding Health Insurance Between Jobs
Even a short gap in health insurance can lead to high costs from accidents, prescriptions, or ongoing treatments, so staying covered between jobs helps protect against unexpected medical expenses.
Temporary Medical Plans
You have some options for coverage between medical plans:
- COBRA Insurance Option – Highest Cost
Covers Pre-existing Conditions
Use COBRA to continue your most recent employer’s health plan for a limited time. Paying the full premium including the employer contribution. - Affordable Care Act Plan – Moderate Cost
Covers Pre-existing Conditions
Choose from a variety of ACA-compliant plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Similar to work insurance, ACA covers essential health services. You may qualify for a subsidy to lower your cost. - Short-Term Medical Plan – Lowest Cost
New Accident & Illness Coverage Only
Short-term medical plans provide an affordable option if COBRA is too expensive or unavailable. Plans are month-to-month and you may cancel at any time.
Stay Insured During Your Transition
If you want to keep your most recent work health insurance, also known as COBRA, you will start that plan with the employer who provides that coverage. Follow the instructions they send you.
Get Started on Your Gap Plan
Temporary Health Plans
Short-term health plans offer temporary medical coverage for unexpected illnesses and emergencies during gaps in health insurance. While they exclude benefits for pre-existing conditions, these plans are a cost-effective option for individuals in good health seeking reliable, short-term protection.
Health Insurance That Can Start Tomorrow
Choose your doctor, customize your coverage, and get peace of mind now. Many plans start at $40.
See Plans →Get a quote and enroll online. It takes 5 minutes.
Gap Health Insurance Options Available for Short-Term Needs
Gap health insurance, also known as short-term health insurance, is temporary coverage for individuals transitioning between major medical plans. These plans offer protection against unexpected medical expenses, such as injuries or new illnesses. While affordable, they typically exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, making them ideal for those in good health.
Types Of Term Health Insurance
Term health insurance plans are available for durations ranging from one month to one year.
Short-Term Medical Plan
Provides coverage for new illnesses or unexpected accidents. Great for those in good health.
Accident Only Coverage
An affordable option to cover new injuries or accidents that arise. Pre-existing conditions do not exclude you from enrolling in Accident Only medical insurance.
Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage Between Plans
Employer health plans and Marketplace plans must cover pre-existing conditions. You can’t be denied coverage or charged more because of your medical history. These plans also include essential benefits like prescriptions, emergency care, and preventive services.
Affordable Care Act
Among alternatives to COBRA, marketplace health insurance plans have no time limits, offer access to a wide network of providers and extend coverage regardless of age, gender or health condition. As roughly 80% of participants receive some form of government subsidy, costs tend to be affordable, whether you intend to use this plan long-term or for a few months in between jobs.
Should you start new employer insurance, you may cancel this plan as starting a new work health plan is a qualifying life event.
Some people can get health insurance for $10/month. Depending on your state of residence and your income, you may qualify for a subsidy for a fully qualified health plan that may be low to no cost.
Register for a COBRAinsurance.com quote and select Affordable Care Act Health Plans.
Employer COBRA
COBRA allows you to continue your employer-sponsored health insurance after leaving a job. Coverage includes pre-existing conditions and prescription drugs, with benefits retroactively applied to the date you lost your plan. While more expensive since you pay the full premium, COBRA ensures uninterrupted access to your current healthcare providers and benefits like your HSA account.
COBRA Monthly Premium: $400-700/mo, per individual
Getting COBRA Between Jobs
The COBRA Act compels companies with 20 or more employees to allow workers to continue on the employer health plan by paying the entire premium.
Your employer or their third-party administrator should offer you the option to continue your previous work plan within 45 days. You will have 60 days to enroll or waive your right to COBRA.
Affordable Health Plans During Job Transition
Short-term health insurance provides temporary coverage for people between jobs or waiting for other insurance to begin. These plans include limited benefits and can start as soon as the next day. You can end coverage at any time, making them a practical short-term option during transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
About COBRAinsurance.com
COBRAinsurance.com is dedicated to helping individuals navigate health insurance options after leaving a job. Our goal is to make COBRA and alternative coverage simple to compare, enroll in, and manage, with guidance from licensed experts. Backed by the innovation of SASid, Inc. and the strength of Acrisure, we provide trusted solutions for life’s coverage gaps.
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