Last Updated on by Ed Harris
Get the cheapest short-term medical coverage available in Ohio. If you are not working, are a recent high school or college graduate that is no longer covered under a parent’s policy, unemployed, between jobs, a seasonal employee, currently uninsured, laid off, or just waiting for other coverage to begin, then a temporary policy might be your best option. It’s fast and flexible. Most plans have large doctor networks and easy online enrollment and are ideal if benefits are only needed for a short period of time. Applicants can choose their length of coverage, deductible, and other available benefits. Coverage can be purchased for one month or up to four months (with renewal).
The quotes you view on our website are the lowest available rates allowed by each carrier. Most options will easily fit within your budget, because of the heavily-discounted premiums. The length of benefit you choose is also extremely flexible. Generally, you can choose a policy that lasts from 30-364 days, although some features are limited, and you can be denied because of your medical history. Multiple-year extensions are offered with several carriers to help avoid gaps in coverage. Provider networks must be disclosed by the carrier to applicants. The Aetna, Cigna, and Anthem networks are offered in the Buckeye State.
Also, if you are employed part-time or temporarily laid off, on strike, or on Cobra, you may need this type of plan. ST health insurance is extremely cheap and is available from the top insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, Medical Mutual, Allstate, Paramount, Companion Life, and several smaller companies including Medical Mutual and Everest. Your rights under HIPAA may be impacted if you are changing jobs, although Marketplace plans would become available. Lapses in permanent coverage are effectively covered by temporary plans.
If a chronic health condition develops, an Exchange plans should be considered during the next Open Enrollment period. Pre-existing conditions will be covered and qualified preventative expenses will have no out-of-pocket costs. Generally, applicants under age 65 can not apply for coverage, and no medical questions are asked. Legal state and US citizenship is a requirement.
During the under-65 Open Enrollment period (November 1-January 15th), a Marketplace plan should always be considered, especially if you qualify for a federal subsidy or are being treated for a serious medical condition. If you are eligible for COBRA, you may be able to purchase a Marketplace plan outside of the Open Enrollment period (SEP), and pre-existing conditions will be covered. By selecting an alternative plan to COBRA, guaranteed coverage may not be offered until the next Open Enrollment period.
Approved 2025 Changes
Approved and implemented, Congress and the Center For Medicare And Medicaid Services changed the structure of short-term health insurance plans. New rules now limit short-term plan initial coverage periods to a maximum of three months. Renewable plans are available, but with a maximum duration of four months, including the renewal. And a policy is not offered to the applicant if they have purchased a temporary policy within the last 12 months from that carrier.
Anthem And UnitedHealthcare Are Available, But Cigna And Humana No Longer Offer Temporary Plans
Humana, one of the nation’s largest carriers, ceased offering temporary plans five years ago. Although they actively participate in offering many affordable Senior and Group policy options, their focus has shifted away from private single and family plans for persons under age 65. Their 6450 Dayton HMOx and 6450 Cincinnati/Northern KY HMOx contracts were two of the most affordable Marketplace plans offered in the Southwestern portion of the state. Humana offers Senior Medicare products and many additional ancillary plans.
Cigna also offers Medicare plans in the Buckeye State, but does not underwrite private medical coverage. Anthem offers marketplace plans (subsidized and unsubsidized) in selected counties, along with Medicare Advantage, Supplement, and Part D prescription drug plans. Anthem began offering temporary coverage four years ago. Their plans cover some pre-existing conditions. Medical Mutual offers a limited portfolio of ST plans, with easy online enrollment. Note: Cigna’s network is available when utilizing Allstate’s ST plan. Allstate continues to offer competitively-priced temporary options.
Who Is Eligible For Short-Term Health Insurance?
Applicants must be under the age of 65 and able to qualify medically for coverage. Although several medical questions are asked, a physical is not required. If pre-existing conditions are present, a copy of the medical records may be requested, which is paid by the insurer. If any applicant is currently covered under another qualified plan, that plan must be terminated on or before the effective date of the short-term plan. Also, any person listed on the new application must be a legal resident of Ohio and a legal resident of the United States.
Although a Medicaid-eligible applicant can be approved, generally, a temporary plan will provide lower benefits at a higher cost. Also, CHIP-eligible applicants may also apply for coverage, but is not advisable, since CHIP benefits are comprehensive and the cost of coverage is low. CHIP and Marketplace eligibility have expanded due to increased federal subsidies. It is also possible to decline CHIP or federal subsidies, but enroll in a Marketplace plan.
Sample Ohio Short-Term Health Insurance Rates
Prices of temporary coverage are determined by your age, gender, zip code, health status, duration of policy, and covered benefits. Shown below are monthly rates for several individual and family scenarios in the Buckeye State. Plans are considered “non-Obamacare” policies and are not required to include all ACA Legislation requirements. Plans can be purchased at any time, and although coverage is medically-underwritten, physicals are not required.
30-Year-Old Male Montgomery County
$69 – Everest $10,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$71 – Everest $10,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$76 – UnitedHealthcare $15,000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$80 – Everest $5,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$81 – Everest $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$84 – Everest $10,000 deductible and 0% coinsurance. $1.5 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$87 – Everest $2,500 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$94 – Everest $2,500 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$98 – UnitedHealthcare $7,5000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$102 – Everest $5,000 deductible and 0% coinsurance. $1.5 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
30-Year-Old Married Couple Montgomery County
$110 – Everest $10,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$115 – Everest $10,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$127 – Everest $5,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$130 – UnitedHealthcare $15,000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$135 – Everest $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$141 – Everest $10,000 deductible and 0% coinsurance. $1.5 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$147 – Everest $2,500 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$160 – Everest $2,500 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$168 – UnitedHealthcare $7,5000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$175 – Allstate $10,000 deductible and 0% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
40-Year-Old Male Franklin County
$87 – Pivot Health Economy $10,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$90 – UnitedHealthcare $15,000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$92 – Everest $10,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$103 – Pivot Health Economy $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$106 – Everest $5,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$116 – UnitedHealthcare $7,500 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$123 – Everest $2,500 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$135 – Everest $2,500 deductible and 80% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$147 – UnitedHealthcare $5,000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$149 – Everest $1,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
40-Year-Old Married Couple Franklin County
$156 – UnitedHealthcare $15,000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$168 – Pivot Health Economy $10,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$176 – Everest $10,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$190 – Pivot Health Economy $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$203 – UnitedHealthcare $7,500 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$206 – Everest $5,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$242 – Everest $2,500 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$260 – UnitedHealthcare $5,000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$149 – Everest $2,500 deductible and 80% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$295 – Everest $1,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
50-Year-Old Female Hamilton County
$134 – UnitedHealthcare $15,000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$146 – Companion Life $10,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$157 – Allstate $10,000 deductible and 0% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$173 – UnitedHealthcare $7,500 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$178 – Companion Life $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$201 – Everest $5,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$234 – Everest $2,500 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$284 – Everest $1,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$326 – Everest $1,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$535 – Companion Life $1,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
50-Year-Old Married Couple Hamilton County
$220 – UnitedHealthcare $15,000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$248 – Allstate $10,000 deductible and 0% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$263 – Companion Life $10,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$287 – UnitedHealthcare $7,500 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$324 – Companion Life $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$333 – Everest $5,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$369 – UnitedHealthcare $5,000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$454 – Everest $2,500 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$459 – UnitedHealthcare $2,500 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$553 – Everest $1,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
60-Year-Old Male Cuyahoga County
$195 – UnitedHealthcare $15,000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$245 – Allstate $10,000 deductible and 0% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$245 – Companion Life $10,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$254 – UnitedHealthcare $7,500 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$299 – Companion Life $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$326 – UnitedHealthcare $5,000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$405 – UnitedHealthcare $2,500 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$481 – Everest $2,500 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$517 – Companion Life $2,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$583 – Everest $1,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
60-Year-Old Married Couple Cuyahoga County
$304 – UnitedHealthcare $15,000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$399 – UnitedHealthcare $7,500 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$447 – Companion Life $10,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$486 – Allstate $10,000 deductible and 0% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$513 – UnitedHealthcare $5,000 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$553 – Companion Life $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$639 – UnitedHealthcare $2,500 deductible and 30% coinsurance. $2 million Policy Maximum. PPO network.
$847 – Everest $2,500 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
$971 – Companion Life $2,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum.
$1,029 – Everest $1,000 deductible and 50% coinsurance. $1 million Policy Maximum. $50 pcp and specialist office visit copays.
Cheap Short-Term Health Ohio Insurance Rates From Companion Life
Monthly rates below are for plans that guarantee coverage for 12 months.
25-Year-Old Male Licking County
$79 – $10,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
$93 – $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
$117 – $2,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
35-Year-Old Female Wood County
$84 – $10,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
$99 – $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
$162 – $2,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
45-Year-Old Male Lucas County
$111 – $10,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
$134 – $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
$222 – $2,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
55-Year-Old Female Miami County
$172 – $10,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
$210 – $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
$360 – $2,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
60-Year-Old Male Butler County
$243 – $10,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
$299 – $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
$517 – $2,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance. $1 million policy maximum. Three pcp and specialist office visits covered with $30 and $60 copays.
Temporary policies feature rates that are often cost just a fraction of the cost of a conventional policy. Typically, you’ll save hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in premium savings. You must be under age 65 to qualify, and we custom-fit a policy that covers you for the time you need and keeps the premium low. Plans are also offered for less than 30 days.
If you have reached age 65, you are likely eligible for Medicare benefits, which are much more comprehensive. A Medigap or “Advantage” plan can pay some of the out-of-pocket gaps that your Senior policy does not cover. However, unlike temporary plans, pre-existing conditions are covered, and policies can generally be renewed. If a Supplement plan is purchased, a separate Part D prescription drug plan should also be considered. Most Medicare Advantage plans (MA) include these benefits. Dental, vision, and hearing coverage are also covered on many MA plans.
Did You Miss Open Enrollment?
If you missed Open Enrollment, often, short-term contracts are the most attractive choice to get you to the next OE period. You don’t have to wait until the first of the month to get covered, and approvals are often received within one day. And if you secure new group coverage from an employer or other qualified benefits, you can terminate a temporary plan to coincide when your new policy begins. Typically, there is no cancellation penalty, although you may have to pay for an entire month.
Important Point: If you qualify for a special enrollment exemption, you will be eligible for federal tax credits and guaranteed approval. Also, since pre-existing conditions are not excluded, when you have the option of securing a Marketplace policy, it must always be considered. If you will become Medicare-eligible within three months and have no existing conditions, a temporary plan is often very cost-effective.
The Open Enrollment period begins November 1 and ends December 15th. Senior Medicare OE begins October 15th and ends December 7. You can apply for guaranteed coverage outside of the OE periods if you are approved for a qualifying life event (QLE). After a 60-day period, your QLE exception may expire. Typically, additional OE periods are extended during pandemics (COVID in 2021).
Effect Of Obamacare
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (passed 11 years ago), you can easily transition from ST coverage to a Marketplace plan. For example, after you buy a policy, if you have a heart attack or are diagnosed with cancer, keeping the policy until the end of the calendar year will make it easier to transition to a more conventional contract with no lapse in coverage. Marketplace plans have effective dates of January 1, so it is important to retain ST coverage until that time.
Since pre-existing conditions are covered, you can apply for a new policy under “Open Enrollment” conditions, and your acceptance is guaranteed. You may also receive a financial subsidy to help to pay premiums depending on your household income. However, if the policy lapses, reinstatement may not be possible. Also, once a plan and carrier are selected, without a qualifying life event, insureds must wait until the OE period to change carriers and/or plans.
Short Term Policy Features
*Coverage is designed to be effective for a short period of time…usually between 1 and 12 months. Once the policy ends, you may be forced to re-qualify for additional coverage. If you have paid for benefits that you have not used, a refund will be processed on the unused portion. You are not obligated to keep a policy any length of time. If you remain in good health, it is possible to keep coverage with multiple companies for many years, providing a smooth transition. However, chronic illness should be covered with marketplace or Group plans.
* Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered. Also, coverage is usually “catastrophic” instead of “comprehensive.” However, some plans, such as the Medical Mutual policy, will provide limited office visit coverage. Prescription benefits are often included, subject to policy limitations. If you are willing to accept higher out-of-pocket expenses, the rate will reduce. NOTE: UnitedHealthcare offers multiple “tiers” of benefits, which allow us to custom-build a policy with or without primary care physician (pcp) or prescription drug coverage.
*Rates are typically low…as much as 30% – 60% less than a conventional policy. And because of its cheap cost, preventative coverage is usually not included, unless you meet the deductible. A wide variety of deductibles is usually available, ranging from $250-$10,000. $2,500 and $1,000 are the most popular deductible choices. However, since you are unlikely to meet your maximum out-of-pocket expense, $5,000 is the most cost-effective option.
*Most Ohio short term insurance plans allow you to pay monthly or pay all of your premiums in advance. When paying in advance, most companies discount the rate. A typical plan is usually approved within 24-48 hours. The standard application is brief and typically takes less than 20 minutes to complete. It can be completed through an online link we provide, or we can email or fax the short application.
Applying For Coverage
Short term coverage is not the right solution for everyone. But if you’re not presently insured, it is often an attractive low-cost option worth considering. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for additional information. We’ll be happy to review the top plans and discuss which option is best for your unique situation. In minutes, you can apply and complete an online application and get quickly covered.
Currently, Allstate, UHC, and Medical Mutual (major companies) offer the lowest rates for both single and family situations. Anthem temporary medical coverage is also available, although rates are higher than most other carriers since pre-existing conditions are often covered. These four companies allow online applications that expedite the time needed to get approved. We routinely discuss which company is best for you, and what method of applying is the best.
To view Ohio short term rates, simply click on the “Quote” link at the top of this page. Easily, you can compare and apply for the top policies. The comparison and enrollment process takes less than 20 minutes. Billing is monthly, and plans are offered during and outside of standard Open Enrollment periods.