This site is operated by a third party, not by Costco. Use of this site (and any destination sites you reach through this site) is subject to the site's Terms of use and Privacy Policy, rather than those of Costco.
Welcome to the CBC Health Insurance
Marketplace for Costco Members

Short Term Health Insurance Plans for Individuals & Families

Going on an adventure abroad? In between jobs or places of residence? Missed Open Enrollment? Short Term Health Insurance can keep you covered so you don't have to worry. Click below to get a free Short Term Health Insurance quote.


Get A Quote 
See How We Can Make a Difference For You...

 

What is a Short Term Health Insurance Plan?

Short-term health insurance is a budget-friendly option for those needing coverage during life transitions. It is often used to fill gaps in coverage when someone is between longer-term health plans, such as during job transitions, waiting for a new employer’s benefits to begin, or outside the open enrollment period for marketplace insurance. While it doesn't cover pre-existing conditions or offer the full benefits of ACA plans, it can be a good choice if ACA plans are too expensive or unavailable. Note: Short Term Health Insurance is not available in all states.




Benefits of Short Term Health Insurance

flexibility icon

Affordability

Short-term health insurance often has lower monthly premiums compared to long-term or ACA-compliant health plans, making it a more affordable option for individuals needing temporary coverage.
Family icon

Flexibility

You can enroll in short-term health insurance at any time, without waiting for an open enrollment period. Coverage typically starts quickly, sometimes within days, making it ideal for those in transitional periods.
shield with checkmark icon

Covers Gaps in Coverage 

It provides a safety net for emergencies, such as accidents or sudden illnesses, during gaps in health insurance, offering protection while you're between jobs or waiting for more permanent coverage to begin.


 

 

female traveller looking out over an italian village

What are the Key Features of Short Term Health Insurance?

Short-term health insurance is a type of temporary health coverage designed to provide protection for a limited period, typically ranging from one month to up to a year, depending on state regulations and the insurance provider.
  • Temporary Coverage
    It is meant for short-term use, usually for periods of one to three months, but some plans may offer coverage for up to 12 months, with the possibility of renewal depending on state laws.
  • Limited Benefits
    Short-term plans generally offer coverage for emergencies, hospitalizations, and major illnesses, but they may not cover comprehensive services like:
    • Preventive care
    • Prescription drugs
    • Mental health services
    • Maternity care
    • Pre-existing conditions
  • Lower Premiums, Higher Out-of-Pocket Costs
    These plans often have lower monthly premiums compared to long-term or ACA-compliant health plans, making them an affordable temporary solution. However, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs tend to be higher, and coverage may be limited.
  • No ACA Requirements
    Short-term plans are not required to meet the essential health benefit standards set by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As a result, they may exclude certain types of care that ACA plans are required to cover, such as maternity care or preventive services.
  • Quick Enrollment
    Short-term plans usually allow for quick enrollment without having to wait for an open enrollment period. Coverage can often start within days of applying.
  • Exclusions and Limitations
    Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and plans may have limits on certain services or impose caps on the total coverage amount.
Shop Short Term Health Insurance

How are short term plans different from major medical insurance?


  • Lower Rates: Short-term insurance often offers lower, more budget-friendly premiums compared to other plans.
  • Peace of Mind: Don’t go without coverage. A short-term plan helps bridge the gap and provides a safety net.
  • Quick Approval: Many applicants receive quick approval and proof of insurance, sometimes immediately.
  • Flexible Terms: Most short-term plans provide coverage for 30-90 days, depending on your state.
  • Suitable For Early Retirees: Individuals who retire before qualifying for Medicare might use short-term plans to bridge the gap.

 

Shop Short Term Health Plans
photo of woman contemplating and looking out the window

 

 

Short Term Health Insurance FAQs


Can’t find the answer to your question?
Give us a call at (855) 332-3821, click on the chat widget or send us an email
Get Started on a Quote

 


Contact us at (855) 332-3821 to speak with a
representative or to access to our language line.

All written materials from Qualified Health Plans
(QHP) can be translated and made available from QHP issuers.


Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Data Requests | Interest-Based Ads | Sitemap | Accessibility
Copyright © 2025 CBC. All Rights Reserved.
All insurance products are sold by Custom Benefit Consultants, Inc., Ken Bahl, NPN: 4579133

 

Site Map:


Large Business

Large Business Solutions and Quoting

Benefit Design and Procurement

Advanced Administration Solutions

Case Studies

Small Business

Small Business Marketplace

Level Funded Advantage

Dedicated HealthCare Team

Costco Value

Small Business Medical Insurance

Small Business Dental Insurance Plans

Small Business Vision Insurance Plans

Small Business Life & AD&D Insurance Plans

Small Business Disability Insurance Plans

ICHRA Health Insurance Plans

Individuals & Families

Individual Medical Insurance

Individual Dental Insurance

Individual Vision Insurance

Individual Accident Insurance

Individual Critical Illness Insurance

Individual Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Individual Life & AD&D Insurance

Individual Short Term Medical Insurance

Medicare

Do I Qualify?

Information & Resources

Health News

Ameritas Programs

BCS Programs

Regence Programs

Insurance Term Glossary

Qualifying Life Events

Healthcare Reform

 

Need Language Assistance?


Spanish / Español
Russian / русский

Polish / Polskie

Japanese / 日本語

Chinese / 中文

French Creole-Haitian Creole / Franse - Kreyòl

Portuguese / Português

German / Deutsche

Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt

Arabic / العربية

French / Français

Persian-Farsi / فارسی

Korean / 한국어

Tagalog-Filipino

Italian / italiano

More Languages...

 

 

 

Attention: This website is operated by Custom Benefit Consultants, Inc. and is not the Health Insurance Marketplace website. In offering this website, Custom Benefit Consultants, Inc. is required to comply with all applicable federal law, including the standards established under 45 CFR 155.220(c) and (d) and standards established under 45 CFR 155.260 to protect the privacy and security of personally identifiable information. This website may not display all data on Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) being offered in your state through the Health Insurance Marketplace website. To see all available data on QHP options in your state, go to the Health Insurance Marketplace website at HealthCare.gov.


Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. is a licensed insurance agent. Insurance plans are offered by licensed insurance companies or health maintenance organizations. Health insurance plans on the CBC Health Insurance Marketplace for Costco members are brokered and /or serviced by CBC Benefit & Insurance Services; CA License #: 0D75486 and Costco Insurance Agency License #: 0D08407. Costco Insurance Agency does not underwrite insurance or pay claims.


If you would like assistance in another language, please visit Healthcare.gov or contact us at (888) 566-4639 to access our language line.


All insurance products are issued by licensed insurance companies and made available to applicants through Costco Insurance Agency, Inc., which receives a commission from insurers to distribute these products. Your insurance policy, not the information on this site, determine the applicable terms and conditions of the insurance product. Neither Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. nor its affiliates guarantee the services of any insurance company.


L0317492651[exp0418][All States]