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Monday, March 2, 2009

Short Term Medical Insurance: Is It Suitable?

By Chimezirim Odimba

If you are looking for an inexpensive alternative to often pricey health insurance plans, check out short term medical insurance. If you are fairly young, and in good physical condition, you may want to consider getting short-term health insurance as opposed to a more extensive health insurance plan.

With many short-term health insurance plans, the monthly premium you owe to the company is quite low compared to the hundreds you would pay with a standard plan. Short-term health insurance doesn't offer a lot of the benefits that you get with a standard plan.

Instead of having visits fully or partially paid by your health care network, you will have to pay all fees for all non-emergency doctor's visits and elective surgical procedures. Expenses for prescriptions and ob-gyn appointments are not provided for by short-term health insurance.

Costs related to maternity and delivery are not covered by short-term health insurance plans either, though you may be eligible for coverage from other sources. Once you have met your deductible, your short-term health insurance provider will compensate you up to a certain amount if you have a serious medical emergency.

Typically, the lower the deductible, the higher your monthly premium will be. Nearly all short-term health insurance plans have a max of less than one year. Once this time has lapsed, you can buy another policy from a different short-term health insurance provider. A complete list of numerous providers to compare can be pulled from the Internet. Short-term health insurance is not suited for most people.

Medical problems that require expensive prescription drugs wouldn't be covered by short term medical insurance so you would be better with a standard health care provider that will assist with these expenses. Short term medical insurance is good for emergencies and for people that are looking for a cheap alternative while they are without coverage for a while.

The request procedure is uncomplicated and policies can be offered within 24 hours. Nearly all insurers allow credit card payments. The most essential thing to consider is that a short-term plan won't cover pre-existing conditions.

These are usually including any condition you had during the three year period before coverage began. Each state is different in terms of what is called the "look back" period. You can find out all of the laws by contacting your state's insurance department. Every short-term policy has extremely detailed limitations and exclusions, so examine the policy carefully before you purchase.

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