Short-Term Health Insurance
Bridge coverage for the gap between plans
Why short-term
Built for short gaps between plans
Coverage as soon as tomorrow
Most plans approve within hours and can start the next day. Some carriers will even do same-day coverage in a real emergency.
Significantly less than ACA or COBRA
Lower monthly premiums than comparable ACA marketplace plans and a fraction of typical COBRA costs.
No enrollment window
No annual open-enrollment period. Apply whenever you need coverage, year-round.
Built for short coverage gaps
Short-term health insurance is temporary medical coverage meant to bridge the gap between more permanent plans. Think weeks between jobs, waiting for a Special Enrollment Period to open, or the months before Medicare kicks in.
Because these plans aren't ACA-compliant, the trade-offs are real and need to be understood up front.
- Not ACA-compliant, so exempt from essential health benefit requirements
- Medically underwritten, so pre-existing conditions are typically excluded
- Lower premiums in exchange for narrower coverage
- Fast approval, usually within hours of applying
What's typically covered
Most short-term plans in South Carolina cover the essentials of acute and unexpected medical care, the kind of thing you'd call insurance for in an emergency.
What they don't cover: pre-existing conditions, maternity, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and preventive care. If any of those matter for your situation, an ACA marketplace plan is almost certainly the better fit.
- Emergency room visits
- Urgent care and walk-in clinics
- Inpatient hospitalization and non-elective surgery
- Doctor office visits
- Diagnostic lab work and imaging
- Some prescription drug coverage (varies by plan)
Compare your options
Short-term vs ACA marketplace
| Short-Term | ACA Marketplace | |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-existing conditions | Excluded | Covered |
| Coverage start | Next day | 1st or 15th of month |
| Duration | Up to 36 months | 12 months (annual renewal) |
| Subsidies available | ||
| Essential health benefits | ||
| Best for | Healthy people in short gaps | Long-term comprehensive coverage |
Duration limits
How long short-term coverage can last
Day 1
Coverage starts
Most plans begin coverage as soon as the next day after approval. Some carriers offer same-day starts.
Up to 364 days
Initial term limit
Federal rules cap a single short-term term at 364 days.
Up to 36 months
Total renewal limit
Plans can be renewed up to a 36-month total. Each renewal may require new underwriting, so conditions that develop during your initial term could be excluded on renewal.
Related coverage
Other ways we can help
Individual Health Insurance
All your coverage options if you don't have employer health insurance.
Learn moreACA Marketplace Plans
Comprehensive coverage with subsidies most SC residents qualify for.
Learn moreSelf-Employed Health Insurance
Coverage options for freelancers, contractors, and small business owners.
Learn more
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Real people. Real guidance. Real peace of mind.
I can't say enough nice things about Will Murdock and the hours he's spent helping me find the best plan. He sat on hold listening to elevator music for hours getting all the kinks worked out with my Medicare and Medicaid.
Stacey R.
Medicare client · South Carolina
I was looking for new health insurance and ended up with dental and vision too. Will offered different plans that worked for my budget. Finding insurance isn't always easy, but they made it simple.
Brittany P.
Individual & supplemental plan member · South Carolina
Sherri is incredible. In the 12 years I've handled our company's insurance, we were only ever offered the same two paths. She gave us options no previous agent had ever mentioned, worked directly with each employee, and answered every question.
Jill C.
Group benefits decision-maker · South Carolina
Kearah saved my sanity. She helped me navigate a very uncertain period of getting solid coverage — she was on every call with me and even did footwork on my behalf. I'll be calling her for life insurance next.
ILONA
Health & life client · South Carolina
Brandon is a wealth of information. He's personable, easy to talk to, and made the crazy world of Medicare make sense. He's my recommendation for friends and family getting ready to become eligible.
Matt L.
New Medicare enrollee · South Carolina
Sherri reached out to the Chamber to discuss our health plan and found us a plan with a wider range of benefits. Her knowledge of the health insurance market is remarkable, and her customer service is exceptional.
Irmo Chamber of Commerce
Member organisation · Irmo, SC
Brandon is super compassionate with older folks. He guided my mom through her Medicare open enrollment so smoothly. Thanks, Brandon.
Melissa F.
Family caregiver · South Carolina
As a self-employed small business owner, I'd always carried high deductibles and minimal coverage to make insurance work. Sherri found my family a plan with real coverage and was patient with every question I had.
Victoria A.
Self-employed plan member · South Carolina
The owner and employees were extremely knowledgeable in finding us insurance options. Sherri explained everything and answered every question. Kristian was professional and never made me feel like a burden — he was happy to help.
Allison H.
Long-time client · South Carolina
Andrew is amazing at serving his clients. He cares for them from the beginning to the end of the process. I'd recommend him to anyone looking to add health or life insurance.
Joy H.
Health & life client · South Carolina
Individual & family carriers
Our Brokerage Partners
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Ambetter
Molina
UnitedHealthcare
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question not listed here? Get in touch.
Under current federal rules, you can have a short-term plan for an initial term of up to 364 days, with renewals for up to 36 months total. South Carolina follows federal regulations. Each renewal may involve new underwriting.
No. Short-term plans are exempt from ACA requirements. They don't cover the 10 essential health benefits, can exclude pre-existing conditions, and don't count as minimum essential coverage.
Most plans cover emergency room visits, urgent care, hospitalization, and some physician services. They typically do not cover pre-existing conditions, maternity care, mental health treatment, or preventive care.
Most plans in South Carolina can begin coverage as quickly as the next day after approval. Some plans offer same-day coverage.
Get a Free Short-Term Insurance Quote
We'll compare available short-term plans in your area and help you decide whether short-term is right for your situation.