Short Term Health Insurance Cost Guide
Updated 2026-07-02
Short answer
Most individual short term health plans run $60 to $400 a month once age, plan level, and deductible are factored in, with families paying $250 to $600. The specific number moves with your state, the carrier, and whether you use tobacco, so the ranges below are a starting point rather than a quote.
How the premium gets calculated
Short term health insurance is priced individually by each carrier based on your age, the benefit level you choose, your deductible, and your health history. Carriers also weigh state rules and local market conditions, which is why two quotes for the same coverage can look quite different. Comparing a few options before committing almost always produces a better price.
The figures on this page come from published US pricing data and get refreshed on a regular cadence, detailed on our editorial standards page. Treat them as a budgeting reference, then confirm with a written quote before you enroll.
Related reading
Monthly cost by age
| Age band | Monthly premium (US) |
| Under 30 | $60 - $120 / mo |
| 30-44 | $80 - $200 / mo |
| 45-54 | $130 - $280 / mo |
| 55-64 | $180 - $400 / mo |
| Family plan | $250 - $600 / mo |
Things to know before you buy
- Age is the biggest single factor. Short term plans can price by age without the limits that apply to ACA marketplace coverage, so older applicants pay substantially more.
- Plan level and deductible both shift the premium. More coverage and a lower deductible cost more each month.
- Coverage length varies by state, from one month up to about a year.
- Health history matters. Short term plans are medically underwritten and may exclude or decline based on pre-existing conditions.
- State rules vary widely. Some states restrict these plans to short terms; others ban them entirely.
- Tobacco use typically adds a surcharge to the base rate.
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FAQs
How much does short term health insurance cost?
Premiums commonly run $80 to $200 a month for an individual, less for the young and more for older applicants.
What does short term health insurance cover?
It covers unexpected illnesses and injuries but typically excludes pre-existing conditions and may skip preventive care, maternity, and mental health.
Is short term health insurance worth it?
It is a budget bridge between jobs or coverage, but it is not ACA-compliant and offers fewer protections than a marketplace plan.
How long can short term coverage last?
It varies by state, from a few months up to about 364 days, sometimes renewable.
Does it cover pre-existing conditions?
Usually not, which is the main trade-off for the lower price.
How much is short-term health insurance per month?
Short-term health insurance typically costs between $50 and $300 per month for an individual, depending on age, location, deductible, and coverage limits. Premiums are lower than ACA plans but so are the benefits, since short-term plans can exclude pre-existing conditions and have annual caps. These plans are designed to fill temporary coverage gaps rather than serve as a long-term solution. Comparing quotes through a broker or online marketplace helps you find the most competitive rate.
What health insurance covers Zepbound?
Coverage for Zepbound (tirzepatide for weight loss) varies widely by insurer and plan. Some commercial and employer-sponsored plans cover it when prescribed for obesity with a qualifying BMI, often with prior authorization. Medicare and most Medicaid programs currently do not cover weight-loss drugs like Zepbound. Check your plan's formulary or call your insurer directly to confirm whether it is covered and what requirements apply.
Does health insurance cover bipolar disorder?
Most comprehensive health insurance plans, including ACA marketplace plans, are required by federal law to cover mental health conditions like bipolar disorder on par with physical health benefits. Coverage typically includes therapy, psychiatric visits, and medications. Short-term health plans, however, are generally exempt from these mental health parity rules and may exclude or severely limit mental health benefits. Review the specific plan's Summary of Benefits before enrolling if mental health coverage is a priority.