How Much Does Short Term Health Insurance Cost Per Month?
Why short term plans look so cheap
Short term health insurance often advertises premiums a fraction of a standard marketplace plan, and the headline numbers are real. The catch is that these plans achieve low prices by covering less. They can exclude pre-existing conditions, cap benefits, and skip required essential health benefits, which is exactly what lets the premium stay low.
Typical monthly premiums by age
Pricing varies widely by state, age, and the level of coverage you choose, but the ranges below give a realistic picture for an individual in 2024 and 2025.
| Age band | Basic plan (high deductible) | Higher-benefit plan |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | $60 to $110 | $120 to $200 |
| 30 to 45 | $90 to $160 | $170 to $280 |
| 45 to 60 | $150 to $300 | $280 to $500 |
Before you anchor on the lowest monthly figure, run your age and desired deductible through the short term health insurance cost calculator so you compare the true expected cost, not just the premium.
What drives your premium
- Age: Older applicants pay more, as with any health coverage. Short term plans can use age rating freely.
- Deductible choice: A higher deductible lowers the premium but raises what you pay before coverage kicks in.
- Coverage maximums: Plans with higher benefit caps cost more but expose you to less catastrophic risk.
- Term length and state rules: Some states limit how long these plans can last, which affects availability and price.
- Tobacco use: Many carriers add a surcharge for smokers, raising the base rate by 10 to 20 percent.
The hidden cost: what is not covered
The premium is only half the picture. Short term plans commonly exclude pre-existing conditions, may not cover prescriptions, maternity, or mental health, and often have benefit caps. A low premium paired with a large uncovered claim can cost far more than a pricier comprehensive plan would have. Read the exclusions before the price.
Who these plans fit
Short term coverage is designed as a bridge: between jobs, after aging off a parent's plan, or while waiting for marketplace coverage to start. For healthy people who need temporary protection against a major accident, the low premium can be reasonable. For ongoing or complex health needs, a comprehensive plan usually offers better value despite the higher monthly cost.
Family and couple costs
The premiums above are for a single adult. Adding a spouse or dependents increases your total cost, since most short term carriers price each person individually or apply a composite family rate. A couple in their 30s might pay $180 to $350 a month total. A family of four with two adults in their 40s and two young children could see premiums of $350 to $650 depending on the benefit level and state. Children are generally priced at a lower rate than adults. If you are covering a family, compare the total cost against a marketplace family plan, particularly if a marketplace subsidy applies to your household income.
How to compare the true cost, not just the premium
Add twelve months of premiums to a realistic estimate of what you would pay out of pocket under each plan's deductible, coinsurance, and benefit caps. Stress-test it with an unlucky scenario such as an emergency room visit. The short term health insurance cost calculator helps you build that yearly figure so the cheapest premium does not quietly become the most expensive choice. You can also compare quotes from a licensed broker or insurance marketplace before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a short term plan last? It depends on your state. Some allow terms up to a year with renewals, others limit them to a few months, which affects both availability and price.
Will a short term plan cover my regular prescriptions? Often not. Many plans exclude or cap drug coverage, so if you take ongoing medication, price that cost separately or consider a comprehensive plan.
Can I be denied for health reasons? Yes. Unlike ACA marketplace plans, short term plans can use medical underwriting and may decline you or exclude pre-existing conditions.
Bottom line
Short term health insurance can cost well under a comprehensive plan, often $60 to $300 a month depending on age and benefits, but the savings come from narrower coverage and exclusions. Treat it as a temporary bridge, weigh the premium against what is not covered, and compare quotes from a licensed agent before deciding.
Get real short term health insurance quotes
Compare free, no-obligation quotes from licensed insurance carriers near you.Get my free quotes
Advertising disclosure: we may earn a commission from quote requests, at no cost to you.
Related guides
- Short Term Health Insurance vs an ACA Marketplace Plan: Cost Compared
- Is Short Term Health Insurance Worth It? Weighing Cost and Risk
- Short Term Health Insurance Cost by State and Age: What to Expect
- What Does Short Term Health Insurance Cover (and What Does It Leave Out)?
- Short Term Health Insurance Between Jobs: Cost, COBRA, and What to Choose
- Short Term Health Insurance and Pre-Existing Conditions: What Is (and Is Not) Covered
- Short Term Health Insurance Cost Guide