Short Term Health Insurance Cost by State and Age (2026): What to Expect
Updated 2026-07-09
A short-term applicant might pay $55 a month in a permissive state at age 25, or over $420 a month at 60 in a pricier, more restricted market, in 2026. State law, age, and deductible choice do most of the work in that gap. Nothing here substitutes for a quote against your own ZIP code and birthdate.
Why the same plan design prices differently across a state line
Carriers set short-term rates on their own, not from a single federal formula, and state law shapes what even gets sold. Some states ban short-term plans or cap them so tightly that few insurers bother participating. Others let a plan run the full 364 days with renewals. The upshot: a 40-year-old in one state might pay $120 a month while an identical applicant next door pays $200, or finds nothing to buy at all.
Things to know about state rules
- California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and a few other states either ban short-term plans outright or restrict them so tightly that almost no carrier participates.
- Some states still follow the pre-2018 federal standard and cap a term at 90 days. Plans exist there, just on a shorter leash.
- Most of the South, Midwest, and Mountain West allow terms up to 364 days, which tends to widen carrier participation and plan choice.
Premium ranges by age and state tier, 2026
| Age band | Restricted states (shorter terms) | Permissive states (longer terms) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | $70 to $130 | $55 to $120 |
| 30 to 44 | $110 to $190 | $90 to $170 |
| 45 to 54 | $180 to $300 | $150 to $290 |
| 55 to 64 | $250 to $450 | $200 to $420 |
These figures assume a single adult on a mid-range deductible. A family plan adds a per-person or composite rate on top. Your actual quote can land above or below this table depending on the carrier, the specific benefit design, and your health history at the time you apply. Availability matters more than price if your state doesn't sell qualifying plans at all, so check the rules first. The short term health insurance cost calculator gives a quick starting number for your state and age.
California and other restricted-state costs
California effectively bans short-term plans, and New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts do the same in practice. Residents there typically fall back on an ACA marketplace plan, employer coverage, Medicaid, or COBRA. Checking subsidy eligibility at the state exchange is usually the fastest first move. See the marketplace cost comparison for the full breakdown.
How age rating actually works here
ACA marketplace plans cap the age multiplier at roughly three times the youngest adult rate. Short-term plans in most states face no such ceiling. A 60-year-old might pay four to six times what a 25-year-old pays for the identical plan design. That steep curve is exactly why short-term coverage is most attractive to younger applicants and loses its appeal as retirement gets closer.
Factors beyond state and age
- Deductible: moving from a $1,000 to a $5,000 deductible can shave 25 to 40 percent off the monthly premium.
- Benefit maximum: a $250,000 lifetime cap costs less than a $1 million cap, at the price of more exposure if a claim runs large.
- Tobacco surcharge: many carriers add 10 to 25 percent for current smokers.
- Add-ons: some carriers let you bolt on limited prescription or telemedicine benefits for a modest extra premium.
Finding options where you live
Carrier participation drives what's actually for sale in your market. National names like UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and regional Blue Cross Blue Shield plans write short-term products in many states, though offerings differ market to market, and Aetna is active in a smaller footprint. Comparing at least two or three quotes, alongside confirming your state's rules, beats picking the first plan you see. A broker who works several carriers can often surface options that don't show up on general comparison sites.
Getting a number that actually applies to you
An online aggregator can put several carrier quotes side by side quickly, which is the fastest way to see state-specific pricing. A broker who works multiple carriers can sometimes find plans not listed anywhere public, and can confirm the term length your state actually permits. Treat every range on this page as a starting point, not a substitute for a quote tied to your own age, state, and deductible.
What people ask about cost by state and age
Can I buy a short-term plan in any state? No. A handful of states ban them outright and several more restrict them to very short terms. Confirm what your own state allows before you count on this type of coverage being available.
Does my county affect the premium within the same state? Occasionally. A few carriers rate by county, but most short-term insurers use one statewide rate for a given plan design.
If I move states mid-term, does my policy come with me? Generally not without restriction. Short-term policies are written for a specific state, and a mid-term move can void or materially change the coverage. Check the policy language before relocating.
Bottom line
Expect a range from roughly $55 a month for a young adult in a permissive state to $400 or more for a 60-year-old in a pricier market in 2026. State rules on term length and which carriers even participate shape your options as much as the premium does. Get an actual quote for your age and state, weigh at least two or three plans on total cost, and talk to a broker if the local options look thin.
Check what carriers charge in your state
State rules narrow which plans are even sold near you, so a quote reflects your actual market.Check my state's pricing
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