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Find the Right Short-Term Health Insurance in Texas

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What Are Short-Term Medical Plans?

Bridging the Gaps in Your Health Coverage

Short-term health insurance in Texas is a type of limited-duration health coverage designed to fill temporary gaps in your insurance. Whether you're between jobs, waiting for the next ACA Open Enrollment period, or are a recent graduate, a temporary medical plan can offer a safety net for unexpected illnesses or injuries.


These plans often come with lower premiums than comprehensive ACA plans, but it's important to understand their limitations. They are not designed for long-term use and typically do not cover pre-existing conditions or essential health benefits like preventive care and maternity.

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When to Consider a Temporary Health Insurance Plan

A short-term medical plan isn't for everyone, but it can be the perfect solution for specific situations here in the Texas Hill Country and beyond.

  • You missed the annual Open Enrollment period for ACA plans and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

  • You are starting a new job soon and need to cover the waiting period before your employer's benefits kick in.

  • You are a recent college graduate or an early retiree waiting for Medicare eligibility or the next ACA enrollment window.

  • You are new to Texas and are in a waiting period for other coverage options.

These plans are typically best for generally healthy individuals under 65, as applications often require you to answer health questions. Carriers can deny applications based on pre-existing conditions.

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Short-Term vs. ACA Plans: What Texans Need to Know

Understanding the key differences helps you make an informed choice for your health and budget.

  • Duration: As of new federal regulations, short-term plans are now limited to an initial term of up to 3 months, with a total duration of no more than 4 months. ACA plans provide year-long coverage.

  • Enrollment: You can apply for a short-term plan at any time of year. ACA plans require you to enroll during the Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period.

  • Cost: While premiums are often lower for short-term plans, your out-of-pocket risk can be higher due to coverage gaps. ACA plans may have higher premiums but offer comprehensive coverage and financial protections.

  • Coverage: Short-term plans primarily cover unforeseen accidents and illnesses. They are not ACA-compliant and do not cover essential benefits or pre-existing conditions.

Many people in the Kerrville area are attracted to the broader provider access offered by short term PPO Texas plans, which can provide more flexibility than some ACA HMOs. However, it's vital to know these plans don't typically cover services like mental health, prescriptions, or preventive care, and often come with high deductibles.

We Make Insurance EASY

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Navigating the world of temporary health insurance TX can be confusing, but you don't have to do it alone. At Advanced Insurance Group, we help our neighbors in Kerrville, Kendall County, and across Texas find the right gap health insurance coverage for their needs. We work with multiple reputable carriers—at least six insurers offer short-term plans in Texas—to find a plan that fits your situation.


Our promise is transparency. We will walk you through all the details, clarifying exactly what a plan does and does not cover so there are no surprises down the road. We’ll also help you plan ahead, ensuring that when the time comes to switch to a long-term solution like an ACA plan, you’re ready to make a seamless transition with our guidance.

We'll Help You Start Strong

Honest Answers

Your Questions About Temporary Health Insurance in Texas

Here are answers to a few questions we often hear at our Kerrville office. If you have other questions, please don't hesitate to call us. Our team is always ready to provide clear, straightforward advice.

FAQs

  • Can I get a short-term plan that lasts 6 months or a year?

    Currently, no. Due to new federal regulations, short-term plans sold in Texas are limited to a maximum total duration of under four months. If you anticipate needing coverage for a longer period, we should discuss other options, like whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period for an ACA plan.

  • Do short-term plans cover my prescription drugs or routine doctor visits?

    Coverage is typically very limited for these services. Most short-term plans are designed for major, unexpected medical events and may exclude or place a cap on prescription drug coverage and routine office visits. We will always walk you through the specific details of any plan you consider.

  • Will I pay a tax penalty for not having ACA insurance?

    The federal tax penalty for not having ACA-compliant health insurance was eliminated in 2019. However, it's important to consider the financial risks of being underinsured, as a short-term plan will not provide the same level of protection as a comprehensive ACA plan.