Short-term Health Insurance
Stay Protected with Short-Term Health Insurance in India! Affordable, Flexible Plans for Temporary Coverage, Giving You Peace of Mind When You Need It Most.
✓ ZERO out of pocket costs ✓ ZERO waiting period ✓ ZERO deductions at claim
Home / Health Insurance / Short-Term Health Insurance
Health is a priority for individuals and families alike. With the rising costs of medical treatments, it is essential to have a robust health insurance plan in place. While long-term health insurance plans provide comprehensive coverage, there are situations where individuals require temporary coverage.
Short-term health insurance in India is designed to meet the needs of those seeking immediate coverage for a limited period. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various aspects of short-term health insurance in India, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, coverage options, and frequently asked questions.
What is Short-term health insurance?
Short-term health insurance is a temporary insurance plan that provides coverage for a specific period. It is an ideal option for individuals who are in-between jobs, recent college graduates, or those waiting for long-term coverage to begin. Short-term health insurance plans in India typically offer coverage for a duration of 30 days to 12 months, depending on the insurance provider.
In addition, short-term health plans can also serve as an affordable stopgap solution for those needing interim coverage. This includes young adults transitioning off their parents' insurance, freelancers without access to employer plans, early retirees not yet eligible for Medicare, or employees serving out group insurance waiting periods with a new company. While short-term plans feature more limited benefits compared to comprehensive coverage, they provide basic protections in case of unexpected medical bills.
What are the benefits of short-term health insurance?
Short-term health insurance in India offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for individuals in need of temporary coverage. Some of the key benefits include.
Affordability
Short-term health insurance policies are frequently more economical when compared to long-term plans, which makes them a financially efficient option for individuals with limited budgets.Premium costs for short-term coverage are typically lower since these policies offer basic protections for a limited period. This makes short-term health plans a financially savvy choice for healthier individuals seeking temporary coverage on a budget.
Flexibility
These plans provide individuals with the option to select a coverage duration that suits their particular requirements and schedule, thus giving them the freedom to customise their plan. Applicants can customise the time they require protection, whether 30 days, 3 months, 6 months, or up to 12 months, depending on state regulations and insurance carrier offerings. This flexibility helps bridge gaps in health coverage.
Quick Coverage
Short-term health insurance provides immediate coverage, ensuring individuals have access to healthcare services without delay. This gives individuals reliable access to medical care services without delays from underwriting processes. Prompt coverage serves critical importance when transitioning between comprehensive policies.
Customizable Coverage
Depending on the insurance provider, short-term health insurance plans can be tailored to meet specific healthcare needs, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions or maternity benefits. Applicants may qualify for add-ons like dental or vision, maternity programs, coverage for preexisting conditions, and more. This allows people to tailor interim policies to their specific medical situation potentially.
Ease of Enrollment
Short-term health insurance policies typically have simpler and quicker enrollment processes than traditional long-term plans. The application requirements are less stringent, often without the need for extensive medical exams, which accelerates the approval process.
Lower Deductibles
Many short-term health insurance plans come with lower deductibles than standard long-term insurance plans. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who might need immediate medical attention and prefer to pay less out-of-pocket before their insurance kicks in.
Ideal for Transitional Periods
Short-term health insurance is an excellent option for individuals in transition, such as recent college graduates, people between jobs, or those waiting for employer benefits to start.
How is Short-Term Health Insurance different from Long-Term Health Insurance?
There are various differences between short-term and health insurance. Some of these are mentioned below:
Duration of coverage: Short-term health plans typically cover less than 12 months, while long-term plans offer coverage for a year or longer. Short-term plans are meant to bridge gaps in coverage.
Cost: Short-term plans usually have lower monthly premiums compared to long-term plans. However, they may have higher out-of-pocket costs if you need medical care.
Eligibility: Applying for short-term coverage often only requires basic questions about your health. Long-term plans may ask more detailed questions or require a medical exam that could impact eligibility.
Benefits: Long-term plans offer comprehensive benefits, including prescriptions, maternity care, mental health services, and preventive care. Short-term plans provide more basic benefits and often exclude pre-existing conditions.
Provider network: Long-term plans usually have broad provider networks from which you can choose treatment. Short-term plans may have limited network options.
Renewability: Long-term health plans are committed to renew your policy if premiums are paid. Short-term plans can deny renewal after your policy term is over.
Important Features of Short-Term Health Insurance Plans
Below are significant attributes of short-term insurance plans that you should know:
Short-term plans have a duration of 12 months or less.
These plans require frequent renewal since the coverage ends quickly.
Due to their short-term nature, these plans typically do not provide coverage for critical illness, maternity or pre-existing conditions.
Short-term plans have lower premiums as compared to long-term plans because they only cover a shorter period of time.
Secure Your Future with ACKO Life Flexi Term Plan:
Affordable Coverage @₹534/month & Tax Savings up to ₹54,600*
Having both health and life insurance is crucial for complete financial security and stability. In fact, get ACKO Life Flexi Term plan at ₹534 per month. These plans protect your family’s future and can help you save taxes of up to ₹ 54600 per annum. Meanwhile, use ACKO’s Term Insurance Calculator to compare policies and rates. Moreover, buying it early will lead to lower premiums bargains and peace of mind.
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Maximise Tax Savings up to ₹54,600* | Maximize your tax savings while securing your family's future. |
Customise your coverage amount | Adapt your coverage as your life evolves and your needs change. You can increase your coverage once a year and reduce it anytime after five years. |
Customise your policy term | Extend or shorten the policy term based on your life stage and commitments. |
Add or change your nominees | Modify or add nominees as your family grows. |
Modify how your nominees get paid | Adjust the payout structure to best meet their future needs. |
Additional Benefits | Create your will digitally for FREE |
Eligibility Criteria for Short-Term Health Insurance
To be eligible for short-term health insurance in India, individuals must meet certain criteria set by insurance providers. While the specific eligibility requirements may vary, the general criteria include.
Age: Typically, individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 are eligible for short-term health insurance plans. However, this may vary depending on the insurance provider.
Pre-existing Conditions: Some insurance providers may have restrictions on pre-existing conditions, and coverage for such conditions may be excluded or limited.
Residency: Short-term health insurance plans in India are usually available to Indian residents, including citizens and non-citizens residing in the country.
Waiting Period: Insurance providers may impose a waiting period before certain benefits become effective. It is important to understand the waiting period clause while choosing a plan.
Health Declaration: Applicants may be required to provide a health declaration stating their medical history and existing conditions.
Coverage Options for Short-Term Health Insurance
Short-term health insurance plans in India offer a range of coverage options to cater to individual needs. The coverage options may include.
Inpatient Services
This includes coverage for hospitalisation expenses, room charges, doctor's fees, and surgical procedures.Short-term health plans typically have a coverage limit per hospitalisation event or an overall coverage cap that sets the maximum payout allowed.
Outpatient Services
Coverage for outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and follow-up visits. Outpatient coverage often has an annual limit or a per-visit limit on how much the insurer will pay.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Coverage for emergency medical treatments, ambulance services, and emergency room charges. Emergency services are usually covered up to a certain limit, even if the condition is excluded from coverage.
Daycare Procedures
Coverage for daycare procedures that do not require overnight hospitalisation. Daycare procedures may have specified sub-limits, and cashless facilities may not be available at all network hospitals.
Maternity Benefits
Some short-term health insurance plans may offer limited maternity coverage, including pre and postnatal expenses. Waiting periods from 9 to 12 months often apply for maternity claims to be admissible.
Preventive Healthcare
Coverage for preventive healthcare services, such as vaccinations, health check-ups, and screenings. The preventive health check-ups covered are very basic in nature under short-term health insurance plans.
Advantages and Disadvantages of investing in a short-term health plan
Let's explore the benefits and drawbacks of opting for a short term health insurance policy:
Advantages of short-term health plan
Short term health insurance plans have significantly lower premiums.
They provide coverage for a wide range of diseases and medical conditions.
Potential policyholders have the flexibility to customise their plans according to their specific needs.
These plans offer health insurance tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Renewing your short term health insurance can allow you to avail a No Claim Bonus.
Short-term health insurance plans often feature streamlined application processes with minimal documentation and quick approval times.
These plans offer a level of commitment adaptable to short-term life circumstances, making them ideal for individuals not ready to commit to a long-term plan.
They serve as supplemental coverage to fill gaps in existing long-term insurance plans.
Disadvantages of short-term health plan
Unlike long term health insurance, short term health insurance usually does not offer the same level of discounts.
The monthly or quarterly premiums of long term plans tend to be more cost-effective.
Short term plans may not offer some advanced coverage options available in long term health plans.
If you happen to experience a severe illness or medical condition while your short-term insurance is in effect, your insurer might choose not to extend your policy once your initial health plan comes to an end.
Wrapping up
Short-term health insurance in India provides a temporary solution for individuals in need of immediate coverage. With its affordability, flexibility, and quick availability, it serves as a valuable option for those facing transitional periods or waiting for long-term coverage to begin. By understanding the benefits, eligibility criteria, coverage options, and frequently asked questions surrounding short-term health insurance, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about short-term health insurance plans.
Can I renew my short-term health insurance plan in India?
Yes, some insurance providers allow policyholders to renew their short-term health insurance plans. However, it is important to check with the insurance provider regarding the renewal options and any limitations or changes in coverage.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under short-term health insurance plans?
Short-term health insurance plans may have restrictions or exclusions for pre-existing conditions. It is advisable to review the policy terms and conditions to understand the coverage details related to pre-existing conditions.
Can I get short-term health insurance if I am a non-resident Indian (NRI)?
Yes, short-term health insurance plans are generally available to non-resident Indians residing in India. However, eligibility criteria and coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider.
Can I cancel my short-term health insurance plan before the coverage period ends?
Yes, policyholders usually have the option to cancel their short-term health insurance plans before the coverage period ends. However, there may be cancellation charges or deductions as per the policy terms.
Can short-term health insurance plans cover dental and vision treatments?
Short-term health insurance plans may offer coverage for dental and vision treatments as optional add-ons or separate policies. It is important to check with the insurance provider regarding the availability of such coverage options.
Can I buy short-term health insurance if I already have a long-term health insurance plan?
Yes, individuals with long-term health insurance plans can opt for short-term health insurance to bridge any gaps in coverage during specific periods. It is advisable to coordinate with both insurance providers to ensure seamless coverage.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.
Explore Health Insurance in Other Cities
Best Health Insurance plans
Best Family Health Insurance Plans
Health Insurance Term Plans
Health Insurance Riders
Group Health Insurance Plans
Acko Technology & Services Private Limited
#36/5, Hustlehub One East, Somasandrapalya, 27th Main Rd, Sector 2, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102
Acko Group Companies:
Download our ACKO app now!
Products
Company
Support
Car Insurance
Bike Insurance
Health Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Health Insurance Plans
- 10 Lakhs Health Insurance
- 50 Lakhs Health Insurance
- 1 Crore Health Insurance
- Health Insurance Plans For Family
- Individual Health Insurance
- Cashless Health Insurance
- Women's Health Insurance
- Health Insurance For Parents
- Health Insurance For Children
- Health Insurance For Senior Citizens
- Health Insurance Premium Calculator
- Waiting period in health insurance
- Health Insurance Portability
- Super Top Up Health Insurance
Group Health Insurance
Travel Insurance
CIN: U74110KA2016PTC120161
The use of images and brands are only for the purpose of indication and illustration.