Though not intended as a permanent health insurance plan, temporary health insurance can provide a person with continuous coverage to fill gaps between their long term plans. This means that won't have to go without the benefit of health insurance for any time at all. Many options are available offering both medical and dental coverage or either of the two. Prescription coverage may be offered as well.

Coverage under a temporary health insurance plan usually lasts at least one month but no longer than twelve months. A few companies offer plans that may last up to 36 months. This type of insurance is not intended for routine exams. It provides coverage in the case of an emergency, an accident, or an unforeseen sickness. Unlike an HMO or PPO, temporary health insurance usually allows those insured to visit any doctor or hospital.

Various temporary health insurance policies include different combinations of limitations and exclusions. It is important to carefully review these lists and find the plan that will best meet the specific needs of those insured. Coverage areas may include surgery and hospital care, testing and diagnostics, emergency care, and follow up care. Prescriptions and some areas of mental heath care may be included as well, depending on the temporary health insurance plan.

Because of the growing number of companies providing temporary health insurance options, prices have dropped to unbelievably reasonable rates. In most cases, a healthy single adult can become insured for less than one hundred dollars a month.

Temporary health insurance is generally an affordable option for those waiting on future long term insurance coverage to begin. Any healthy adult under the age of 65 will usually qualify for temporary coverage.