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When people find themselves suddenly unemployed, health insurance tops their list of "concerns." In such situations, it is worthwhile to look at temporary health insurance, with its myriad features, as a possible option.

When people find themselves suddenly unemployed, health insurance tops their list of "concerns." In such situations, it is worthwhile to look at temporary health insurance, with its myriad features, as a possible option.

Short term medical insurance is ideal for those who are recent graduates, in between jobs, waiting for employer insurance to kick in, and part-time employees. Early retirees can also purchase COBRA insurance alternatives to tide over the period before Medicare benefits can be availed.

As soon as you lose employment, voluntarily or not, the one avenue for health insurance that strikes you is COBRA insurance. While COBRA continues long-term coverage without a break, it is expensive, sometimes even beating alternatives to COBRA insurance in cost.

Short term health insurance does not feature lengthy underwriting procedures, and typically, coverage begins the day after application. It is perfect for those with COBRA insurance alternatives insurance needs, especially people with no significant pre-existing conditions, which are not covered by temporary health insurance.

Short term insurance covers most sudden medical illnesses and accidents. Plans usually include coverage for outpatient care, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, surgery, and ambulance charges. Doctor visits are also covered by most plans, subject to the applicable deductible and co-pay.

Exclusions of short term health insurance plans are pregnancy, eye and dental care, and any surgery considered elective or experimental. As mentioned earlier, pre-existing conditions are also not covered.

When you opt for health insurance for unemployed, you can choose from a range of plans and options. Not only does the maximum benefit amount differ by plan, applicable deductibles and co-pays can be customized as well. If you are an early retiree, for example, the plan you end up with will be very different than that of a young part-time employee.

When you purchase alternatives to COBRA insurance, you might be tempted to continue on it for a long time. However, it is designed for short periods, and you must ideally not exceed a year or so in short term coverage. If your insurance situation is uncertain, you can renew the plan monthly, for the maximum period specified in the plan.

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