Private Health Insurance Direct Questions

What is short-term health insurance for a coverage gap?

Short-term, limited-duration insurance (STLDI) is temporary private health coverage sold outside the ACA framework that can bridge a short coverage gap but does not cover pre-existing conditions and is not required to include essential health benefits (HealthCare.gov — Short-Term Plans).

Reviewed by Jason Burns, Editor & Steward · Last verified 2026-07-19

What it means

  • STLDI is regulated by state insurance departments and duration limits vary by state.
  • STLDI is not ACA-compliant coverage.

Action steps

  1. Use STLDI only when you have a defined, short gap and are otherwise healthy.
  2. Confirm the specific term length allowed in your state before enrolling.

Risks & deadlines

  • Pre-existing conditions can be denied or excluded on STLDI.
  • STLDI does not count as minimum essential coverage for federal tax purposes.

Sources

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