Consumer's Guide to Health Insurance Coverage Assurant Health is the brand name used for products underwritten and issued by Time Insurance Company. During life transitions when you aren't covered by a permanent health insurance plan, you still need coverage to protect your family's financial future. Accidents or unforeseen illnesses while uninsured could be devastating. Short term medical insurance coverage can offer peace of mind during those gaps when you or a family member is without permanent health insurance coverage. Be Prepared Several preparatory steps can help you to find the best personal health insurance policy for your needs. To help guide you through the process of finding low cost health insurance when you aren't covered by an employer-sponsored group policy, here are a few questions you should consider. 1. How long will you need interim health insurance coverage? If the time period you’ll need coverage exceeds one year, you may want to explore individual medical insurance rather than short term health insurance. But if you expect the gap in coverage to be shorter, temporary health insurance may be the right option for you. Determine the exact temporary health insurance coverage available for your state. 2. Do you need interim insurance that will take effect immediately, with no waiting periods? Temporary health insurance coverage usually begins as soon as the very next day. If you need health insurance coverage tomorrow, get a free quote and apply online. 3. What balance would you like to strike between affordable health insurance coverage and a high deductible? Calculate the highest out-of-pocket amount you feel you could pay on your own should something unforeseen occur. A high deductible can significantly lower the cost of short term insurance. 4. What exclusions do you feel comfortable with? If you require ongoing treatment for a pre-existing condition, for example, then COBRA coverage may be more appropriate for you. Temporary health insurance from Assurant Health is intended to guard against high unexpected medical bills, but may not cover as many claims or conditions as traditional COBRA insurance, which extends your previous employer-sponsored benefits.  5. How important is flexibility? Would you rather pay for personal health insurance for a specific period of time up front, to save money, or would you rather have the option to purchase additional gap insurance coverage by paying a new premium each month? 6. Do you want the option to go to any doctor, clinic, or hospital for treatment if something should happen that requires medical care? Short Term Medical offers your choice of providers during your gap coverage.