Health Insurance Plans
California Short Term Health Insurance
California short term health insurance (STH) is for any individual or family looking to cover themselves against catastrophic accidents and unexpected medical costs until a more permanent option is available. STH plans are useful for someone awaiting group insurance, coming off a university policy, no longer eligible under parents insurance, in between jobs, or seasonal employees whom desire health benefits.
Most California short term health carriers offer coverage for up to six months. If you need a second six months of coverage you're eligible to apply if you haven't had any claims during your first policy term. Policies can be effective the next business day if your application is received in our office before 12:00pm the following business day.
JC Lewis Insurance recommends using short term insurance for temporary needs only! It is best if you enroll in a more permanent option when you are healthy and able. Otherwise you may find yourself ineligible for individual health insurance if you develop a pre-existing health condition.
Call one of our JC Lewis Insurance representatives toll free (866-745-9555) to find out if you are eligible for coverage and when you can be effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most short term insurance providers have a 30 day minimum on the policy terms. You have to enroll for at least 30 days. You could enroll for 30 days on the single payment option or choose the monthly payment option. If you choose the monthly payment plan and only want 30 days of coverage you will have to cancel after the first month.
Most insurance companies will allow you to enroll in another six month policy term after you have completed the first. Keep in mind that some carriers will only allow you to enroll in a second term if you haven’t filed any claims during the first six months. Many short term carriers only allow you to re-apply once.
With most short term insurance carriers you can tell if you are eligible by answering the medical questions. If you answer yes to any of the medical questions (not including the resident and citizen questions) then you won’t be eligible to apply. You can also complete your application and send it to JC Lewis or give us a call. We’ll let you know within 1 day if you are eligible.
How soon can my coverage start?Coverage under most short term plans can start the day after you submit your application. As long as you get your application into JC Lewis by 12:00PM you can be effective the following day. For coverage to start that soon you need to include a credit card number or EFT (electronic funds transfer) form so we can fax it to the carrier. You may apply online for a faster turn around time however we recommend speaking with one of our JC Lewis agents before doing so. This will allow us to determine if you are eligible so you are not declined by the carrier.
