When it comes to short-term health care insurance, you may have more choices than you realize. You have the option to enroll in plans from companies that are licensed to sell insurance in your state as well as plans from companies that are licensed in other states but provide coverage in yours. Here are 10 tips to help you find the best short-term medical plan for your needs and budget.

1) Do your research

• Know what you want your short-term medical plan to cover. Do you need dental coverage? Would you like a prescription drug plan?
• Be informed about your health status, and compare rates by age, gender, and location.
• Beware of out of network doctors! If a doctor isn’t in your insurance provider’s network, you’ll have higher out of pocket costs or might not be covered at all.

2) Know your needs

Knowing your needs is the first step in finding a short term medical plan that fits your budget. Take time to research your options so you know what kind of coverage you need and how much it will cost. If you are living with a preexisting condition, or if you want maternity benefits, this type of plan may not work for you.

• Know what kind of coverage you need: Prescription drugs? Maternity care? Preexisting conditions?

3) Compare plans

If you want to find the best short-term medical plan, make sure you compare plans. Some plans will offer better coverage than others, so it’s important that you do your research before signing up. For example, one plan may have a lower deductible but higher co-pays, while another may have lower co-pays but a higher deductible.

4) Get quotes

• Do your research and comparison shop on a monthly basis.
• Keep in mind that some plans are more expensive than others, but may have better coverage, so read the details of each plan before making your decision.
• Consider a short-term medical insurance plan if you have a pre-existing condition or lack of insurance from another source such as an employer or spouse’s employer.

5) Consider the deductible

A deductible is what you have to pay before your insurance company begins paying for any of your medical care. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium (the monthly cost of coverage). If you’re healthy, a high deductible might be a good option because you may never have enough medical bills in a year to reach it.

6) Consider the out-of-pocket maximum

An out-of-pocket maximum is a capped limit on how much you will spend on your medical bills before your insurance pays 100% of your expenses. For example, if you have an out-of-pocket maximum of $6,000, then you can only spend $6,000 in copays and deductibles before insurance starts paying 100% of your covered medical expenses.

7) Consider the coinsurance

Coinsurance is a percentage of each medical bill that you are responsible for. Usually, this number will be on your insurance card next to your deductible. For example, if you have a coinsurance of 20% and your hospital bill is $2,000, then you would owe $400 of the hospital cost. It’s important to know what your coinsurance is because it can make a big difference in how much you pay for care.

8) Consider the network

If you’re looking for a short-term medical plan, then network is an important factor. By choosing a network with a high level of hospital care, your chances of being seen by a specialist are higher, as are your chances of receiving better treatment.

9) Consider the benefits

While shopping for a short-term medical plan, there are many benefits you should consider. Some of these include: -Cost: Look at how much you will pay out of pocket each year and compare it to other plans. Ask questions about deductibles and what is covered before you sign up. -Coverage: Make sure that the plan includes coverage for everything you need on a day-to-day basis, such as prescription drugs, mental health care, and hospital visits.

10) Make sure it’s right for you

The best short-term medical plan is one that fits your needs. Whether you want a plan that covers preventative care, or just wants more coverage during an injury, there’s something out there for everyone. But before you sign up with any insurance company, make sure you do your research and find the plan that will work best for you.