The day comes that you lose your job and, as a consequence, you also lose your medical insurance. Luckily, short term medical insurance is one thing which can keep you afloat until you [get|secure|find a new position. A short term medical insurance policy will cover your health care requirements from the date on which you lose your job until you become eligible for benefits from your new employer.

But just where should you begin to look for a temporary health insurance policy? Just like many people nowadays, your first stop will possibly be one of the online search engines and these will provide you with a laundry list of directories. These directories each give you a list of companies that offer short term health insurance and even some that will tell you precisely what it is. Knowing precisely what short term health insurance is and, more importantly, what it is not will help you in shopping for the right policy and stop you from getting scammed.

First, every state has its own brand of temporary health insurance policy to assist you in holding onto the health insurance from your previous employer. For instance, in Minnesota the plan is known as a Cobra Plan and covers you until you have a new job. While we are on the subject, state law also states that an employer must notify you of your eligibility for Cobra coverage.

Commercial short term health insurance policies normally last for from one to twelve months, although many insurers limit their policies to six months, and will provide many of the same benefits that are provided on their long term plans. The greatest difference you will find is that the policy is non-renewable and if you wish to hang on to your cover you will have to take out a further new policy. Do not forget that this type of policy is only intended for temporary use and not for long term use.

Some things which will most likely not be covered are preventative care and wellness checks and short term health plans will also not usually cover dental or optical care. They are also normally very strict on denying cover for pre existing conditions. It is also usually possible to get cover extended to your spouse and children. Lastly, you will find that the majority of plans will be priced from around $25 to $100 a month.

Bearing these things in mind, you can begin to work your way through the results of your search and examine the lists of insurance companies to locate one that meets your requirements.

Yet another excellent place to turn for cover is to your current home or car insurer as it is likely that they will also carry a health insurance policy which you can get. And, if you are purchasing the policy through your own insurer, there could well be an additional discount available for having more than one policy with them.

Your local phone book may also list a number of places from which you can buy temporary health insurance cover in your area.