Short-term health insurance (also called temporary insurance) is designed for healthy individuals who need quick, low-cost coverage for a brief transitional period.

: As of 2026, federal rules limit the duration of these plans to an initial term of 3 months , with a maximum total coverage period of 4 months in any 12-month period.

: Availability varies wildly. States like California, New York, and Massachusetts have effectively banned them, while others like Florida and Ohio allow them but subject to the new federal duration caps.

Yes, you can buy short-term health insurance, but it is important to understand that it serves as a temporary stopgap rather than a long-term solution. In 2026, federal regulations have significantly shifted the landscape of these plans.