"AskTony" column archive

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Extend short term coverage

originally posted: 11/22/2006 reposted: 2/18/2011 This post has not been recently reviewed or revised by the author and may be out of date. If you notice an error or are in doubt, please send a new question by email or ask for an update. Email asktony@tonynovak.com.

Q: Our current short term health insurance policy expires 7/31. Is there a way to extend this policy? I'm still unemployed and my husband's company doesn't offer insurance. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Nothing has changed since we applied. We have not had any claims to date under this policy.

A: Your insurance expires on the date printed in the policy and this can not be changed. Since pre-existing medical conditions are not a problem, the easiest and least expensive protection is available through another six month policy. There is usually no limit to the number of consecutive six month policies you can use, but see the link below just to be sure. The shorter 6 month policies are priced lower than 12 month or 36 month policies but otherwise offer the same coverage. Just sign up online at FreedomBenefits.net after July 1 for another 6 month policy with month-to-month payment as before. The coverage and the rates are the same.

Summary

More resources:

Simple STM through Fairmont Specialty Group How Long Can I be Covered by Short Term Health Insurance?

FreedomBenefits.net