Florida Short-Term Health Insurance Rules: Limits and Local Help

By Michael Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent · Reviewed by Heather Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent

Under Florida short-term health insurance rules, these plans are legal, and terms run 1 month to just under 12 months. For longer needs, TriTerm covers nearly 3 years.

These plans can bridge a gap, but they are not ACA coverage. They may exclude pre-existing conditions and require health questions.

Here's how Florida's rules work and who should consider them. To compare every plan type, see our Florida health insurance options. Questions? Call 888-730-6031.

Is Florida Short-Term Health Insurance Legal?

Yes. Florida law defines short-term health insurance and sets clear limits on how long it can last. The rules are in section 627.6525 of the Florida Statutes.

Under that law, a short-term policy must list its end date in the contract. That date must fall less than 12 months after coverage begins. For a national comparison of both coverage types, see our pillar guide to short-term vs. ACA plans.

At Vivna, short-term health insurance in Florida comes from UnitedHealthcare. Golden Rule Insurance Company, a UnitedHealthcare company, underwrites these plans.

How Long Can a Florida Short-Term Plan Last?

Florida short-term coverage must end in just under 12 months per term, and total coverage can't top 36 months. Federal rules add another layer, though federal enforcement has eased.

Sources: Florida Statutes; healthinsurance.org on federal short-term rules; UnitedHealthcare short-term plans.

In Florida, short-term terms run 1 month to just under 12 months; ask an agent for options. UnitedHealthcare short-term plans aren't renewable, so a new plan means new health questions.

For longer needs, TriTerm Medical offers nearly 3 years of coverage over three terms with one application. Learn more on our TriTerm health insurance page.

Also, TriTerm premiums are expected to change for the second and third terms. You get notice before those changes, so budget for them.

What Must Florida Short-Term Policies Disclose?

Florida requires every short-term contract to include a plain warning. It tells you the plan doesn't have to follow certain federal market rules, mainly those of the ACA.

The disclosure also tells you to check for these limits:

• Pre-existing conditions: exclusions or limits may apply.
• Benefits: hospital, emergency, maternity, preventive, drug and mental health care may be limited.
• Dollar limits: lifetime or annual caps may apply.
• Enrollment timing: if coverage ends, you may have to wait for open enrollment to buy other coverage.

Read that page of your policy before you sign. For a closer look at typical gaps, see what short-term plans cover.

Florida Short-Term Health Insurance vs. Marketplace Plans

For most Floridians who qualify for savings, a marketplace plan costs less after the tax credit. Florida short-term health insurance makes more sense for healthy people who don't get much help.

The state has the nation's largest marketplace, with about 4.5 million plan selections last season. More than 95% of those enrollees got a tax credit. On average, subsidized members paid about $62 a month, according to the healthinsurance.org Florida guide.

Marketplace prices are rising, too. Florida regulators approved an average increase of about 10.4% before subsidies, according to ACASignups. Our Florida open enrollment guide covers the key dates.

Who Fits a Florida Short-Term Plan, and Who Should Avoid One?

Florida short-term medical plans fit healthy people who need a bridge and don't qualify for much help. They're a poor fit for anyone with ongoing medical needs.

Often a Good Fit

• Missed open enrollment: you have no life event and need coverage until November.
• Over the subsidy cliff: your income is above 400% of the poverty level, so you'd pay full price.
• Between jobs or moving to Florida: you need coverage until a new plan starts.
• Turning 26: you're leaving a parent's plan and are healthy.

Usually a Poor Fit

• Ongoing conditions: diabetes, pregnancy or regular prescriptions may be excluded.
• Big tax credits: if you qualify, a marketplace plan may cost less.
• Very low income: Florida hasn't expanded Medicaid, so talk to an agent about all options first.

Read our guide to short-term plans and pre-existing conditions before you apply. If your income is low, see our list of coverage options without Medicaid.

Florida Short-Term Health Insurance Rules: FAQs

Can I buy a Florida short-term plan in the middle of the year?

Yes. Short-term plans don't follow open enrollment dates, so you can apply any time. You must answer health questions, and the insurer can decline you.

Coverage may exclude pre-existing conditions, and it isn't ACA coverage. Ask your agent about the earliest start date.

Will a short-term plan let me switch to a marketplace plan later?

Not on its own. Losing a short-term plan doesn't open a special enrollment window. You'd usually wait for open enrollment unless another life event applies.

For that reason, plan your end date around November 1. Our Florida health insurance FAQs explain qualifying events.

Is TriTerm better than buying a new short-term plan?

It can be simpler. UnitedHealthcare short-term plans aren't renewable, so a new plan means new health questions. TriTerm covers nearly 3 years with one application.

However, TriTerm pays no benefits for pre-existing conditions in the first 12 months. Compare both in our UnitedHealthcare TriTerm FAQs.

Next Steps

Florida short-term health insurance can bridge a gap when you're healthy and outside open enrollment. First, check your marketplace savings. Next, if short-term still fits, choose a term that ends near November 1.

Want help? Call a licensed Vivna agent at 888-730-6031, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.

Our team is based in Deerfield Beach and serves all of Florida. You can also visit our Florida health insurance guide or our short-term health insurance page.

Sources

1. Florida Statutes: Section 627.6525, Short-term health insurance
2. healthinsurance.org: Short-term health insurance
3. UnitedHealthcare: Short term health insurance
4. UnitedHealthcare: TriTerm Medical insurance
5. healthinsurance.org: Florida health insurance marketplace
6. ACASignups: Florida rate filings

Related Guides

• Short-term vs. ACA coverage
• UnitedHealthcare short-term health insurance
• How long short-term coverage lasts
• Tri-term vs. short-term
• Health insurance in Miami

Vivna Insurance is a licensed independent agency, not a government website. Our help is free; we are paid by the insurance companies we work with. Short-term plans are not ACA coverage, may exclude pre-existing conditions and require health questions. Plan availability and terms vary.