How long can you have short-term health insurance? In many states, you can keep it for up to 36 months when you count renewals. Each term is usually less than 12 months. A 2024 federal rule cut new plans to 4 months total, but since August 2025 the federal government has not prioritized enforcing that limit. As a result, your state's law and your insurer's plan rules now decide how long you can stay covered.
- Most short-term plans run one month to just under 12 months per term.
- Where state law allows, renewals can stretch total coverage to 36 months.
- The 2024 federal 4-month limit is still on the books, but federal agencies said in August 2025 they would not prioritize enforcing it.
- UnitedHealthcare's TriTerm Medical gives you about three years on one application.
Short-Term Coverage Limits at a Glance
| Rule or plan | Length of one term | Total time covered |
|---|---|---|
| Before the 2024 federal rule | Less than 12 months | Up to 36 months with renewals |
| 2024 federal rule (enforcement paused) | Up to 3 months | Up to 4 months |
| UnitedHealthcare short-term medical | 1 month to just under 12 months, by state | Depends on state and plan |
| UnitedHealthcare TriTerm Medical | Three terms, usually about a year each | One day less than 3 years |
Federal Rules: What Changed and What's in Effect
Federal rules for short-term plans have changed several times. Here's the short history.
- Before September 2024. Initial terms could last less than 12 months, with up to 36 months total.
- September 1, 2024. A new rule limited new plans to a 3-month first term and 4 months total, including renewals. It also required a notice that short-term plans are not comprehensive coverage.
- August 2025. The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Treasury said they would not prioritize enforcing the 4-month limit. They also said they plan to write a new rule.
As of this update, a new federal rule has not been finalized. Meanwhile, the consumer notice is still required. We'll update this guide when the rules change.
State Rules Come First
States can set their own limits, and many do. Some ban short-term plans entirely. Others allow only a few months. Still others allow the full 36 months.
Arizona is a good example. State law allows short-term plans that last up to 36 months, including renewals. In December 2025, Arizona's Department of Insurance said it would not enforce the federal 4-month limit. Read our Arizona short-term health insurance guide for details.
Vivna offers short-term plans only in approved states. To see what's available where you live, call 888-730-6001 or visit our short-term health insurance page.
Renewing vs. Reapplying
When a term ends, you may be able to renew or buy a new plan. However, each new application usually means new health questions. If you developed a condition during your last term, the new plan may treat it as pre-existing and exclude it.
That's why the length you choose up front matters. Our guide to short-term health insurance and pre-existing conditions explains how this works.
Choose a term that covers your whole gap, plus a month. It's easier to cancel early than to requalify for a new plan after a health change.
If You Need Coverage Longer Than a Year
TriTerm Medical is built for this. You apply once and get three terms that total one day less than three years. Premiums are expected to change for terms 2 and 3, but you don't requalify each year. Compare it in our tri-term vs. short-term health insurance guide.
Also consider an ACA plan. ACA coverage has no time limit, covers pre-existing conditions, and may qualify for subsidies. See our short-term vs. ACA comparison.
Tell us how long your gap is. A licensed Vivna agent will match you with a term length, or a TriTerm plan, that fits.
What Happens When Your Plan Ends
Plan ahead, because losing short-term coverage does not open a Special Enrollment Period for an ACA plan. In other words, if your short-term plan ends in March, you may have to wait for Open Enrollment to get Marketplace coverage.
So time your plan to end near Open Enrollment, or line up your next coverage early. For 2027 coverage, HealthCare.gov Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Our guide to short-term health insurance after Open Enrollment shows how to plan the handoff.
Match the Term Length to Your Gap
Use this as a starting point. Then confirm what your state and plan allow.
| Your situation | Term to consider |
|---|---|
| New job starts in 30 to 60 days | A 2 to 3-month term |
| Job search with no start date yet | A 6-month term |
| Missed Open Enrollment | A term that runs through December 31 |
| Self-employed, healthy, long-term need | A 12-month term or TriTerm |
| Retiring early, years from Medicare | TriTerm, or an ACA plan with subsidies |
Remember that each new term restarts your deductible. So a longer single term can cost less overall than several short ones.
How Long Can You Have Short-Term Health Insurance: FAQs
What is the longest short-term health insurance plan?
Where state law allows, up to 36 months total. UnitedHealthcare's TriTerm Medical lasts one day less than three years.
Is the 4-month short-term limit still in effect?
The 2024 rule is still on the books, but federal agencies said in August 2025 they would not prioritize enforcing it. State laws still apply.
Can I cancel a short-term plan early?
Usually yes. Check your policy for how to cancel and when your last payment is due.
Can I buy short-term coverage back to back?
In some states, yes. However, each new application may include new health questions and exclusions.
Does short-term coverage end at 65?
Yes. UnitedHealthcare short-term coverage ends around your 65th birthday, when Medicare becomes available.
Compare short-term and TriTerm plans with a licensed agent. Call Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Sources
- CMS: Short-term, limited-duration insurance final rule fact sheet
- HealthInsurance.org: Arizona short-term health insurance rules
- UHOne: Short term medical insurance explained
- HealthInsurance.org: Which coverage losses qualify for special enrollment
Short-term health insurance is not comprehensive coverage and is not required to meet ACA requirements. It is not minimum essential coverage and may exclude pre-existing conditions. Rules described here reflect federal guidance as of October 2026 and can change. Short-term and TriTerm plans are available only in approved states. Vivna Insurance is a licensed, independent agency (NPN 19168641).