Short-term health insurance in Arizona can cover you for up to 36 months when you count renewals, one of the longest limits allowed anywhere. Arizona law allows terms of less than 12 months, and the state said in December 2025 it would not enforce the 2024 federal 4-month limit. You can apply any time of year, and coverage can start as soon as the next day. Plans exclude pre-existing conditions, so they fit healthy Arizonans who need temporary coverage.
- Arizona allows short-term plans of up to 36 months total, with each term under 12 months.
- Arizona's Department of Insurance stopped enforcing the federal 4-month limit on December 1, 2025.
- Insurers must still show a notice that short-term plans are not comprehensive coverage.
- UnitedHealthcare offers both short-term medical and three-year TriTerm Medical plans in Arizona.
Arizona Short-Term Health Insurance Rules at a Glance
| Rule | In Arizona |
|---|---|
| Longest total coverage | Up to 36 months, including renewals |
| Length of one term | Less than 12 months |
| Federal 4-month limit | Not enforced by the state since December 1, 2025 |
| Required notice | Plans must say they are not comprehensive coverage |
| Who can apply | Generally adults under 65 who pass health questions |
Arizona's 36-month limit comes from a 2019 state law. Then, in December 2025, the state's Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions issued a bulletin saying it would not enforce the federal 4-month limit. It still requires the federal consumer notice and bars insurers from marketing short-term plans as major medical coverage.
Short-Term Plan Options in Arizona
Arizona has several short-term insurers. Vivna offers UnitedHealthcare plans underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company.
| Plan | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare short-term medical | One month to just under 12 months | A gap of a few months, such as between jobs |
| UnitedHealthcare TriTerm Medical | One day less than 3 years, in three terms | Healthy people who need longer private coverage |
Both use UnitedHealthcare's national network, which helps in the Phoenix and Tucson areas and beyond. Before you enroll, check if your doctor is in network. To compare the two plans, see tri-term vs. short-term health insurance.
Arizona's 36-month limit makes TriTerm worth a look for early retirees and the self-employed. One application can cover you for close to three years.
Who Short-Term Coverage Works For in Arizona
- Between jobs. Bridge the gap until your next employer plan starts. Compare with COBRA vs. short-term.
- Missed Open Enrollment. Get covered now, then switch at the next enrollment. Read short-term after Open Enrollment.
- Self-employed and gig workers. Healthy contractors may pay less than an unsubsidized ACA plan. See self-employed health insurance.
- Early retirees. Bridge the years before Medicare at 65. See early retirement health insurance.
Short-Term vs. ACA Coverage in Arizona
Arizona uses HealthCare.gov for its ACA Marketplace. For 2027 coverage, Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. ACA plans cover pre-existing conditions and may qualify for subsidies, while short-term plans don't.
| If you… | Look at |
|---|---|
| Are healthy and need coverage now | Short-term or TriTerm |
| Have an ongoing condition | An ACA plan |
| Qualify for income-based subsidies | An ACA plan first |
| Have very low income | Arizona's Medicaid program, AHCCCS |
For the full picture, visit our Arizona health insurance guide and the short-term vs. ACA comparison.
A licensed Vivna agent can compare UnitedHealthcare short-term and TriTerm plans for your ZIP code, with coverage as soon as tomorrow.
How to Apply for Short-Term Health Insurance in Arizona
- Pick your length. Cover your whole gap, plus a month. Read how long short-term coverage can last.
- Choose a deductible. UnitedHealthcare deductibles often range from $2,500 to $15,000 per person.
- Answer the health questions. Plans exclude pre-existing conditions. Learn how underwriting works.
- Pick a start date. Short-term coverage can start the next day, and TriTerm in about 5 days.
- Review what's covered. See what short-term health insurance covers.
Prefer to apply with help? Call 888-730-6001 and a licensed agent will walk you through it.
What Affects Short-Term Prices in Arizona
Short-term premiums aren't set by income, so there are no subsidies. Instead, your price depends on:
- Age. Premiums rise as you get older.
- ZIP code. Costs in Phoenix, Tucson and rural Arizona can differ.
- Deductible. A higher deductible lowers your monthly premium.
- Plan type and length. TriTerm adds benefits and runs longer, which affects price.
- Who's covered. Adding a spouse or children raises the premium.
Comparing with an ACA plan? Check whether your income qualifies for health insurance subsidies first. With subsidies, an ACA plan can sometimes cost less than short-term coverage.
Arizona Short-Term Checklist
- Confirm your gap length and pick a term that covers it
- Check that your doctors are in UnitedHealthcare's network
- Review the not-comprehensive-coverage notice and benefit summary
- Answer the health questions honestly
- Set a reminder for the next Open Enrollment
Short-Term Health Insurance in Arizona: FAQs
How long can I have short-term health insurance in Arizona?
Up to 36 months total, including renewals, with each term under 12 months. Insurers can set shorter limits.
Is short-term health insurance legal in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona allows short-term plans and has one of the most flexible limits in the country.
Does Arizona have a penalty for not having ACA coverage?
No. Arizona doesn't have its own coverage mandate, and there's no federal penalty.
Can I get TriTerm Medical in Arizona?
Yes. UnitedHealthcare TriTerm Medical is available in Arizona. Call us to check your ZIP code.
Do Arizona short-term plans cover pre-existing conditions?
No. They exclude pre-existing conditions. TriTerm may cover eligible care for some conditions after 12 months.
Compare short-term, TriTerm and ACA plans in one call. Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Sources
- HealthInsurance.org: Arizona short-term health insurance
- Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions
- UnitedHealthcare: TriTerm Medical insurance
- HealthCare.gov: Open Enrollment dates
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. Plan availability and length depend on the insurer and your ZIP code. Arizona rules described here are current as of October 2026. Vivna Insurance is a licensed, independent agency (NPN 19168641). We are not affiliated with HealthCare.gov or AHCCCS.