As job losses in the United States has risen to new heights, so too has the number of citizens turning to health insurance short term. For most Americans, being without health insurance simply isn't plausible, which makes short term health insurance a way to affordably retain some level of coverage.

Temporary insurance is not only for people who have recently lost their jobs, but also for those who have recently switched jobs and are waiting to complete their probationary periods. Many employers still have 30-90 day periods under which new hires are not covered by insurance. In these circumstances, short term medical insurance provides a valuable safeguard against illness and injuries.

Before purchasing short term coverage, you should be aware that it's by no means a comprehensive plan. Preventative measures like general wellness visits are not covered in health insurance short term policies. Instead, you'll find that only injuries and illnesses are covered.

This means that pre-existing conditions are also not covered. Be certain to report all of these when filling out your short term coverage application and pay careful attention to any limitations found in the plan's policies.

As you decide what level of short term insurance plan coverage you'll need, think first about how long you'll need it. It's usually available in durations anywhere from 1-6 months, but you can also extend some policies to 12 months. Your plan administrator can offer more information. Also consider what sort of deductible you'd like to have in place, as that factor can be altered to suit your needs as well.

People who have quit or been fired from their previous job may be eligible for COBRA coverage, and as such may never even consider short term medical coverage. However, they'd be wise to weigh the pros and cons of each, because while COBRA may seem convenient, there are some significant drawbacks to it.

While COBRA's ability to allow a former employee to keep their old coverage for a term of up to 18 months is convenient, it comes at an expensive price. The user may have to pay 100% of premiums, not to mention administrative fees are often added on. A report from Families USA, a nonprofit group, has suggested that up to 84% of a family's average unemployment benefits can be spent on COBRA premiums.

As such, you'd be advised to carefully decide whether COBRA or short term medical insurance makes the most sense for you. Read more about short term medical coverage online, or contact an insurance representative today to learn more details about the types of policies available. The right plan can easily be found based on a simple review of your needs.