The day comes when you lose your job and, as a consequence, you lose your health insurance plan. Fortunately, temporary health insurance is one thing that can keep you afloat until you [get|secure|find a new position. A temporary health insurance policy will cover your health care requirements from the date on which you lose your job until you become eligible for benefits from your new employer.

But just where do you start looking for a short term health insurance policy? Like a lot of people today, your first stop will probably be one of the major internet search engines and these will provide you with a laundry list of directories. These directories each give you a list of insurers which offer temporary health insurance and even a hendful which will actually explain precisely what it is. Knowing just what temporary health insurance is and, equally important, what it is not will help you in shopping for the right policy and keep you from getting scammed.

First, every state has its own brand of temporary health insurance policy to assist you in holding onto the health insurance from your previous employer. For instance, in Minnesota the plan is known as a Cobra Plan and covers you until you have a new job. While we are on the subject, state law also states that an employer must notify you of your eligibility for Cobra coverage.

Commercial short term health insurance policies normally last for from one to twelve months, although many insurers limit their policies to six months, and will provide many of the same benefits that are provided on their long term plans. The greatest difference you will find is that the policy is non-renewable and if you wish to hang on to your cover you will have to take out a further new policy. Do not forget that this type of policy is only intended for temporary use and not for long term use.

Some things that will probably not be covered are wellness checks and preventative care and temporary health plans will also not generally provide cover for dental or optical care. They are also usually very strict when it comes to denying cover for pre existing conditions. It is also generally possible to get cover extended to your spouse and children. You will find also that the majority of policies will range in price from around $25 to $100 per month.

Bearing this in mind, you can begin to trawl through the results of your search and examine the lists of insurers to find one which will meet your needs.

Yet another excellent place to turn for cover is to your current home or car insurer as it is likely that they will also carry a health insurance policy that you can get. And, if you are getting the policy through your own insurance company, there could well be a discount available for having multiple policies with them.

Lastly, remember that your local phone book might also list several places for you to purchase short term health insurance cover in your area.