You might need South Carolina temporary health coverage for several reasons, including having only part-time employment or being between jobs. South Carolina temp health insurance also is necessary while you are waiting for standard health insurance to kick in. It is usually much less expensive than Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, insurance.

Health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations do not provide care under temporary medical insurance. South Carolina generally allows temporary medical insurance to pay for care provided by any licensed health professional, however.

Keep the following three points in mind when you are thinking about buying temporary health insurance in South Carolina:

1. Gap coverage between standard policies is the intended purpose of temporary health insurance. South Carolina policy holders should plan to get standard health insurance eventually.

2. Unforeseen injuries and illnesses are generally covered by temporary medical insurance. South Carolina short-term health coverage often will not pay for preventative care or routine examinations, however.

3. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, exempts temporary health insurance in South Carolina so these policies are not required to be issued or renewed.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Obtain general pricing information on South Carolina temporary health insurance policies

The prices of South Carolina temp health insurance premiums vary substantially, but they will almost always cost more than an equivalent long-term policy.

I recommend: Go to Affordable Insurance Solutions for quotes on SC temporary health insurance. This site also provides specific information on selecting temporary health insurance in South Carolina.

Examine the types of temporary health insurance policies offered in South Carolina

SC temporary health insurance is commonly intended for specific groups or medical conditions. You should know a given policy's intended policy before studying it in detail.

I recommend: Read a brief summary of various South Carolina temporary medical insurance plans available from Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina.

Receive personalized quotes on South Carolina temporary health insurance with your zip code

Make your initial quotes more accurate supplying as much personal information as possible when applying for temporary health insurance. South Carolina residents can take advantage of websites that will send your application to multiple South Carolina temporary health insurance providers.

I recommend: Get a free quote from Michael Boyd at Association Field Services. This insurer is one of the South Carolina temporary medical insurance providers that specializes in insurance for the self-employed. Association Field Services also provides insurance in North Carolina.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Temp health insurance in South Carolina is limited to six months per policy, and your total coverage may not exceed one year. In order to issue a second policy, the insurance company will consider several factors, including any claims that you made under the first policy and significant changes to your health.