You may need temporary health insurance for several different reasons including unemployment or having a temporary or part-time job. Washington, D.C., temporary health insurance also is necessary while you are waiting for long-term health insurance to kick in and it provides an affordable alternative to Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, insurance.

Preferred provider organizations and health maintenance organizations generally do not provide services for temporary medical insurance. Washington, D.C., policy holders normally can receive care from any licensed health care provider, however.

Keep the following three points in mind when you are thinking about buying temporary health insurance in Washington, D.C.:

1. Gap coverage between long-term policies is the intended purpose of temporary health insurance. Washington, D.C., short-term medical insurance should be replaced by permanent insurance at some point.

2. DC temporary medical insurance usually will cover unexpected illness and injury but will probably not pay for preventative care or routine examinations.

3. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, exempts temporary Washington, D.C., health insurance and it is not required to be issued or renewed to any applicant.

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

Acquire general pricing information on DC temporary health insurance policies

There is a large difference in premiums but Washington, D.C., temp health insurance will almost certainly cost much more than a long-term policy.

I recommend: Get a price estimate on D.C. temporary health insurance plans from Statland & Katz. It is a financial services company licensed to sell health insurance in Washington, D.C., as well as Maryland and Virginia.

Examine the available types of temp health insurance in DC

Washington, D.C., temp health insurance plans are often intended for a specific group or medical condition. It's a good idea to understand the purpose of a given policy before reviewing the details of a policy.

I recommend: Review the D.C. temporary health insurance plans offered by The Brown Insurance Group. They are also licensed to sell insurance in Maryland and Virginia.

Get customized quotes for temporary health insurance in Washington, D.C.

Your quote is more meaningful when it is based on personal information provided on your application for temporary health insurance. Washington, D.C., has a number of web sites that will forward your application to multiple Washington, D.C., temporary health insurance providers.

I recommend: Select your zip code and complete the short application form at Health Plan One. It will be sent to insurance providers in Washington, D.C., such as Aetna, Assurant and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Review any policy you are considering for clauses that extend coverage beyond the termination date of the temporary medical insurance. Washington, D.C., temporary medical insurance policies will frequently continue coverage for total disability until certain conditions have been met. Many plans will also provide a fixed benefit for partial disability after the termination of the policy.