You may need Washington temporary health coverage for a variety of reasons. You could be between jobs or you may only have temporary or part time employment. Temporary medical insurance in Washington will also be required when you are waiting for standard health insurance to kick in.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) generally do not provide services for short term health insurance. Washington temporary health insurance coverage usually requires the policy holder to receive care from health provider licensed to practice in the United States.

It is important to keep the following three points in mind when you are thinking about buying temporary health insurance:

1. Gap coverage between standard policies is the primary intent of short term health insurance. Washington workers with temporary health insurance should obtain long-term health insurance at some point, usually within six months.

2. Temporary health insurance in Washington provides coverage for unforeseen illness and injury but generally does not cover routine examinations or preventative care.

3. Washington temporary medical insurance is exempt from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) so these carriers are not required to issue or renew policies.

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

Get general quotes for temporary health insurance in Washington

There is a wide variation in premiums but Washington temp health insurance is generally higher than long term health insurance.

I recommend: Use NASRO to gather quotes from multiple companies that provide WA temporary health insurance. They also provide guidelines on how to choose temporary health insurance.

Examine the types of Washington temporary medical insurance that are available

WA temporary health insurance sometimes covers only certain groups or medical conditions. It will be convenient to know the intended purpose of a given policy without needing to study it in detail.

I recommend: Find a brief description of one of the temporary health insurance plans in Washington summarized at Maddock and Associates. This company carries all types of insurance in Washington state.

Apply for more personalized quotes on temporary health insurance

You can get a more meaningful initial quote by providing some information about yourself to a website. There are many such websites that will then forward your application form to many health insurance companies.

I recommend: Enter your zip code and other information on All Choice, Inc. Insurance. Complete the application form and it will be sent to the individual carriers. They will then respond with a quote or reject your application.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While temporary medical insurance in Washington generally has a maximum term of six months, you will frequently be able to obtain a second policy. You will generally be required to not make any claims under the first policy or have experienced significant changes to your health. Your total coverage may still not exceed one year for all plans.