Maybe you’ve just turned 26 and forgot about picking up health insurance after you were dropped from your parents’ plan. Or you’ve retired early and need something for a few years before Medicare kicks in. Or maybe you’ve recently become self-employed but aren’t sure whether you’ll eventually return to the corporate world (and its group health insurance).

If any of these scenarios sound like you, then you may have another health insurance choice: TriTerm Medical insurance, underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company. This is a form of short term medical insurance that can last nearly up to 36 months, says Jeff Baechle, vice president of Individual Market Product Strategy at UnitedHealthOne. But it’s not necessarily for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons.

TriTerm Medical advantage: You have a variety of benefits

TriTerm Medical insurance tends to offer more benefits than most other forms of short term health insurance, says Baechle. These benefits can include:

Some pre-existing condition coverage. After you’ve been on the plan for a year, eligible services related to some preexisting conditions may be covered.

Prescription medication benefits. There’s a covered expense maximum for outpatient prescriptions on most plans. Some plans also have tiered pricing, which lets you get many common generic prescription medications for a copay, with no deductible.

Preventive care. After a short waiting period, most TriTerm Medical plans include limited benefits for preventive care wellness visits.

Learn more about what's covered under a TriTerm Medical plan to see if it's a good fit for you.

TriTerm Medical advantage: You’ll have access to a network with a wide variety of doctors and hospitals

TriTerm Medical plans offer access to doctors and other healthcare professionals, and hospitals and other medical facilities across the U.S.

“TriTerm has a broad network,” says Baechle. “It may provide access to up to 80% of all doctors and hospitals in a given area.” Chances are that if you have TriTerm Medical, there will be an in-network option for care in your town — and it may even be your current doctor.

TriTerm Medical advantage: You can enroll anytime

A TriTerm Medical plan is available year-round, and your coverage can begin as early as five days after your application is received. You’ll have a variety of plans and deductible choices to pick from to help meet your specific budget and needs. Deductibles range anywhere from $2,500 to $15,000, depending on the plan.

Say you rarely go to the doctor. You may want to opt for the Value Direct plan, which keeps monthly costs lower by eliminating preventive care and prescription coverage benefits. But if you have specialists that you see frequently, you’ll want a plan where you pay a standard copay for doctor visits and for some common prescription medications without having to meet the medical deductible first.

You can also start using benefits right away, although there may be a waiting period for preventive care. There is a lifetime maximum benefit on all plans.

TriTerm Medical advantage: It’s designed with different budget options in mind

Although TriTerm medical plan premiums may cost less than traditional health insurance plans, it's because they do not offer the same essential benefits and they have more limitations and exclusions. To get the most coverage, you should always check an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan first to see if your situation qualifies you for premium tax credits. If you don't qualify, a TriTerm Medical plan may be a good option.

That said, it’s important to know that TriTerm Medical plan premiums increase in the second and third terms, says Baechle. The rates could go up 16% to 25%.

TriTerm Medical potential drawback: You may go through medical underwriting

Anyone between the ages of 19 and 63 can apply for a TriTerm Medical plan. (Coverage ends when you turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare.) But there’s no guarantee you’ll be accepted for a plan.

That's because TriTerm Medical requires medical underwriting, a process insurance companies use to try to figure out your health status.¹ Be sure to check any plan you're interested in for its exclusions, limitations and plan provisions before you buy.

So it's possible your application may not be accepted if you have a medical condition. TriTerm Medical plans also don’t have to guarantee coverage for preexisting conditions.

“This makes TriTerm a better option for someone who’s younger, in good health, and doesn’t anticipate having to get medical care frequently,” explains Baechle.

One other important note: Pregnancy generally isn’t covered, says Baechle, though certain complications (such as an emergency C-section) may be.

TriTerm Medical potential drawback: It’s not available in all states

TriTerm insurance is only available in select states. Curious if your state is one of them? Enter your zip code to see the short term insurance options where you live.

TriTerm Medical potential drawback: Coverage is temporary

While TriTerm can be a good option for some people, it doesn’t last forever. But how long it lasts varies by state policy. “That’s why [in some states] TriTerm medical plans are three terms that add up to one day less than three years,” says Baechle.

Considering TriTerm Medical insurance? Enter your zip code to check if it’s available in your state. Or call 1-844-211-7730 to speak to a licensed insurance agent.

This coverage is not required to comply with certain federal market requirements for health insurance, principally those contained in the Affordable Care Act. Be sure to check your policy carefully to make sure you are aware of any exclusions or limitations regarding coverage of preexisting conditions or health benefits (such as hospitalization, emergency services, maternity care, preventive care, prescription drugs, and mental health and substance use disorder services). Your policy might also have lifetime and/or annual dollar limits on health benefits. If this coverage expires or you lose eligibility for this coverage, you might have to wait until an open enrollment period to get other health insurance coverage.
This policy has exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, call or write your insurance agent or the company, whichever is applicable.

Part Number: UHOTTMPROCONA2

Source:

1. Healthcare.gov. "Medical Underwriting." https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/medical-underwriting/. Accessed August 28, 2025.