At a glance
What Arizona allows for extended coverage
Arizona permits short term plans to run beyond a single short term, and it does so by statute. Under A.R.S. 20-1384, the initial term is less than 12 months (up to 364 days), and the statute expressly takes into account renewals and extensions to a 36-month total. That gives Arizona a clear legal basis for a long duration short term product rather than one that depends on federal posture alone.
Arizona does not layer state health-coverage mandates onto these plans and does not require a minimum benefit set; preexisting conditions may be excluded, subject to disclosure. Carriers must provide a 14-point ACA-disclosure notice and a renewal or expiration notice, and a non-renewable plan carries a 10-day right to return it for a full refund.
For context, the 2024 federal rule that would cap short term plans at a 3-month initial term and a 4-month total is currently not being enforced (per the August 7, 2025 federal statement), but Arizona's own statute, under 12 months initial, up to a 36-month total, is the binding framework here regardless. These plans remain medically underwritten at application, may exclude preexisting conditions, and are not ACA minimum essential coverage.
Your extended options in Arizona
For a longer coverage gap, here's what's realistically on the table (described as coverage types, not specific products):
As an independent, carrier neutral brokerage, we don't push any single insurer. Extended short term coverage can bridge a longer gap, but if you need comprehensive coverage for the long haul, an ACA plan is usually the better fit.
A licensed agent compares your real options for your ZIP in plain English. No cost. No pressure.
How enrollment works here
Extended short term coverage isn't tied to Open Enrollment, you can generally apply year round, subject to the Arizona duration limits and the carrier's underwriting. It can start quickly and outside of Open Enrollment, but it won't qualify you for ACA subsidies.
For comprehensive coverage, Arizona uses the federally facilitated marketplace at HealthCare.gov, where ACA plans have an annual Open Enrollment (typically each fall through early winter) and Special Enrollment Periods for qualifying life events like losing job based coverage, moving, or having a baby. Arizona has expanded Medicaid, so depending on your household income you may qualify for that coverage as well.
What it costs
We don't quote premiums here, prices depend on your situation, but the cost of extended short term coverage in Arizona is driven by:
For an ACA plan, cost works differently: it depends on income (which determines subsidy eligibility), age, county, tobacco use, and the metal tier you pick.
Extended short term health insurance is a longer duration form of short term, limited duration coverage. It is not major medical coverage and is not minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act. These plans are medically underwritten, may exclude preexisting conditions, and are not required to cover essential health benefits such as maternity care, prescription drugs, mental health services, or preventive care. They may impose annual or lifetime dollar limits and are generally not guaranteed renewable. Short term coverage does not qualify you for ACA premium subsidies.
GetHealthPlans.com® is operated by MTG Insurance Agency, an independent, carrier neutral brokerage. We do not issue insurance and are not a government agency or the health insurance marketplace. Regulatory details on this page reflect Arizona law and Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions guidance as of the last reviewed date and can change; confirm current terms and the specific plan's approved form before you enroll.
