Extended Short Term Health Insurance in Indiana

Indiana statute allows an initial term of 364 days or less, renewable to a 36-month total, with a $2 million minimum benefit limit most states don't require.

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Matthew T. Giberti Matthew T. Giberti Published July 2026 3 min read
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At a glance

Extended (long duration) short term coverage is available in Indiana: an initial term of 364 days or less, renewable up to a 36-month total.
The duration rests on Indiana's own statute (Ind. Code 27-4-10-5), which allows renewal for the greater of 36 months or the maximum period permitted under federal law.
Indiana adds a consumer-protective floor: these plans must carry a minimum $2,000,000 annual benefit limit and cover ambulatory, hospitalization, emergency, and laboratory services.
It's still not ACA coverage, for a genuinely long term need, compare an ACA plan via HealthCare.gov. Indiana has expanded Medicaid through the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP).
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What Indiana allows for extended coverage

Indiana permits short term plans to run beyond a single short term, and it does so by statute. Under Ind. Code 27-4-10-5, the initial term is 364 days or less, and a plan may be renewed for the greater of 36 months or the maximum period permitted under federal law. That gives Indiana a clear legal basis for a long duration short term product.

Indiana also builds in benefit protections that most states don't. A short term plan must carry a minimum annual benefit limit of $2,000,000 and must provide coverage for ambulatory patient services, hospitalization, emergency services, and laboratory services. Beyond those required categories, the plans are still medically underwritten, and preexisting exclusions are permitted.

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 Indiana's own statute, 364 days or less initial, renewable 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 Indiana

For a longer coverage gap, here's what's realistically on the table (described as coverage types, not specific products):

Renewable or consecutive term short term plans, designed to run up to the Indiana 36-month total under Ind. Code 27-4-10-5, with the state's minimum benefit limit and required service categories built in. Carrier appetite varies, so confirm the renewal terms on the specific plan before you rely on them.
ACA marketplace plans, the comprehensive route for a genuinely long term need: they cover essential health benefits, are guaranteed issue, and may come with income based subsidies (through HealthCare.gov).
Supplemental products such as fixed indemnity exist, but they aren't comprehensive coverage and aren't a substitute for a major medical plan.

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.

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How enrollment works here

Extended short term coverage isn't tied to Open Enrollment, you can generally apply year round, subject to the Indiana 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, Indiana 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. Indiana has expanded Medicaid through the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), 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 Indiana is driven by:

Your age, older applicants generally pay more.
Where you live in Indiana, pricing varies by county and rating area.
Tobacco use, often affects the rate.
Who's covered, an individual, a couple, or a whole family.
The deductible and coverage level you choose, lower out of pocket exposure usually means a higher premium.
The length of the term, pricing reflects how long the coverage runs, and Indiana allows renewals toward a 36-month total.
Medical underwriting, because these plans are underwritten at application, your health history can affect both eligibility and price.

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.

Matthew T. Giberti Matthew T. Giberti Licensed Insurance Producer · National Producer Number: 20698856 Licensed Insurance Producer · National Producer Number: 20698856 About Matthew →

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 the full set of 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 Indiana law and Indiana Department of Insurance guidance as of the last reviewed date and can change; confirm current terms and the specific plan's approved form before you enroll.