Short-Term Health Insurance in Ohio

Ohio allows a one-time, nonrenewable policy of up to 364 days; a new policy means a new underwritten application. Certain Ohio mandates still apply.

At a glance

Short-term plans are available in Ohio, but only as a one-time, non-renewable policy of up to 364 days.
Ohio does not allow renewable 36-month short-term coverage — a new policy requires a new application, separately underwritten with no guarantee.
Even these non-renewable plans must include certain Ohio mandates — internal and external review, provider-network disclosures, mammography screening, autism spectrum disorder, and newborn coverage (for family policies).
Ohio uses HealthCare.gov and has expanded Medicaid.

What Ohio allows

Ohio permits short-term health insurance but structures it tightly. Per Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) Bulletin 2018-05, a short-term plan is a "one-time policy issued for a limited-duration term of less than twelve months" — effectively up to 364 days per policy, and not renewable. The exemption depends on the policy being one-time: to get new coverage you must submit a new application, which is separately underwritten with no guarantee of approval.

That means Ohio is not a 36-month short-term state, despite what some comparison sites claim; those listings are inconsistent with ODI Bulletin 2018-05.

Ohio also keeps several protections on short-term plans even though they're non-renewable: internal and external review, provider-network disclosures, mammography screening, autism spectrum disorder coverage, and newborn coverage (for family policies). A short-term plan must carry a 14-point-or-larger ACA-noncompliance disclosure in both the contract and the application, and forms and rates must be filed and approved by ODI. Pre-existing conditions may be excluded.

For context, federal non-enforcement of the 2024 rule (a 3-month / 4-month limit that is currently not being enforced) let insurers resume selling up to Ohio's 364-day cap. Ohio's one-time, non-renewable structure is the binding constraint here.

Your options in Ohio

If you're an Ohio resident weighing your choices, here's what's realistically on the table (described as coverage types, not specific products):

Short-term health insurance — a single, non-renewable, medically underwritten policy of up to 364 days. Useful for a defined gap; not a renewable long-term plan in this state.
ACA marketplace plans — comprehensive major-medical coverage sold through HealthCare.gov. For coverage you can count on beyond a single term, this is the realistic route: it covers essential health benefits, can't turn you down for pre-existing conditions, and may come with income-based subsidies.
Fixed indemnity and other excepted benefits — supplemental coverage that pays limited, defined benefits (Ohio treats hospital indemnity as an excepted benefit under ORC 3924.01(G)). Not a substitute for major medical.
Medicaid — Ohio has expanded Medicaid, so more low-income adults qualify. It's worth checking your eligibility before buying a short-term plan.

As an independent, carrier-neutral brokerage, we don't steer you to any single insurer — and we'll be straight with you about when a one-time short-term policy fits and when an ACA plan or Medicaid is the better call.

How enrollment works here

Ohio uses the federally facilitated marketplace at HealthCare.gov for ACA plans. Enrollment there works on a schedule:

Open Enrollment happens once a year, typically each fall through early winter, for coverage that starts the following January.
Special Enrollment Periods are available year-round if you have a qualifying life event — for example, losing job-based coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby.

Short-term health insurance is different: you can apply any time of year, but in Ohio each plan is a single, non-renewable policy of up to 364 days. If you need coverage beyond one term, re-applying isn't guaranteed — an ACA plan (with a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify) or Medicaid is the more reliable route.

What it costs

We don't quote premiums on this page — prices change and depend on your specific situation — but here are the factors that drive the cost of coverage in Ohio:

Your age — older applicants generally pay more.
Where you live in Ohio — 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 — short-term pricing reflects how long the coverage runs, and in Ohio that's a single term of up to 364 days.
Medical underwriting — because short-term plans in Ohio are underwritten, your health history can affect both eligibility and price.

For ACA marketplace plans, cost works differently: your premium depends on income (which determines subsidy eligibility), age, county, tobacco use, and the metal level you pick. Because Ohio expanded Medicaid, some lower-income residents may qualify for Medicaid at little or no cost instead.

MG Matthew T. Giberti Licensed Expert · NPN 20698856 · Updated July 2026

Short-term health insurance is not major medical coverage and is not minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act. These plans are medically underwritten, may exclude pre-existing 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. Short-term coverage does not satisfy any applicable coverage requirements and 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 Ohio law and Ohio 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.