California short-term health insurance
Short-term and TriTerm plans in California: what the state allows, how long they can last, and what they do not do.
Looking for coverage?
Short-term plans are not an option in California. Call and we will help you find the right plan.
What California allows
| Starting length (one plan) | Not available |
|---|---|
| Longest total, with renewals | Not available |
| 3-year (“TriTerm”) plan | No |
California does not allow short-term health plans to be sold, issued or renewed (Insurance Code 10123.61).
Rules as of October 2026. Short-term rules change, and companies often sell shorter plans than the law allows. Check with the California Department of Insurance (CDI) for the current rule.
What short-term plans are, and are not
- They are not ACA plans. They can ask health questions and turn an application down.
- They usually do not cover conditions you already have, and may leave out maternity, mental health, prescriptions or preventive care.
- They are not required to cover essential health benefits, and often have a maximum payout.
- They can start quickly, often within days, and you can apply any time of year.
- When one ends, that alone does not open an ACA enrollment period. Plan your next step early.
If you are in California
Short-term plans are not an option here, so the places to look are the ACA marketplace and Medicaid. If you are not sure which fits, call and we will walk through it.
Not sure what fits? Call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095 Open 8 AM-10 PM Eastern timeQuestions
Is short-term insurance real health insurance?
It is real coverage for what it covers, up to its limits, but it is not an ACA plan. It can decline you, usually excludes pre-existing conditions, and may not cover things like maternity or preventive care.
Does it count as coverage under the ACA?
No. Short-term plans are not minimum essential coverage, so they do not replace ACA coverage, and when one ends it does not by itself open a special enrollment period.
Who can tell me what is allowed in California?
California Department of Insurance (CDI) regulates insurance in California (https://www.insurance.ca.gov).
Do I have to enroll if I call?
No. A call is a conversation about your options.
Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.