Short Term health insurance plans do not meet the minimum essential coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). They are designed solely to provide temporary health care insurance during unexpected coverage gaps for up to 12 months with the option to renew coverage up to 36 months. These plans may ask more detailed questions regarding your health history, to determine eligibility as they do not cover preexisting conditions and are not guaranteed renewable. 

Many colleges and universities offer health insurance to enrolled students and may offer coverage for an extended period after graduation.

All eligible students enrolled in the UNC System Colleges and Universities are required to have health insurance coverage. However, this does not mean a student must enroll in the UNC System Student Health Insurance Plan; it means a student must provide proof of active creditable health insurance using the schools Waiver Process.

Cancer policies provide limited benefits when the insured person is diagnosed with cancer (as defined in the policy contract). Most policies contain a schedule of benefits describing the amount of payments for covered cancer treatments. Benefits under these types of insurance plans are normally paid directly to the insured person.

Dental insurance provides benefits for care and treatment of the teeth and gums. Benefits vary from policy to policy, as some may cover 100 percent of preventative care (such as semi-annual check-ups, fluoride treatments, etc.) while others may only cover a portion of preventative care.

Hospital indemnity policies provide benefits for each day of hospital confinement. The benefits are usually specified dollar amounts and are not based on actual expenses. These policies are supplementary type coverage’s and should not be used as a substitute for comprehensive health insurance.

The federal Medicare program covers most (but not all) medical expenses for people age 65 and older. Individuals under age 65 receiving Social Security disability benefits are also covered under the program. A Medicare Supplement policy may be purchased to help pay for certain expenses such as deductibles, co-payments and other non-covered expenses. For information and counseling on Medicare Supplement policies, contact the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at 855-408-1212

Long Term Care policies generally provide benefits for skilled and intermediate nursing home care. Benefits for personal care (custodial care) may also be provided for care received in approved facilities. Some policies also cover alternative types of care such as home health care or adult day care. Some even cover home modification expenses. For information and counseling on Long Term Care policies, contact the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at 1-855-408-1212

This type of insurance will provide benefits in the event death results from a covered accident. Further, benefits are paid if there is a loss of two limbs, or sight of both eyes. Reduced benefits are normally payable for loss of one limb or of sight in one eye as well as loss of a foot or hand.

Disability Insurance provides income replacement benefits to an insured who is unable to work because of non-work-related sickness or injury.

• Short-term Disability – Provides benefits when an insured is unable to perform the regular and customary duties of their own occupation as a result of covered illness or injury.

• Long-term Disability - “Any Occupation” definition, an insured is generally considered eligible for benefits only if the insured is disabled to the extent that he or she is unable to perform the duties of any occupation for which he/she is qualified according to his/her education, training and prior experience.