Short-term health insurance policies are intended to fill a temporary gap in health coverage. Starting on September 1, 2024, federal regulations will limit coverage under a short-term limited duration plan to a period of three months, with a maximum period of four months if there is an extension or renewal.  Short-term policies do not offer other protections found in Marketplace plans.  For example, short-term policies can exclude coverage of pre-existing conditions.  Short-term policies also typically do not cover essential health benefits such as prescription drugs, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, or maternity care. Additionally, states can implement their own regulations on short term limited duration policies that go beyond what the federal government requires.