What potential drawback is associated with short-term health insurance policies?

Short-term health insurance policies are designed to provide temporary coverage, often for individuals who are transitioning between longer-term insurance plans or who find themselves without coverage for a limited time. One significant drawback of these policies is that they typically do not cover pre-existing conditions. This means that if the insured has a medical condition that was present before the policy began, any related medical expenses would not be covered during the policy term. This limitation can create unexpected financial burdens for individuals who rely on such coverage, as they may still need treatment for their ongoing health issues without adequate insurance support.

The other options describe attributes that are not generally associated with short-term plans. For instance, these policies are usually limited in their coverage scope, rather than covering a wide range of services. Short-term health insurance often involves simpler applications and procedures compared to traditional health insurance, leading to less extensive paperwork. Lastly, many short-term plans do have deductibles, and in fact, some may have higher deductibles than standard plans. Understanding these limitations helps consumers make informed decisions when considering short-term health insurance as an option.