Short-term policies look amazing at first glance. They are highly advertised and might cost only $90 a month. But beware: they are legally allowed to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions.
What they won't cover
Look at the fine print. Short-term plans almost never cover pregnancy, mental health, or prescription drugs. If you have a mild asthma attack, they might comb through your medical records, see you had asthma 3 years ago, declare it a 'pre-existing condition', and refuse to pay your hospital bill.
When to actually use them
Use short-term plans strictly as a bridge. For example, if you just got a new job but the employer insurance doesn't kick in for 45 days, a short term plan protects you if you get hit by a bus during that gap. Otherwise, avoid them.