As job losses in the United States has risen to new heights, so too has the number of citizens turning to short term health insurance. For most Americans, being without health insurance simply isn’t plausible, which makes health insurance for unemployed a way to affordably retain some level of coverage.

Workers who have recently taken on jobs at new employers are still sometimes faced with probationary periods that they must pass before gaining eligibility for company benefits. These periods can last from 30-90 days, and a good number of medical emergencies could arise in that time. Temporary insurance provides protection for accidents and emergencies during these windows of time.

When obtaining short term coverage, you’ll want to be aware of its limitations. Preventative coverage and wellness checks are not covered under short term health insurance. It’s simply designed to offer a support for sudden sicknesses and injuries.

This means that pre-existing conditions are also not covered. Be certain to report all of these when filling out your short term coverage application and pay careful attention to any limitations found in the plan’s policies.

Finding the right temporary health insurance plan for you starts with determining how long you’ll need it. Most plans are available in one to six month increments, but some can be extended to twelve months, or even longer. Consult your plan representative for more details. Deductibles are also available at a variety of levels, so again you’ll want to consult your representative to find the coverage level that best suits your personal needs.

People who have quit or been fired from their previous job may be eligible for COBRA coverage, and as such may never even consider short term medical coverage. However, they’d be wise to weigh the pros and cons of each, because while COBRA may seem convenient, there are some significant drawbacks to it.

COBRA allows a terminated employee to retain health insurance coverage through their former employer’s provider for up to 18 months. COBRA coverage can be applied to your family members as well. While this seems like a great benefit, it’s an expensive, one, with the user often having to pay 100% of premiums as well as administrative fees. The nonprofit group Families USA reports that COBRA costs can consume up to 84% of average monthly unemployment wages.

In that case, short term health insurance may be a better option. To see if short term health insurance is right for you, contact your former or pending insurance representative, or search for additional information online. Discuss your unique situation and needs, and find the temporary insurance solution that is right for you.

Dan Miller frequently writes about health insurance for unemployed