The policy period can be from 30 days to 6 months, beginning on any effective date you like. Premiums will be automatic, either withdrawn from your checking account or charged monthly to your credit card.

The website will give you a quotation and then ask if you would like to apply. You will be able to see all rates for deductibles before you apply. If you know the exact number of days you require, use the single daily rate and pay the entire amount up front. Otherwise use the monthly payment option.

The application will ask you to choose either 100%, 80% or 50% coinsurance. This refers to the amount that Assurant will pay after you reach your deductible. Most people choose the 80% plan because it is lower in cost and provides sufficient coverage.

Please remember that the short term plans are catastrophic plans, and do not cover any pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is an illness or injury for which the covered person received medical treatment or advice from a physician within the 5 year period immediately preceding the effective date of the policy; or that produced signs or symptoms within the 5 year period immediately preceding the effective date. The plan also does not cover maternity claims. All charges for services up to the deductible amount are your responsibility, and then Assurant will pay the selected benefit percentage based on a schedule of "usual and customary" charges. Though you are eligible for benefits at any provider's office, you will receive a discount by going to a doctor in the Assurant network. The directory of providers is available at http://www.phcs.com.

This plan requires that you obtain pre-authorization prior to receiving certain services. The identification card you receive with your policy provides a toll-free number for easy access to this service. The authorization process must be followed in its entirety to receive maximum benefits. The policy explains the authorization process in detail but authorization is required in advance of all hospital or skilled nursing facility admissions, outpatient or day surgeries, rehabilitation programs, home health care, physical medicine/chiropractic care and transplants. The number to call for pre-authorization is 1-800-800-2412. The Short Term Medical identification card, which is attached to a copy of the insurance contract, also lists the pre-authorization phone number.