A $250K heart attack: Cheap plans leave Americans with huge medical bills. But here's why their popularity may only grow

While this sounds appealing, the savings evaporate catastrophically when serious illness strikes. Unlike ACA plans, short-term coverage isn't required to include prescription drugs, mental health services, maternity care or protections for pre-existing conditions, according to KFF research (5). It further notes almost half don't cover outpatient prescriptions and 40% exclude mental health services — benefits that ACA plans must provide.

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Five states have banned short-term plans outright, says KFF. Nine more impose rules so restrictive that no insurers offer them. Even large insurers questioned the wisdom when Trump first expanded access. Cigna executives warned consumers would "find themselves in need of certain benefits or protections," the Post reports, while Aetna recommended including more consumer safeguards.

And it's insurance agents who see the wreckage firsthand. "I've seen consumers get hit with $250K bills after a heart attack or a $375k bill for a 6-week hospital stay," wrote a Reddit user who identified themselves as a “national health agent” (6). This certainly sounds plausible. Earlier this year, a Canadian woman who suffered a cardiac arrest in Florida told CTV News she was on the hook for $290,000 because her claim was denied (7).

What you need to know

If you fear your health insurance costs are about to skyrocket, there are some things that can ease the long-term burden. Following these tips can help you avoid staggering health care bills, in the event you're ever in a catastrophic situation.

Be sure to avoid short-term plans except for when you have a true insurance gap, as they're designed for temporary coverage between jobs, not long-term protection. If you take regular medications or have family members with chronic conditions, these plans are not a good fit.

It's also important to work with licensed insurance agents, like ACA marketplace agents. They can help, free of charge, to find plans that balance premiums with real protection.

Consider higher-deductible ACA plans, as they offer essential benefit protections and out-of-pocket maximums that cap annual exposure. Short-term plans tend to have no cap — your liability is unlimited.

Finally, be sure to check your Medicaid eligibility, as you might get comprehensive coverage at little or no cost. And use remaining subsidies that are available if you're eligible. Lower-income enrollees still qualify for assistance in 2026.