Short-term medical plans are designed to provide temporary coverage, filling the gap until you can enroll in a more permanent health insurance option. These plans are generally less expensive than COBRA health plans and can be beneficial for individuals in transitional situations—such as between jobs, waiting for new job benefits to start, or experiencing a lapse in coverage for other reasons. However, it's important to understand that short-term plans often offer less comprehensive coverage than COBRA. They may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions and typically have limited benefits for preventive care and major medical expenses.