When you change jobs, there is often a gap between when your old health insurance coverage ends and your new coverage begins. This is known as the changing jobs health insurance gap. This gap can be anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the start date of your new job and the waiting period for their health insurance plan.

During the changing jobs health insurance gap, you may be vulnerable to high medical bills if you need to seek medical care. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of a coverage gap:

• Coordinate with your old employer. Find out when your health insurance coverage will end and if you are eligible for COBRA continuation coverage. COBRA allows you to continue your employer-sponsored health insurance coverage for up to 18 months after leaving your job, but you will need to pay the full cost of the premiums.
• Enroll in your new employer’s health insurance plan as soon as you are eligible. Most employers have a waiting period before new employees can enroll in their health insurance plan. This waiting period can be anywhere from 30 days to 90 days.
• Purchase a short-term health insurance plan. Short-term health insurance plans can provide temporary coverage until your new employer’s health insurance coverage begins. However, short-term health insurance plans typically have high premiums and limited coverage.