Typically, you will need to answer a health questionnaire when applying for short-term health insurance. If you have a pre-existing condition, it is likely that you will not qualify for this type of coverage. Other circumstances may disqualify you for short-term health insurance coverage. For example, you will not qualify if you are not a U.S. citizen or legal resident. You also cannot purchase one of these plans if you already are covered by another health insurance plan.