What best describes a short-term medical expense policy?

A short-term medical expense policy is designed to provide temporary health insurance coverage for individuals who experience a gap in their primary health insurance. This type of policy is typically nonrenewable, meaning that once the policy term is completed—often ranging from a few months to a year—policyholders cannot extend or renew the same policy. This characteristic aligns with the nature of short-term insurance, which is intended to bridge the coverage gap rather than provide long-term health benefits.

In contrast, options such as being renewable annually or guaranteed for five years do not accurately reflect the nature of short-term medical policies, as they lack the stability and longevity associated with conventional health insurance plans. The option regarding comprehensive coverage also does not apply, as short-term medical policies typically offer limited benefits that are not as extensive as those found in comprehensive plans.