What is the Best Health Insurance for Travel Nurses?

Many travel nurses struggle with finding the right health insurance. Due to their jobs’ nature, choosing a travel plan, nurses can be tricky since they spend a lot of time on the road and often have multiple health insurance options.

Although some jobs offer health insurance plans, these plans are not always the best for their needs. When available, these plans can be lacking in nurses’ coverage and are sometimes too expensive. If your like most of our clients the biggest annoyance of first becoming a traveling nurse is having to always sign up for new health insurance every time you arrive at a new assignment. Getting your own private health insurance will ensure that you’ll have permanent coverage through out the year.

The best type of insurance plan covers the nurses, no matter what state their next job assignment is at. A nationwide PPO network with a large name brand such as a United Health Care PPO Network or a Cigna PPO Network is preferred for travel nurses. So being that travel nurses have to high of an income that they won’t qualify for any subsidies on marketplace plans. The best health insurance for travel nurses will always be a private health coverage that uses the United Health Care PPO Network.

However, there are a few options when it comes to health insurance for travel nurses. As travel nurses, knowing what you want and what is available will help narrow down your choices. Here are some things to consider when choosing health insurance as a travel nurse.

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What are the insurance options for traveling nurses?

When it comes to health insurance for travel nurses, you have to decide if you want to stick with the agency provided plan, which is one of the main options.

If you decide that you would like something else, you can take a look at the following health insurance options:

Agency Provided Health insurance

Travel nurse agencies like RN Network in Boca Raton, Florida offer health insurance, eliminating the need for nurses to find their insurance. Sticking with the provided plan is often an easy fix, and while this might seem appealing, it does not come without some disadvantages.

Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of agency provided health insurance.

Pros

Going with an agency health insurance plan saves you the stress of finding a healthcare plan. Most agencies usually have a standard coverage and default provider, so you do not have to struggle with choices.
An agency plan is more affordable than private health insurance because most recruitment companies pay for a portion of your insurance.
Some agency plans offer a wholesome coverage that includes vision and dental benefits, so you might not need to spend extra money on these coverages.

Cons

At times, an agency insurance plan is only valid while you are on the job, thus leaving you without coverage when you are not on assignment
If you have to move to another agency, you need to get a new insurance plan as most of these plans do not cover you working under a different agency
You can lose your insurance plan if your job at the agency gets terminated, and finding a new plan can be quite stressful
When you need to switch between agencies, your deductibles will be reset, and depending on how many times you switch; this might happen many times a year
Sticking with just one agency to prevent switching insurance plans can make you miss out on contracts and other business deals as some hospitals request nurses from specific agencies

Private health insurance

My Private Health Insurance specializes in helping travel nurses around the country get affordable nationwide health coverage on name brand PPO Networks. Private health insurance for a travel nurse makes up for the gaps that are found in the healthcare plan provided by the agency. The best health insurance for travel nurses is private health insurance plans with nationwide PPO networks. This allows first time travel nurses to keep permanent health insurance without having to change plans every time they go to a new assignment. When you stick with the employee benefits given to you by the recruiter or agency you’re contracted with, you have to change your insurance every time you move. Not to mention the rates for agency health insurance are high and either with short term insurance plans that can underwrite at the time of claim and deny claims. The agency plans also are usually on HMO or EPO networks that will only cover you in the county you’re in. Our licensed agents with My Private Health Insurance can connect you with affordable private health coverage that gives you permanent protection on the largest PPO networks like United Health Care or Cigna. With this individual travel, nurses are responsible for their insurance. Some of the pros and cons involved include:

Pros

Private insurance covers you all year round without any gaps, unlike agency insurance, giving you peace of mind
You have the freedom to travel to wherever you need to for a job, as you do not need to worry about how your benefits are affected by taking up new jobs
Some agencies offer you extra pay if you come with your insurance instead of having to use theirs – this payment can come in the form of an insurance allowance
Private insurance covers you across several agencies despite what agencies assignment you are working on; this means you can always sign up for work with the assurance that your health is insured
With private insurance, you have the freedom to choose a plan that suits your medical needs, especially if you have a condition as the insurance plan provided by most companies does not offer full coverage and is not as reliable as a private insurance
A private plan allows you have more control over your benefits, how much you pay for your monthly premium, and other like copays or deductibles

Cons

Private insurance is generally more expensive to find than agency provided insurance because you have to pay for the entire insurance individually
Some insurance companies do not offer coverage in all states, which defeats the essence of travel nurse health insurance; however, a nationwide PPO network with a large name brand such as a United HealthCare PPO Network or a Cigna PPO Network offers coverage in all states

Short term health insurance for travel nurses

One other insurance option for traveling nurses is a short term insurance plan. These plans are cheaper than individual insurance but do not have as many comprehensive benefits.

Short term health insurance is usually a preferred option for nurses who are;

In the process of switching agencies
Cannot afford their health insurance premiums

However, you must remember that these plans are not as reliable as the average individual plan and may deny you coverage based on pre-existing conditions. They may also not cover certain healthcare services, such as dental care.

What then is the best option?

With the up tick of quality nurses needed around the country during the coronavirus pandemic being able to not worry about your health insurance is a giant weight off of any travel nurses plate. We know how annoying it gets dealing with constantly having to change insurance plans when your contract runs out and your moving from state to state so everyone can agree that a nationwide PPO network with a large name brand such as a United Health Care PPO Network or a Cigna PPO Network is the best option, it is ultimately an individual decision. But being on one of these nationwide PPO networks allows all travel nurses to not have to worry about if they will be covered in what ever city or state they take their next contract.

Here are some tips that can help you choose.

Find out how much agency insurance will cost you and compare it to the private insurance option that you have
You can ask your recruiter if the company will pay you extra if you come with your insurance plan; if this is the case, you can channel the money towards paying your private insurance
Some agencies offer to keep your insurance running even after you have completed a contract, this is great at filling in gaps, and any extra charges are deducted from your next paycheck, so find out if this is an option for your agency
If you travel frequently, a private plan might automatically be a better option for you; the best thing to do is to estimate how much insurance will cost you every year and plan towards that budget
Determine how much you would like your insurance to cover (such as vision and dental) and work with the plan that offers the most coverage
If you have any pre-existing conditions, you should ensure that whatever plan you sign up for makes adequate health care provisions for your condition
For nurses who do not work all year round, you can calculate how much private insurance will cost for the number of months you will be at work compared to agency insurance and determine if it is a better option for you
Ask your agency if you can combine a private insurance plan with the plan offered by the agency; by doing this, you can save money as you will be able to opt for a cheaper option due to the coverage provided by the agency plan

Frontline workers like Nurses will always be Essential

Each individual has different insurance requirements and needs. Picking the right plan requires careful thought and consideration.

Having a functional health insurance plan while traveling is very vital because you might require unexpected medical assistance. The best option for travel nurses is to provide excellent coverage at reasonable costs without any gaps.

If your agency already offers such a plan, you should stick with their plan and save yourself some money. However, if they do not, you might want to find a private insurance plan that ultimately provides excellent coverage and you can call us at any time and speak to a licensed agent in your state that can help you get a quote for private health insurance. We are also apart of a great Travel Nurse Facebook Group where you can see what jobs recruiters have available if you are looking for your next assignment!

Are you a First Time Travel Nurse?

Being a travel nurse offers exciting opportunities for professional growth and exploration, but it’s important to ensure your health is well taken care of while on the road. Finding the best health insurance for first-time travel nurses can be a daunting task, considering the variety of plans available. In this article, we will explore key considerations and recommend some options to help you make an informed decision about your health insurance coverage.

Understanding the Needs of Travel Nurses (word count: 200) Travel nurses have unique healthcare requirements due to their itinerant lifestyle. When selecting health insurance, it’s crucial to consider the following factors:

Nationwide Coverage: As a travel nurse, you may work in different states or regions. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a plan that provides coverage across multiple locations.
Flexibility: Look for insurance plans that allow you to visit any healthcare provider, ensuring you have the freedom to choose the best care wherever you are.
Portability: As you transition between assignments, it’s vital to have health insurance that moves with you seamlessly, avoiding gaps in coverage.
Comprehensive Coverage: Travel nurses should seek plans that cover a wide range of services, including preventive care, emergency services, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and specialist visits.

Options for Health Insurance for First Assignment

Several health insurance options cater to the unique needs of travel nurses. Let’s explore some of the best choices:

Travel Nurse-Specific Insurance: Some companies specialize in providing health insurance tailored specifically for travel nurses. These plans often offer nationwide coverage, flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, and portability across assignments.
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): HMO plans typically have lower premiums but require you to select a primary care physician (PCP) and obtain referrals for specialist visits. This option may be suitable if you prefer a more structured approach to healthcare.
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs): PPO plans offer greater flexibility and allow you to visit any healthcare provider without a referral. While premiums may be higher, you have more freedom in choosing doctors and specialists.
High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): HDHPs often have lower premiums but higher deductibles. Combining an HDHP with an HSA allows you to save money on taxes while setting aside funds for medical expenses.
State Insurance Marketplaces: If you’re a U.S. travel nurse, consider exploring health insurance options through state-based marketplaces. These platforms provide access to various plans, including those that meet the needs of travel healthcare professionals. For state plans go to www.medicaid.gov

When selecting the best health insurance plan for your needs as a first-time travel nurse, keep the following points in mind:

Cost: Assess the monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums to determine the overall affordability of each plan.
Network Coverage: Check the network of healthcare providers associated with each plan to ensure you have access to quality care wherever you go.
Coverage Limitations: Read the fine print to understand any coverage limitations, such as pre-existing conditions, prescription drug coverage, and emergency services.
Additional Benefits: Look for plans that offer additional perks like telemedicine services, wellness programs, or coverage for alternative therapies, which can enhance your overall healthcare experience.

As a first-time travel nurse, finding the right health insurance is crucial for ensuring your well-being throughout your career. Consider options specifically designed for travel nurses, explore traditional insurance plans, and assess the benefits and limitations of each option. Prioritize comprehensive coverage, nationwide availability, and cost when choosing your health plan. The biggest annoyance for a first time travel nurse or any travel nurse is having to change coverage every time they go to a new assignment. Getting a permanent health insurance plan with My Private Health Insurance will ensure you can keep your insurance no matter where your next assignment is. Whether you need individual insurance or a private plan health coverage for a family plan we can help.