Many travel nurses struggle when it comes to making the right decision for their health insurance. Choosing health insurance for travel nurses can be difficult since travel nurses spend a lot of time on the road and have multiple health insurance options.

Many agencies offer travel nurse health insurance plans. However, sometimes the health insurance offered to travel nurses by their agency isn’t the best for their needs. Sometimes this health insurance for travel nurses can be expensive and lacking in coverage that nurses typically want.

Here are some things to consider when you’re making the decision about which health insurance to get as a travel nurse.

Benefits of health insurance for travel nurses

Health insurance for travel nurses comes with several key benefits. First, it provides financial security by covering a range of medical expenses, including routine check-ups and emergencies, allowing travel nurses to focus on their work without incurring high healthcare costs.

Second, health insurance offers access to a network of healthcare providers, allowing travel nurses to receive medical care wherever assignments take them. This flexibility is helpful for those who frequently move between locations.

Having health insurance contributes to overall well-being by promoting preventive care. Regular screenings and health check-ups become more accessible, helping travel nurses maintain good health and catch any potential issues early on.

Types of health insurance plans for travel nurses

When it comes to choosing which direction to go for health insurance, travel nurses have a few options:

• Agency-provided health insurance
• ACA compliant individual or family health insurance
• Short-term health insurance

You may wonder why Medicaid or CHIP are not listed as options for insurance. In order to qualify for health insurance through Medicaid or CHIP, you must meet a maximum income requirement. Typically, nurses make much more than the maximum income requirement for these programs.

In the realm of health insurance plans for travel nurses, eHealth offers a range of options worth exploring. Let’s delve into a comparison to help travel nurses make informed choices tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.

Employer-sponsored health insurance for travel nurses

Employer-sponsored health insurance plans for travel nurses offer valuable coverage options while on assignment. These plans typically provide comprehensive medical coverage, including hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medications, and emergency care. One of the key benefits of employer-sponsored plans is that the employer often covers a portion of the premiums, reducing costs for the employee. Additionally, these plans may offer broader networks of healthcare providers, ensuring access to quality care while traveling. However, there are some factors to consider when evaluating employer-sponsored coverage options. Travel nurses should assess the extent of coverage provided, including any limitations or exclusions, as well as out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Additionally, they should consider whether the plan allows for coverage while traveling outside of their assigned area and whether it provides access to necessary specialists or medical facilities. By carefully evaluating these factors, travel nurses can select an employer-sponsored health insurance plan that meets their healthcare needs while on assignment.

Individual and family health insurance plans

ACA-compliant health insurance plans, also known as individual health insurance plans, are one of the other options travel nurses have for health insurance.

You can get these plans online during the open enrollment period, which lasts from November 1st through Decembers 15th for insurance starting on January 1st of the following year in most states.

You cannot enroll in an ACA health insurance plan outside of this time frame unless you experience a qualifying life event. Qualifying life events include things like:

• Having a baby
• Moving outside of your previous plan’s coverage area
• Changing jobs

If you experience a qualifying life event you typically will be able to enroll in an ACA plan during a 60-day special enrollment period.

Choosing an individual plan allows you to not only have more control over your benefits but how much you pay for your monthly premium and other out-of-pocket costs – such as deductibles or copays.

Navigating the health insurance market can be difficult. However, eHealth is here to help you find the right plan for your lifestyle and your budget.

Short-term health insurance

Another option you have for health insurance as a travel nurse, is short-term health insurance.

These plans are much cheaper than ACA-compliant health insurance, but have much less comprehensive benefits.

If you are in-between jobs, in the process of switching agencies, or are having a difficult time affording your health insurance premiums short-term health insurance may be a good option.

Keep in mind that these plans can deny you coverage based on pre-existing conditions and may not pay for certain health care services – especially if they’re related to a pre-existing condition.

Importance of Telemedicine and remote healthcare services

In today’s healthcare landscape, telemedicine is crucial for travel nurses who are always on the move. It offers them convenient access to medical care during assignments, allowing remote consultations and treatments from any location. With telemedicine, nurses can save time, reduce the need for in-person visits, and manage health concerns without disrupting their schedules. When choosing telemedicine options, nurses should consider factors like network availability, ease of use, and coverage for specific services. By leveraging telemedicine effectively, travel nurses can prioritize their health, enhance their well-being, and confidently navigate their assignments.

Additional coverage options and considerations for travel nurses

When exploring health insurance options for travel nurses, several key considerations come into play to ensure comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.

Key considerations include coverage for medical emergencies during travel, flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, and the inclusion of vision and dental benefits. Assessing these aspects ensures you select a plan that aligns seamlessly with your unique requirements as a travel nurse.

Exploring supplemental insurance options

If you do choose to go outside of your travel nurse agency for insurance, it’s important to consider your vision and dental coverage options.

ACA health insurance plans do not cover routine dental and vision care. This means that if you want to get covered for things like regular vision checks, glasses, or dental cleanings you’ll have to get supplemental insurance.

You can purchase insurance for dental and vision through brokers like eHealth.

Additionally, disability insurance provides essential coverage for travel nurses, offering financial protection in the event of injury or illness that prevents them from working.

Everyone’s health insurance needs and options are different and require thoughtful consideration. Whichever route you decide to take for travel nurse health insurance, eHealth can provide expert guidance and help you find a plan that fits your needs. As the first and largest online health insurance brokerage, eHealth’s experienced customer support team can help you with any questions you may have about your health insurance options and make sure you find a plan that works for your budget and coverage needs.

Compare the large range of individual and family health insurance options in your area with eHealth to get started today!

Other considerations when choosing health insurance for travel nurses

When selecting a health insurance plan for travel nursing, it’s essential to thoroughly grasp how the policy addresses pre-existing conditions and emergencies. Firstly, examine whether the plan offers coverage for pre-existing conditions, as some plans may have limitations or exclusions in this regard. Additionally, prioritize plans that provide comprehensive coverage for emergencies, including medical evacuation if needed. Review the policy documentation carefully to understand any restrictions or waiting periods associated with pre-existing conditions and emergency care. It’s also wise to consider the portability of coverage, ensuring that you can maintain insurance continuity across different assignments. For travel nurses managing chronic conditions, seek plans that offer adequate support and coverage for ongoing healthcare needs while on assignment.

For travel nurses embarking on international assignments, navigating insurance coverage requires additional considerations. Look for health insurance plans that extend coverage internationally, encompassing medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation of remains. Consider supplementing your coverage with travel insurance, which can offer benefits like trip cancellation/interruption coverage and emergency assistance services. Familiarize yourself with the healthcare systems and facilities in the countries where you’ll be working, ensuring you’re prepared for any medical situations that may arise. Verify whether your insurance plan includes medical evacuation services, which can be vital in accessing specialized care or dealing with serious emergencies abroad. Prioritize keeping essential documentation, including policy details and emergency contact information, readily accessible while traveling internationally. Finally, for language barriers, seek insurance plans that offer language assistance services or access to interpreters to facilitate communication with healthcare providers in foreign countries.

Frequently asked questions about travel nurse health insurance

Can I get fined for not having health insurance?

While the tax penalty for not having health insurance has been repealed at the federal, you can still be fined in some states for going without ACA-compliant health insurance.

You can be fined in the following states:

• California
• New Jersey
• Rhode Island
• Washington D.C.

You can learn more about states with the individual mandate tax in our more detailed article.

Can I keep my health insurance when between assignments?

Yes, you can maintain your health insurance between assignments.

Can I customize my travel nurse health insurance plan?

Yes, many travel nurse health insurance plans offer customization options to suit your specific needs and preferences. These options typically include adjusting coverage levels for medical, dental, and vision care, adding on benefits like prescription drug coverage or mental health services, selecting provider networks, adjusting deductibles and coinsurance levels, ensuring coverage for specific conditions or treatments, accessing travel assistance services, and choosing flexible payment plans. By leveraging these customization features, travel nurses can tailor their insurance plans to meet their unique healthcare needs, budget constraints, and travel preferences. It’s essential to carefully review and compare the available options to select the plan that best aligns with your requirements.

How can I maximize my health insurance coverage as a travel nurse?

Maximizing health insurance coverage as a travel nurse involves staying informed about your plan’s details, utilizing in-network providers to minimize costs, and taking advantage of preventive services to maintain your well-being. Additionally, understanding the coverage for emergencies during travel and accessing telehealth services can enhance your overall healthcare experience while on assignments.