Last Updated: September 2025 | Reading Time: 10 minutes

How do travel nurses get health insurance when moving between assignments every 13 weeks? This question keeps many healthcare professionals awake at night. The good news is you have several solid options to maintain continuous coverage.

As a licensed health insurance agent since 2019, I’ve helped hundreds of travel nurses solve their insurance puzzles. I’ve seen nurses panic when coverage ends between assignments. I’ve also helped them discover options that cost less and cover more than they expected.

Travel nurses face unique challenges. You work short-term jobs. You move constantly. You need coverage that follows you everywhere. Regular employer plans don’t fit your lifestyle.

Here’s what I tell every travel nurse: You can get health insurance through agency plans, private coverage, government marketplaces, or family member plans. The trick is picking the right one for your situation.

Quick Guide: How Travel Nurses Get Health Insurance

My advice: Never go without coverage. Even one day uninsured can cost you thousands.

How Do Travel Nurses Get Health Insurance Through Agencies?

Most travel nursing companies offer health insurance. This is usually the first option new travel nurses consider. Let me break down what you need to know about how travel nurses get health insurance through their agencies.

Agency plans start fast, but timing varies. Most reputable agencies offer coverage on your first day of work. However, some require waiting periods up to 30 days before coverage begins. Always verify your coverage start date before accepting an assignment.

Costs are reasonable but not free. Travel nurses typically pay $40-200 weekly for agency health insurance. That breaks down to roughly $160-800 monthly depending on your plan and agency. For example, some agencies charge around $200 weekly for comprehensive coverage, while basic HSA-eligible plans might cost only $10-25 weekly.

Here’s how the math works. Your agency pays a portion of the total premium, usually 67-78% according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. You pay the remaining portion through payroll deductions. This employer contribution makes agency coverage more affordable than buying insurance independently.

PPO plans cost more but offer flexibility. Many agencies offer PPO options for $50-70 weekly. These plans let you see specialists without referrals and often have broader networks than HMO alternatives.

But here’s the catch. Agency insurance often has narrow networks. Your favorite doctor back home might not be covered in your new city. You might pay extra to see specialists or use out-of-network providers.

Coverage stops when assignments end. This creates dangerous gaps. Take two weeks off between jobs? You’re uninsured. Get sick during that break? You pay full price. Some agencies extend coverage for short gaps if you continue working with them, but don’t count on this protection.

I’ve seen nurses choose agencies based on insurance alone. That’s smart thinking. Your health coverage matters more than an extra dollar per hour. But remember, you’ll still pay copays, deductibles, and coinsurance just like any employer plan.

How Do Travel Nurses Get Health Insurance on Their Own?

Private health insurance gives you complete control. You pick the plan. You choose the doctors. The coverage follows you everywhere you work.

Why travel nurses choose private PPO plans over agency insurance:

No Coverage Gaps: Private insurance continues seamlessly between assignments and when switching agencies. You stay covered even if you take weeks or months off. Agency insurance usually cuts off the day your contract ends. Miss a week between jobs? You’re on your own.

Greater Flexibility & Choice: With a PPO, you pick your own doctors and specialists without jumping through hoops for referrals. Since you’re constantly moving around, having access to providers in every state is huge. Agency plans often leave you scrambling to find new doctors every 13 weeks.

Independence from Employers: Your insurance isn’t tied to whoever’s signing your paycheck that month. Switch agencies? Your coverage stays put. Take three months off to travel Europe? Still covered. Plus, you can chase those high-paying contracts without worrying about crappy benefits packages.

Better for Complex Needs or Families: Got kids who need to keep seeing the same pediatrician? Chronic condition that requires specialists? Private insurance lets you maintain those relationships no matter where your next assignment takes you.

Possible Pay Increase: Here’s something most nurses don’t know – some agencies will bump up your hourly rate or throw you a stipend if you skip their insurance. If you’ve got solid private coverage, that extra cash goes straight to your pocket. If your private plan is cost-effective, this can increase your overall compensation.

National networks work in every state. Big insurers like Blue Cross have doctors everywhere. Work in Texas one month, California the next? Same plan, same network.

Here’s a benefit many nurses miss. Self-employed travel nurses can deduct health insurance premiums from their taxes. This tax break makes private coverage much more affordable.

The downside? Higher upfront costs. But think long-term. Consistent coverage means consistent care. No scrambling for new doctors every few months. Private insurance works best for experienced travel nurses who value independence and stability over convenience and employer subsidies.

How Do Travel Nurses Get Health Insurance Through Government Programs?

Government marketplace plans offer subsidized coverage for qualifying nurses. These plans work great during gaps between assignments or for nurses with lower incomes.

Income-based help lowers your costs. Make less than $60,000 yearly? You might qualify for premium assistance. The government pays part of your monthly bill.

Special enrollment helps between jobs. Lose agency coverage? You can buy marketplace insurance immediately. You don’t wait for open enrollment periods.

All plans cover essential benefits. Every marketplace plan includes emergency care, prescription drugs, and preventive services. You know what’s covered before you buy.

But marketplace plans have limitations. Networks change by state. Your Texas plan might not work well in Florida. Research doctor availability before traveling.

I often recommend marketplace plans for nurses taking extended breaks. The subsidies make coverage very affordable during lower-income periods.

How Do Travel Nurses Get Health Insurance Through Family?

Married travel nurses often find their best deal through their spouse’s job. Family coverage provides stable, affordable protection.

Group insurance costs less. Employers subsidize family plans. You pay less than individual coverage while getting better benefits.

Coverage never changes. Start a new assignment? Your insurance stays the same. Take time off? Still covered. This stability is priceless for travel nurses.

COBRA extends coverage. If your spouse loses their job, continue the same plan for 18 months. This gives you time to find new coverage without gaps.

The downside? Some employer plans only work in certain regions. Check if your spouse’s plan has doctors where you’ll be working.

Common Problems: How Travel Nurses Get Health Insurance Wrong

I see the same mistakes repeatedly. Let me help you avoid them.

Mistake 1: Going without coverage between jobs. Even short gaps create huge risks. One emergency room visit costs more than months of insurance premiums.

Mistake 2: Only looking at monthly costs. A cheap plan with an $8,000 deductible might cost more than expensive coverage with low deductibles.

Mistake 3: Not researching networks. Your plan might be useless if it has no doctors in your assignment city.

Mistake 4: Ignoring tax benefits. Self-employed nurses can deduct premiums. This makes coverage much more affordable than it appears.

Here’s what I recommend. Start researching your next insurance option 30 days before your current coverage ends. This gives you time to compare plans and avoid gaps.

Real Costs: What Travel Nurses Actually Pay

Let me give you real numbers based on industry data and my clients’ experiences.

Agency plans: $40-200 weekly ($160-800 monthly)

• Pro: Employer pays 67-78% of total premium
• Con: Coverage gaps between jobs
• Example: Aya Healthcare charges around $200 weekly for comprehensive plans
• Budget option: HSA-eligible plans for $10-25 weekly

Private plans: $200-600 monthly

• Pro: Continuous coverage, tax deductible
• Con: Higher upfront costs, no employer contribution

Government plans: $50-500 monthly after subsidies

• Pro: Income-based assistance available
• Con: Limited networks in some areas

Family plans: $150-300 monthly addition to spouse’s plan

• Pro: Group rates, stable coverage
• Con: Geographic limitations possible

Remember, these are just premium costs. You’ll also pay copays, deductibles, and coinsurance with any plan. Agency insurance isn’t free – you’re responsible for your portion of premiums plus all out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.

Smart Strategies: How Travel Nurses Get Health Insurance Right

Here are proven strategies from my most successful travel nurse clients.

Start with continuous coverage as your goal. Never let insurance gaps happen, even for one day. Everything else is secondary to maintaining protection.

Build an emergency fund. Keep three months of expenses saved. This covers you during insurance transitions or unexpected medical bills.

Research networks before accepting assignments. Make sure your insurance plan has good doctors in your assignment city.

Avoid coverage gaps at all costs. Even brief periods without insurance can lead to devastating financial consequences during medical emergencies.

Use COBRA as backup. If you lose agency coverage unexpectedly, COBRA lets you continue the same plan while you find new coverage.

Track your annual income carefully. This determines your eligibility for government subsidies and tax deductions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Nurse Insurance

Q: What’s the best health insurance for travel nurses just starting out? A: Most new travel nurses should start with agency-provided coverage to learn what benefits matter most to them. It’s usually free or low-cost, and you can always switch to private insurance once you understand your needs better.

Q: Can travel nurses get health insurance that works in all 50 states? A: Yes. Choose plans with national networks from major insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, or Cigna. These companies have provider networks in every state.

Q: How do travel nurses maintain prescription coverage when moving between states? A: Use mail-order pharmacies for maintenance medications, stick with national pharmacy chains like CVS or Walgreens, and always verify your insurance covers prescriptions in your new state before moving.

Q: What healthcare coverage do travel nurses need during time off between assignments? A: Never go without coverage, even briefly. Maintain continuous insurance through private plans, COBRA continuation, or ensure your agency plan bridges gaps between contracts.

Q: Do travel nurses pay more for health insurance than regular nurses? A: Not necessarily. Agency plans often cost less due to employer contributions, but private insurance with tax deductions can be competitive. Government marketplace plans offer subsidies based on income.

Q: Can travel nurses with pre-existing conditions get coverage? A: Yes. ACA marketplace plans cannot deny coverage based on health conditions. Many private insurers also offer guaranteed-issue plans that accept all applicants.

Q: How does travel nurse insurance work for families with children? A: Family coverage through a spouse’s employer is often the most stable option. Private family plans work well too but cost more. Agency plans may not cover dependents or may have limited networks for pediatric care.

Q: What happens to health insurance when travel nurses take extended breaks? A: You need continuous coverage even during breaks. Private insurance continues automatically, COBRA extends previous coverage for 18 months, or you can buy marketplace insurance for the gap period.

My Professional Recommendation

After helping hundreds of travel nurses navigate insurance choices, here’s my honest advice.

For new travel nurses: Start with agency coverage to learn the ropes. It’s usually free or cheap, and you’ll discover what benefits matter most to you.

For experienced travel nurses: Consider private insurance for consistency and control. The tax benefits often make it cost less than agency plans.

For married travel nurses: Explore your spouse’s family coverage first. Group insurance often provides the best value and stability.

For nurses with health issues: Government marketplace plans can’t deny you coverage. These might be your best option regardless of cost.

The bottom line? Get travel nurse health insurance that sticks with you no matter what. I’ve seen too many nurses get blindsided by medical bills. They thought they could go a few weeks without travel nurse health insurance. Don’t be that person.

Every travel nurse’s situation is different. What works for your friend might not work for you. Spend time figuring out what matters most. Do you want to save money? Keep your current doctors? Have the freedom to switch agencies whenever you want? Then pick the travel nurse health insurance that matches those priorities.

For additional resources on travel nursing benefits, visit the American Nurses Association or Travel Nursing Central.

I’ve been selling health insurance for almost a decade now. I’ve probably helped more travel nurses than I can count. I’m licensed in multiple states. I know the ins and outs of agency plans, private insurance, and marketplace options. But here’s the thing. This guide gives you the basics, not personal advice. Every nurse’s situation is unique. Talk to a licensed agent who can look at your specific needs. Do this before making any big decisions about your travel nurse health insurance.

Last updated: August 16, 2025