Ask a Travel Nurse: How can I get affordable health insurance while Travel Nursing?
Ask a Travel Nurse Question:
The agency that I’m planning to start a contract with in January offers health insurance, but it’s expensive. How can I get affordable health insurance while Travel Nursing?
Ask a Travel Nurse Answer:
When it comes to insurance, this is an area where all companies are definitely NOT alike. Some companies will offer you seemingly great hourly rates, but that only means they have likely not allocated much money toward their benefits policy (which means crappy coverage at high rates). Look for a well-rounded company that will pay you a decent rate, but also allocates a decent amount of your compensation package from the hospital toward their insurance plan.
I was recently surprised by how decent my insurance was with what is probably THE largest travel company out there (one that also usually receives horrible reviews in the travel forums). But I have a great recruiter with them (the only reason I continue to travel with them) and my monthly cost was only $160 and their prescription plan probably saved me DOUBLE that on my Nexium.
These days, you cannot just look at great rates and jump on board with a company. You have to look at the entire compensation package, which should include a good health insurance plan. Be sure to ask questions about health insurance and how that factors into your pay package before you sign on. If it’s a priority to you, you may want to look at another company.
Hope this helps.
David