Health Insurance for Travel Nurses

Aug 16

There are many rewarding benefits of a career in travel nursing. However, one benefit that is typically left out is health coverage offered year round as nurses switch contracts. Before you sign a contract, be sure to investigate what you will do to take care of your personal health care, and if you should get health coverage through your agency or look into personal private plans.

Private Health Insurance vs. Agency Plans

There are always pros and cons to consider when it comes to health insurance.

Private Health Insurance:A great option for nurses interested in coverage that travels with them nationwide. No matter where you go or where your next assignment takes you, you can feel confident in a policy that gives you the same level of care, anywhere. Another main benefit of a private plan is having no lapse in medical coverage. Most private plans are based on your health and age, not your income. Private health insurance is very customizable allowing one to add dental and vision, short term disability, accidental death and dismemberment and many other supplements alongside with their medical benefits to build the full package. If interested in learning more about private plans, read our Guide to Health Insurance blog post!

Agency Offered Plans: There can be some benefits associated with these plans, but it is vital to your finances and health to read up on what is offered or get a free consultation from a licensed agent to review the policy and possible alternatives. For example, with some plans there can be no annual deductibles which means paying thousands of dollars year before the insurance benefits even kick in. Through an agency, you may be paying top rates for COBRA or your states marketplace.

Why This Matters More in 2026

With the ACA marketplace’s enhanced premium tax credits expired as of the end of 2025, marketplace premiums have risen sharply for many people buying on their own. For travel nurses weighing agency-offered coverage against a private plan, that makes the math worth re-running rather than assuming last year’s comparison still holds. A private PPO plan that travels with you between contracts avoids both the coverage gaps of switching agency plans and the new marketplace pricing — worth a quick comparison before your next contract starts.

How do I Pick the Best Health Insurance Plan as a Travel Nurse?

How to navigate health insurance is a common question of many travel nurses. Research and getting a quality agent are two main steps in finding a great plan!

Book a free consultation with licensed Health Insurance Advisor Emmanuel Lopez todayto go through all of your options and find a plan that best fits your lifestyle, needs, and budget! Save money on health insurance by choosing a private plan, and negotiate for a higher contract pay!

Contact Emmanuel Lopez - 757-281-8178 or Manny@TopTierCoverage.net