The logistical aspects alone can be stressful for those venturing into a travel nurse, per diem, or travel allied health career. But what about insurance? How do you protect yourself, your patients, and your career when you’re changing locations and employers so frequently?
What types of coverage do you need? How expensive is it? Where do you get it? Do you need health insurance and liability insurance? Is there anything you’re missing?
Take a deep breath. That’s where Luminous Travel Staffing comes in. Our recruiters are here to walk you through every step of the process.
Types of Travel Nurse Insurance
First off, cover all your bases. You’ll want to at least consider health/medical, malpractice, and liability coverage for your travel nurse insurance.
Health insurance can be provided by a travel staffing agency like Luminous, or you can seek out private insurance options. Be sure to ask about the specifics of the plans the agency provides and research all options and available providers, including the Health Insurance Marketplace, prior to committing one way or the other.
Malpractice and liability insurance are both necessary to protect your reputation and livelihood. The Nurse Services Organization suggests obtaining malpractice insurance, “even if you have coverage from your employer.”
“Professional liability insurance helps safeguard you against allegations of malpractice,” NSO stated. “While your employer may provide coverage for you, it may not be enough to cover you in all cases. Your employer’s policy is designed to preserve the employers’ needs and interests first.”
Travel medical insurance — the name says it all. This covers you in the event of a medical emergency as a traveling worker.
How Long Does Travel Nurse Insurance Coverage Last?
When considering your options, be sure to inquire about how long the coverage lasts. If you’re obtaining coverage through your staffing agency, talk to your recruiter about that. Find out if the coverage is per assignment or for the duration of your relationship with the agency. What resources do they offer for gaps in coverage, if any?
Private insurance coverage is yours and yours alone. Since it’s not tied to a particular assignment, you typically won’t need to be concerned about gaps in coverage.
What Else Do You Need to Know?
While Luminous provides insurance to the staff its recruiters place, Alysia Adams, Luminous’ co-founder, said there are “great options” on the marketplace, which can offer more consistency in coverage. The travel staffer would have to switch coverage if switching agencies.
When considering where to get your insurance (and which provider), also keep cost in mind. A new analysis from the U.S. Government Accountability Office suggests that higher concentrations of private health insurance offerings could increase costs to the consumer.
“Increased market concentration has often been the result of consolidation — mergers and acquisitions — among existing insurance companies,” GAO stated. “However, concentration can also increase if existing health insurance companies leave the market, reducing the number of issuers from which consumers can purchase coverage. And high concentration can make it difficult for new issuers to enter a market. Perpetuating the issue.”
For additional information, visit healthcare.gov. The National Association of Travel Healthcare Associations might also be able to offer additional resources.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational/educational purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice. Always consult an industry professional prior to making any monetary or insurance-related decisions.
The Bottom Line
Travel nurse insurance is necessary, but be sure to do your research before committing to a plan. Talk to friends or co-workers who’ve been through the process. Consult with insurance experts who are familiar with the travel staffing industry. Prepare yourself as best as you can so you can treat patients to the best of your ability and limit concerns surrounding your professional protection and your own health and wellbeing.
