[BizzleRN]

So everyone is saying that signing up with 2-3 travel companies is the best way to go. However, how does that work with health insurance?

I mean I would really like to know if most travelers buy their own health insurance or just take the companies?

[AmandaWIRN]

I take the travel company's insurance- I travel with RN Network, and they have very good insurance, however, if you plan on switching companies a lot, you might want to get your own insurance.

[amberdouglas]

most agencies offer first day insurance, if they don't they probably are not a very good company anyway. so if you switch, you don't lose coverage. It can be a pain if you wait until your cards come in the mail, but you can get your coverage information before then if you want to go to the MD.

[stellar]

I am just researching this myself, and I am shocked at the cost for insurance! My medical COBRA, (individual) for UHC with great coverage, no deductable, will be $422/mo, RTG is $343, RN Network is $138/mo for the lower end plan and $276 for the higher, and you can change plans with every contract, TNS is $187/mo, and Access I am still waiting to hear from. Keep in mind deductables and many have 80-20 coverage. That means you have 20% of anything with a yearly max, it could be in the tens of thousands...Sobering given this economy!!

[AmandaWIRN]

stellar, where are you getting your figures from??? I have been with RN Network for almost 2 years, and my insurance is FREE, no deductibles, low copays, started day 1 of my first assignment with them...

[stellar]

Amanda, actually it is from the recruiter you recommended. It is in the literature he sent me. He told me there is now a new insurance plan? If you have updated info please let me know.

[AmandaWIRN]

hmmm, if there's a new insurance plan, I'm not paying for it- maybe they "grandfathered" me in because I don't pay anything for my insurance...

Also, on RN Network's website, they are still advertising health insurance "at no cost to you" It states that depending on the plan you choose, they'll pay 100% of the premiums. And I do know that their free plan is very good- no deductibles, low co-pays, but it is a PPO, so you have to see preferred providers- I've never had a problem finding providers wherever I've been. My plan also include free dental and vision insurance...

Now, it will be extra to add dependents (which is the case with every company), but I would check again about having to pay for the insurance...

[stellar]

Amanda, Thanks for the response, please clarify it with the recruiter and let us all know. I have yet to speak with any agency that has free insurance? If anyone else can share their experience I would appreciate it. This has become a bit of a make or break for me in deciding to travel, given the instability in the economy. Paying these types of premiums, plus taking a cut in pay ultimately, etc (all the disadvantages to traveling, plus some of these blogs about getting sued and contracts abruptly ending.) It is becoming harder to counter-balance the plus side. No one really responded to another post I had in which I asked what the consensus was about the impact the bad economic times would have on traveling, but if you think it won't affect it, I believe you are mistaken. It will affect everyone, including permanent staff. I wasn't planning on traveling until January anyway, so I am taking a "wait and see" stance right now, and also relying in part on the various blogs for input. So your input and direct experience is greatly appreciated

[Kdog]

stellar
I've never paid for health insurance while on assignment. It's free usually day 1..
Maybe what you are hearing from recruiters is the amount for single coverage but that is not at your expense.
Call them back and inquire..

[AmandaWIRN]

I think if you are wanting to choose various company's "premium" insurance, then yes, you will have to pay more, but most companies offer a PPO or MHO for free to you... adding family members will also cost you more. As far as the economy, no, I don't see it affecting travel nursing much. Regardless of the economy, nurses will always be needed... unlike retail, tourins, etc, healthcare is not something that is optional, so there will always be a need for nurses.