Health Insurance for Traveling Employees

While there isn’t a blanket simple answer for which plan to sign up for if you’re a traveling employee, like a traveling nurse for example, we can still help you narrow down some of your choices.

First, check with your company to see if they offer insurance benefits. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option, as your employer likely contributes to your plan cost, and the enrollment is fairly simple since your employer and the insurance broker take care of the rest. Keep in mind, there are usually waiting periods for insurance to kick in, and you likely do not want any lapse in coverage.

PPO vs. HMO

HMO policies are too restrictive for traveling employees, as the network is local to residence and doesn’t allow for easy access to care when travelling. You will need to select a primary care physician (PCP) and will need a referral for specialty care. All of those referrals will also be within network. There will be hefty costs for services received out-of-network.

Our advice? Sign up for a high deductible PPO plan with national network. All large carriers like United Health Care, Aetna, and Blue Cross, offer national networks. There is greater flexibility with a PPO plan, as members are not required to designate a PCP, referrals are not needed, and while out-of-pocket costs may be higher than in-network, there are typically greater networks. PPO plans tend to be more costly, but this is due to the flexibility that they offer.

Just remember, emergencies are covered under any plan within the terms and guidelines of the plan.

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Always compare plans before signing up for coverage and speak to someone when you need assistance.

Need help choosing a plan? Reach out to an agent.