Comparing Health Insurance Across Travel Therapy Companies
Health insurance is one of the most overlooked factors when choosing a travel therapy company — and one of the most important. The difference between agencies isn't just a few dollars per week; it can mean the difference between comprehensive coverage and a plan that barely covers preventive care.
How Agency Health Insurance Varies
Under the ACA, agencies with 50+ employees must offer coverage to full-time workers. But the law sets a floor, not a ceiling. What agencies actually provide ranges enormously.
Top-tier agencies offer major medical PPO plans through carriers like Blue Cross, United, or Cigna with reasonable deductibles ($1,000–$2,500), broad provider networks, and the agency subsidizing a meaningful portion of the premium. Budget agencies technically comply by offering minimum essential coverage (MEC) plans — plans that cover preventive care and little else, with $5,000+ deductibles and narrow networks.
Insurance by Company Tier
| Company Tier | Typical Plan | Deductible | Day-One Coverage | Between-Contract Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium (e.g., Host, Jackson) | Major Medical PPO | $1,000–$2,500 | Yes | Often 30 days |
| Mid-tier (e.g., Fusion, Core) | Major Medical HMO/PPO | $2,000–$4,000 | Within 30 days | Varies |
| Small/Boutique | Varies widely | Varies | Varies | Usually ends with contract |
| Budget | MEC/Limited | $5,000+ | Sometimes | Ends immediately |
Questions to Ask Your Recruiter About Insurance
Before signing with any agency, ask for the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) — they're legally required to provide it. Specifically, ask about the carrier and plan type (HMO, PPO, high-deductible), monthly premium and who pays it, when coverage starts (day one vs. after a waiting period), whether coverage continues between assignments, the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, and how broad the provider network is.
The Marketplace Alternative
Many savvy travelers skip agency insurance entirely and get their own ACA marketplace plan. Because your taxable income as a traveler is often lower than your total compensation (stipends are tax-free), you may qualify for significant premium subsidies. A marketplace plan also provides year-round continuity regardless of contract status — no gaps to worry about.
This approach works especially well with higher-paying agencies where you can negotiate the insurance cost back into your pay package. Some agencies will increase your hourly rate or stipend when you opt out of their insurance.
What the Best Companies Do Differently
The agencies that rank highest for benefits in our analysis share a few traits: they're transparent about what their plan covers before you sign, they offer day-one coverage with no waiting period, they maintain coverage for at least 30 days between assignments, and they don't bury premium deductions in the pay package without disclosure.
Health insurance shouldn't be an afterthought in your agency comparison. Compare the total value of each offer: weekly pay minus insurance premiums plus the value of the coverage. Sometimes a slightly lower-paying agency with excellent insurance delivers more total value than a higher-paying agency with a bare-bones plan.
For a deeper dive into health insurance options, check out our comprehensive insurance guide or how insurance affects your stipends.