Comparing Health Insurance Across Travel Therapy Companies
Agency health insurance varies widely, from coverage that starts on day one on a broad plan to coverage that starts after a waiting period and covers little. Ask for the Summary of Benefits and Coverage before you sign, and compare it with a Marketplace plan. The questions to ask your recruiter are below.
How Agency Health Insurance Varies
What agencies actually provide ranges enormously.
Insurance by Company Tier
| Company Tier | Typical Plan | Deductible | Day-One Coverage | Between-Contract Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small/Boutique | Varies widely | Varies | Varies | Usually ends with contract |
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. If you'd like an offer with every pay line written out, ask a recruiter for one: Find my next contract.
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 at or below the federal rate are not taxed when you keep a tax home), 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
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.