Getting your own health insurance

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU, Travel Nurse.

I am a traveler who recently got sick. I found out how horrible the health insurance is. Just to get a medication that usually costs 20$, it was $80. Does anyone have any good suggestions for health insurance that I can get on my own? THANKS! :heartbeat

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If you are relatively healthy, you could look into a high deductible plan with a health savings account. Since you take on much of the risk the monthly premium is very low. The amount you put into the hsa is also a tax deduction if you itemize at the end of the year.

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Specializes in Cardiac tele, stepdown.

Health insurance is something I really need for myself and my family. I have been with several agencies and each one has different health insurance and some pay well and others don't. I try to look at the health insurance plan before I sign up but it is hard to understand the insurance jargon. I am currently with Sagent Healthstaff. They have Aetna insurance and it has been VERY good!! Better than any other company I have been with. They do pay for the Traveler and then I pay for my family. It is expensive for family coverage but well worth it.

Sorry you had to find out the hard way on the insurance.

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Specializes in critical Care/ICU-traveler.

I currently carry my own health insurance and in return I get some money back from my agency every month.

I got mine thru EHealthInsurance (I was directed there by NSO). It is an Aetna plan at a really reasonable rate. I also carry coverage for my spouse and they have family plans if you need them. You can customize it to your own situation, such as a lower deductible, pre-natal coverage, etc.

Just be careful because not all of the plans have physicians that participate in all 50 states. Being a traveler, it doesnt help me if I need a doctor and there is no one for 500 miles that takes my insurance. Be sure to ask the representative if you call.

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Specializes in M/S.

I have the same question and on another forum they suggested "The New Health Insurance Solution" by Paul Zane Pilzer. I am only on Chapter 2 but there is some good info in it. I have an existing condition that would be difficult to get insurance but I have group health insurance right now and from what I understand I should be able to get covered but may have to wait 12 for them to cover it. I haven't come to that part yet. Just check this book out, I think $20 at Amazon. I do think most travel companies do reimburse some for nurses that have their own. Hope that helps.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, MS, Ortho.
I currently carry my own health insurance ....I got mine thru EHealthInsurance (I was directed there by NSO). It is an Aetna plan at a really reasonable rate. .....

What is the rate for the family of two (no major problems)?

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Specializes in critical Care/ICU-traveler.
What is the rate for the family of two (no major problems)?

The plan that we have is for $318/mo. We are both in our 30's and non-smokers. Hubby has had GI problems requiring surgery several years ago, so he is $30 more expensive then I am.

Because we are both healthy and take no rountine meds, we chose a higher deductible plan. But like I said earlier, you can customize how you wish.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, MS, Ortho.
The plan that we have is for $318/mo. ....

$318 per person or family?

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Specializes in critical Care/ICU-traveler.
$318 per person or family?

For both of us.

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