Travel nursing with an existing health condition?

[Julius Seizure]

I've always been interested in travel nursing, but feel like I can't do it because of my health. I take daily and PRN medication and see a dr monthly. How does insurance work? I'll admit my ignorance here - am I going to have to buy my own private health insurance at crazy rates, or does the travel agency insure you? And how does it work when you are always in a different place as far as being "in network" for a provider? I hope these questions make sense

[NedRN]

Private insurance probably would be too much for your history. But 2014 is very close and you will be able to buy at the same rates as those without a history. Agencies tend to have bad insurance although there are several that have decent insurance. Part of what can make bad insurance bad is no network outside the agency's local area - which makes it practically worthless. Shouldn't be a problem for prescriptions though. Some agency insurance is old fashioned and does not go into effect until the first of the month after starting.

Getting a new doctor can be a hassle even with great networks. Breaking in a new doc can also be a hassle. Depending on your needs, you might be able to do telephone consults with your current doc, or (what I do) just ask one of the docs you work with if your working situation is conducive to that.

You can COBRA your existing insurance for 18 months (which takes you into 2014). Be prepared for sticker shock, good group is very expensive - can be $400 to as much as $800 a month. Still might be worth it, especially if there is a good national network.

I guess there is also the no insurance route too, which could work for you since 2014 is so close. Just depends on your actual needs and disposition for risk taking.

[Julius Seizure]

Thanks for the great reply. Yea, not having insurance isn't an option sadly . Wish I could do the phone consults with my current doc and still have it be covered as in network no matter what! Traveling may have to wait a year....