Health Insurance as a Locum Tenens Travel Provider (1099)
Check out my 2 part informative Q+A with @healthinsurancecouple
Securing Your Benefits as a Locum Tenens Independent Contractor
Most locum tenens physicians are independent contractors (1099), which means they are responsible for securing their own comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, life, and disability insurance.
It's completely doable—trust me! I've been working locums for years, and I want to teach you how to build your own robust benefits package.
Where to Start: Major Medical Coverage
This is where you'll find comprehensive health insurance.
Healthcare.gov (The Marketplace/Exchange): This is the official website where you can find Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant plans.
Compare and Enroll in Health Insurance Plans: Use the site to compare different private health insurance plans available in your state. Focus on premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and the specific networks (PPO vs. HMO) to ensure you have coverage where you travel.
Essential Health Benefits (EHBs): All plans offered through the Marketplace must cover a set of ten EHBs, guaranteeing coverage for services like hospitalization, maternity care, and prescription drugs.
The Travel Factor: If you work in multiple states, check the plan's network coverage outside of your home state. Sometimes, purchasing an "off-exchange" private plan
Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
Ancillary Coverage: Dental and vision plans are typically purchased separately and are very affordable.
Life Insurance: Most locums choose Term Life Insurance, which is cost-effective and provides financial security for a set period (e.g., while you have a mortgage or dependents).
The Tax Advantage (An Essential Benefit)
As a 1099 independent contractor, you get a major tax benefit that W-2 employees do not:
Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction: You can typically deduct 100% of the premiums you pay for health, dental, and qualified long-term care insurance for yourself and your family. This deduction is taken above the line on your tax return, meaning it reduces your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
Next Steps
Visit Healthcare.gov to start comparing plans.
Want additional help? Healthcare.gov’s Find Local Help allows you to search for qualified, local insurance agents or navigators near you.
Check out @healthinsurancecouple for more tailored advice.
RELATED: Disability Insurance (Income Protection)-Arguably the single most important policy for any physician. Check out my post on this topic HERE
Thanks for reading!
The locumlady
