Most travel nurse contracts don't start your health insurance on day one. Some have a 30-day wait. Some have 60. And if you're moving between contracts or taking any time off between assignments, that gap is entirely your problem to solve.
Here are your four real options.
Option 1: COBRA
Stay on your last agency's plan after your assignment ends. Easy to set up — you just keep paying. The catch: you're now covering the full premium your employer used to subsidize. Expect $700–$1,200 per month for a single person. It's the most seamless option but rarely the most affordable.
Option 2: Short-term health insurance
Plans built specifically for coverage gaps. Usually $150–$400 per month depending on your age, state, and coverage level. Not ACA-compliant so pre-existing conditions may not be covered. Best for healthy nurses who need catastrophic protection during a short gap.
Option 3: ACA marketplace plan
Losing employer coverage triggers a Special Enrollment Period — meaning you can sign up outside of open enrollment. Premiums depend on income and state. If you are in a contract gap with lower reported income, subsidies may apply and bring your cost down significantly.
Option 4: Healthcare sharing ministries
Lower monthly cost — typically $100–$250 per month. Not traditional insurance. Has real limitations on what is covered. Worth researching if you are in good health and cost is the primary concern.
The number to budget: $200–$600 per month during any gap. Build it into your contract math the same way you build in housing and travel costs.
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