Open Enrollment for Travel Nurses and Allied Clinicians: What You Need to Know

Ah, open enrollment - that special time of year when even the most organized among us end up asking, "Do I have an FSA or an HSA?" 

If you're a travel clinician, this time of year can feel especially confusing. Why? Because unlike the staff nurses you're working alongside, your benefits don't come from the hospital where you're on assignment - they come from your agency. 

And that's where things can get a little tricky. Every agency handles benefits differently, and understanding who covers you (and when) is key to keeping your health insurance consistent from one assignment to the next. 

Wait, So My Benefits Don't Come from the Hospital? 

Nope - and that's actually a good thing. When you're a traveler, your hospital contracts change all the time, but your agency is typically the one providing your coverage while you're on assignment. 

If your benefits were tied to each hospital, you'd be starting from scratch every 13 weeks. (Yikes.) Instead, your staffing agency - whichever one you're currently with - is the one offering your insurance. 

That's why it can really pay off to stick with an agency that makes benefits simple and consistent (like FlexCare 😉). When you stay with one agency you trust, your coverage travels with you from assignment to assignment, saving you the headache of re-enrolling or managing gaps between contracts. 

What Open Enrollment Actually Means for You 

Think of open enrollment as your annual "benefits check-up." It's your chance to:

• Add or remove dependents 
• Change your plan type
• Review what's working (and what's not) 
• Make sure you're set for the year ahead 

Even if you're happy with your current plan, it's worth taking a look. Life changes - maybe you got married, had a baby, or discovered you're now allergic to something random like mangoes (it happens). Whatever the case, your benefits should fit your current lifestyle. 

What to Look for During Open Enrollment 

Whether you're with FlexCare or another agency, here are a few smart moves to make during open enrollment:

• Confirm what's covered. Check your medical, dental, and vision options - and make sure your preferred providers are in-network.
• Ask about coverage between assignments. Some agencies drop coverage if you take time off between contracts, while others (like FlexCare!) make it easy to stay protected.
• Review your dependents and life changes. Did your family situation change? New spouse, baby, or even a new pet? Make sure your benefits reflect your current life.
• Know your deadlines. Open enrollment windows vary by agency, so mark those dates early - your future self will thank you. 

Tips for Smooth Enrollment

• Don't wait until the last day. We know you're busy saving lives, but your future self will thank you for handling this early. 
• Think about your year ahead. New assignment in a new state? Family changes? Upcoming surgery? Choose coverage that fits your next chapter.
• Ask questions. Benefits are complicated - but you don't have to be the expert. That's why your agency's benefits team exists. 

Outside of Open Enrollment: What If You Start Mid-Year? 

Good news - you don't have to wait until open enrollment to get coverage if you're just starting with a new agency. 

When you begin a new assignment, that counts as a "qualifying life event" under most insurance plans. That means you can enroll in your agency's benefits as soon as you're eligible, even if it's not open enrollment season. 

Other qualifying events include:

• Losing coverage elsewhere (like a spouse's plan)
• Getting married or divorced
• Having or adopting a child
• Moving to a new state 

So if you join FlexCare mid-year, you won't have to wait months to get insured - your recruiter and benefits team will help you get started right away. 

FlexCare Benefits That Go Wherever You Go 

At FlexCare, we know travel healthcare comes with enough moving parts - your benefits shouldn't be one of them. 

Here's what you can count on as a FlexCare clinician: 

• Comprehensive health insurance - Medical, dental, and vision coverage available to all full-time clinicians.
• Coverage that travels with you - Stay insured between assignments as long as you're active with FlexCare
• Real human support - Our benefits team is here to walk you through open enrollment and answer every "wait, what's a deductible again?" question.
• Extra perks - 401(k) with matching, Employee EAP, pet insurance, and other benefits that help you plan for your future while taking care of yourself now. 

At FlexCare, your coverage is designed to move with you, protect you, and simplify your life on the road. 

So grab your coffee, log in to review your options, and remember - you're not navigating this alone. We're here to make sure you have everything you need to stay healthy, happy, and ready for your next adventure. 

FAQ: Travel Clinician Open Enrollment Edition 

Q: Can I keep my insurance if I take a few weeks off between assignments? 

A: Yes! As long as you remain active with FlexCare (meaning, you don’t take 30 more days off between assignments) and meet eligibility requirements, your coverage continues between assignments. 

Q: What if I switch agencies? 

A: When you switch, your previous coverage usually ends with your last assignment. You'll need to enroll in your new agency's plan, but qualifying-event rules allow you to start coverage immediately. 

Q: What happens if I miss open enrollment? 

A: You'll have to wait until the next open enrollment period unless you experience a qualifying life event. 

Q: Why do some agencies seem to pay more but offer less? 

A: Some agencies boost hourly pay by trimming benefits. While that might sound appealing short-term, losing consistent insurance or retirement benefits can cost more in the long-run.