Renter Insurance 101

Protect your gear, your peace of mind, and your paycheck

We get it—insurance isn’t the most exciting part of travel life. But renters insurance is a small step that can save you big if something goes wrong.

As a travel clinician, you’re living in unfamiliar spaces, moving often, and carrying essentials like laptops, scrubs, and medical gear. If something gets stolen, damaged, or lost during your stay, renter’s insurance can help cover the cost—without wrecking your budget.

Understanding What a Policy Covers

These core coverages protect your belongings, your liability, and your budget—no matter where your next assignment takes you.

Coverage	What It Does	Typical Limits
Personal Property	Reimburses loss from fire, theft, or certain water damage	$20,000 – $60,000
Liability	Pays medical bills and legal fees if someone is hurt in your unit or you damage the property	$100,000, $300,000, $500,000 (progressive.com)
Additional Living Expenses (ALE)	Covers hotel and meals if a covered event makes the unit unlivable	20 – 30 % of property limit

Standard policies exclude flood and earthquake losses. Consider a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or private carriers.

Cost Breakdown to Expect in 2025

Example Package	Average Monthly Premium*	What You Get
$20 000 property / $100 000 liability	$14–$16 (bankrate.com)	Entry-level basics
$40 000 property / $300 000 liability	≈ $22 (insurance.com)	Balanced protection
Add NFIP flood rider	+ $10–$25 (investopedia.com)	Contents up to $100,000

Premiums vary by state, deductible, safety features, and bundling with auto insurance.

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Non-Negotiables for Your Policy

Replacement-cost value: Get today’s store price, not depreciated value.
Liability of at least $300,000: Hospital contracts often require proof.
Riders for jewelry, cameras, or clinical devices above $1 000 individual item limits.
Flood or earthquake add-ons if the assignment ZIP code is high risk.
Easy address change: Choose a carrier whose app lets you update the ZIP code the day you move.
24/7 digital claims: Essential when you work nights or cross-country.

A clinician filling out a form on a clipboard with a pen

Insurance Brands We Trust

Carrier	Why It Stands Out
USAA	Highest J.D. Power satisfaction and top AM Best rating; great for current or former military families
State Farm	A++ financial strength and widespread local agents for in-person help
Allstate	Robust bundling discounts and user-friendly mobile app
Lemonade	Robust bundling discounts and user-friendly mobile app
Liberty Mutual	Budget-friendly premiums and customizable endorsements

Check out Bankrate for more. FlexCare receives no commission. These are popular choices among our travelers.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Is renters insurance required for travel nurses?

Yes, many landlords require renters insurance for travel nurses. Proof of liability coverage is often necessary before move-in, especially for…

Will one policy work in another state?

Yes. Most national carriers let you change the address inside the same policy. Update the ZIP code before each contract.

How much coverage should I buy?

Add up replacement cost for everything you own, then round to the next $10,000. Most travelers choose $30,000–$50,000.

Is renters insurance tax-deductible?

Generally, no. Ask a tax professional if you are self-employed or carry expensive work gear.

Does standard renters insurance cover floods or earthquakes?

No. Depending on where your assignment is based, we recommend purchasing a separate flood or earthquake rider or policy.

We’re here to support you.

FlexCare has award-winning experts to help you navigate every portion of your travel journey- from finding the best pay package for you to prepping for your first assignment.

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