Hitting the Road, Not the Breaks: Essential RV Travel Health Insurance Guide
The RV is packed, the road is clear, adventure awaits. Before you pull out, have you figured out how to stay healthy and protected during your road trip? Health insurance is a crucial element of any RV trip, whether you’re a full-time nomad, a seasonal snowbird, or an occasional explorer.
Your Health Insurance Options
Traditional Employer-Based Plans
If you have health coverage through your work, you may already be covered on the road. Check your plan to find the doctors, urgent care facilities, and hospitals that are “in-network” for your insurance. Large providers, like Cigna or Blue Cross Blue Shield, will probably have in-network providers wherever you go.
ACA Marketplace
If you’re purchasing your own health insurance, go to the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. Look for a plan with broad geographical coverage and make sure that you’ll have health insurance coverage no matter what state you’re in.
RV-Specific Health Insurance
If your regular insurance doesn’t cover you on the road, look into RV-specific health insurance. These plans are specially designed to offer nationwide coverage, often cover telemedicine as well as traditional doctor visits, and can be fairly affordable. In particular, these can be excellent options for full-time Rvers. I have used telemedicine while traveling and have been satisfied with both the convenience and the cost for simple medical treatment while traveling.
Travel Medical Insurance
Going international? This is when I invest in a travel insurance policy. These policies will cover you, even when you venture into Mexico or Canada for a month or two. These policies are not usually expensive. While, overall coverage may be more limited than standard plans, in the case of an emergency, this medical plan can be invaluable.
Making the Most of a Health Insurance Plan
When you’re choosing an insurance plan, consider your travel plans. How long will you be traveling? Do you have any pre-existing conditions? Do you suffer from any conditions like diabetes that need medicine and a doctor’s appointment every month? If you need ongoing medical care, a catastrophe-only plan is just not going to cut it.
Once you hit the road, be careful to stick to doctors and medical providers who accept your insurance, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. And you may still be able to use your doctor at home if they offer telemedicine appointments – any needed test orders can just be sent to a local lab! This can make it much easier for you to maintain your health without breaking your budget.
