Health Insurance For Full-Time RVers
Access to healthcare is a necessity and it’s something that a permanent resident may take for granted. RV owners who spend weeks on the road at a time or who live in them year-round may find that their former policy no longer covers them. Many plans were not set up to account for the RV lifestyle, and finding affordable coverage can be a real challenge.
Here at The Outpost RV, we want all of our customers to be healthy and happy, no matter where they travel. That’s why we’ve created this helpful guide for RV owners wanting to obtain health insurance.
Why Do You Need It?
Though for a brief period there was a federal tax penalty for not having health coverage, at the time of the writing of this article this is not the case. Today, some people choose to remain uninsured much for the same reason they did so before the penalty was instated. Namely, that their employer did not offer it or they found it too expensive. People who are in good health and have no pre-existing conditions might feel that health insurance is an unnecessary expense.
However, no matter who you are, accidents and sudden illnesses can strike at any time. Regular exams are also still necessary no matter how healthy you are at the moment. Yearly physicals can help catch conditions before they worsen.
Insurance is meant for before you get sick, not after, and waiting for something to happen before you seek coverage puts a strain on the entire insurance system and can be expensive. Even if everything is fine now, it is better to have a plan for the future.
What To Look For In A Plan
RV owners face unique challenges when looking for a policy. Many plans are based around your state of residency, but what does that mean if you often travel from state to state? Check the rules for your state carefully, and don’t let yourself be tripped up by plans that don’t offer out-of-state coverage.
Those who are self-employed or work freelance will have to purchase their own coverage through the marketplace during the ACA’s open enrollment period. If you work remotely for a company that offers health insurance, check to see if your plan works anywhere in the country. If it doesn’t, know what restrictions apply.
If you are only worried about a sudden, major emergency, a catastrophic health insurance plan will cover you. However, it is highly recommended that you opt for a more comprehensive coverage plan. Regular exams, the occasional visit to a specialist, and prescription medications are all important parts of maintaining your health, and insurance can help you pay for them. This goes double for those with pre-existing conditions, as they are guaranteed to need regular healthcare.
Some RV owners have found success with telemedicine. Like the 21st century’s version of a house call, a physician contacts you via phone call or video chat to discuss your needs. Some estimates have claimed that up to 70% of office visits could be dealt with remotely rather than in person. Telemedicine is cheap to set up, so plans are reasonably affordable while allowing you to have coverage wherever you travel. A similar but more expensive option is concierge medicine, in which you pay a physician’s office on a regular basis for care when you need it. However, this isn’t available everywhere, so do your research.
Another alternative comes in the form of sharing ministries. Samaritan Ministries and Liberty HealthShare are 501(c)3 non-profits in which group members pool their money each month. The pooled money is then used by members as needed to cover their health costs. Keep in mind these programs are not health insurance proper and don’t follow the same laws. These plans often have a limit as to what they can pay for, and being a heavy drinker, smoker, or having pre-existing conditions may make you ineligible to join.
How To Get Coverage
The Healthcare.gov website can help you determine what kinds of plans you are eligible to take. Your state of residency may offer a few options specifically for full-time travelers. If your state of residency does not have these options, you may wish to move your state of residency to one that offers better coverage. RVerInsurance.com is a good resource for figuring out what options are available to you.
If your yearly income falls below a certain level, such as if you are a retiree, you may be eligible for government-subsidized health care. However, if you are self-employed you may find that you are ineligible even if you don’t make very much per year, so make sure you find out as much as you can about your options.
We hope this guide has given you the information you need to find an insurance plan that works for you. For more information or to speak with one of our experienced experts, visit The Outpost RV at our dealership in Middlebury, Indiana. We are proud to serve northern Indiana, including communities like Fort Wayne and South Bend.