Gaps between contracts are predictable, which means they're plannable. The nurses who get burned are the ones relying on agency coverage that quietly switches off the day an assignment ends. Here's how to never be in that position.
The Cleanest Fix: Own Your Plan
A personal ACA Marketplace plan doesn't know or care whether you're currently on assignment. As long as the premium is paid, you're covered — on contract, between contracts, and on vacation. No re-enrollment, no gap, no scramble.
Already Lost Agency Coverage? You Have a Window
If your agency plan just ended, that loss of coverage is a qualifying life event that opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. You can enroll in a Marketplace plan right away rather than waiting for Open Enrollment — and even schedule it to backfill from when the agency coverage stopped, depending on timing.
Why Not Just Risk It for Two Weeks?
Because emergencies don't check your contract status. An accident, appendicitis, or a flare-up during your time off can mean tens of thousands in bills. The premium for two weeks of real coverage is trivial by comparison — and with a portable plan, there's no 'two weeks' to risk in the first place.
Keep Your Providers Across the Gap
Pick a national-network plan that includes the providers you use when you're home, and confirm your prescriptions are on the formulary. That way a gap between assignments never becomes a gap in your care.
Close the Gap for Good
Get a portable plan that stays on between assignments — see options in 60 seconds.
Get My Quote →Frequently Asked Questions
How do travel nurses stay insured between assignments?
The cleanest way is owning a personal ACA Marketplace plan, which stays in force as long as the premium is paid — so there's no gap when an assignment ends, unlike agency-only coverage.
My agency coverage just ended — what can I do?
Losing coverage opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period, so you can enroll in a Marketplace plan immediately instead of waiting for Open Enrollment.
Does a lower-income gap between contracts increase my subsidy?
It can. A lighter-earning stretch may lower your expected annual income, increasing your Premium Tax Credit. Update your income estimate on HealthCare.gov as your schedule firms up.
Is it safe to go uninsured for a short gap?
No — emergencies don't wait for your next contract, and a single incident can cost tens of thousands. A portable plan removes the gap entirely for a small premium.
How do I keep my doctors between assignments?
Choose a national-network plan that includes your home providers and confirm your prescriptions are covered, so your care continues no matter where you're assigned.
📚 Sources & Authoritative References
Facts in this article are verifiable against the public sources below.
Never Uninsured Between Contracts
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