Health Insurance Options for Locum Tenens Providers
As a locum tenens provider, your health insurance options differ from those in permanent roles because you’re not limited to an employer’s plan. This freedom and flexibility means you should be aware of the available options.

Locum Tenens Health Insurance Options & FAQs:
Your options as a locum/ independent contractor
How Do I Get Health Insurance as an Independent Contractor?
As an independent contractor working locum tenens assignments, it is essential to be in the know about your health insurance options. Because of this, we believe it’s important to educate yourself, and yes, we provided a breakdown:
1) Explore the Health Insurance Marketplace at Healthcare.gov
After the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Healthcare.gov, a U.S. government website, was launched. The purpose of the website is to host state health insurance exchanges so individuals can weigh their healthcare coverage options. As a 1099 contractor, this is the most common option to find health insurance. Given the varied circumstances as a locum tenens dentist, physician, nurse practitioner (NP), or physician assistant (PA), it’s best to understand your healthcare needs. Your needs can be determined by your past medical history, the nature of your work/assignments, and how much you can afford. By understanding your needs and criteria, Healthcare.gov will assist in weeding out the healthcare providers that are not aligned with your needs. On top of basic care needs, you can opt to add dental, vision, mental health, and medication management coverage.
What are the 10 essential health benefits covered under the ACA?
Ambulatory patient services
Chronic disease management
Emergency services
Hospitalization
Lab services
Mental health and substance abuse services
Pediatric care
Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care
Prescription drug coverage
Rehabilitative care
Besides essential benefits, it’s important to highlight that the additional scope of coverage varies state by state. Depending on your state of application, you may be entitled to a higher level of coverage than other states. However, this coverage can entail higher premiums, deductibles, and copayments. That is why you should refer to Healthcare.gov to determine what works best for you.
2) Utilize Professional Associations
As a locums physician, dentist, NP, or PA, you may already be a part of a professional association related to your profession—whether it’s because of networking, continuing education requirements, or occupational interests. For many individuals, they are unaware that additional benefits such as health insurance may be available. If involved with a professional organization, you should refer to their website or customer service to see if it is available. An example of a well-known organization offering insurance to locum physicians is the American Medical Association.
3) Speak to an Independent Insurance Agent
Besides having the choice of a health insurance plan, you can also choose who to talk to. Using an independent health insurance agent will provide a more personalized approach to help meet your needs. Due to their expertise in the health insurance market, they can easily weed through plans and find a match for you. To find an independent agent, you can use the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) website to find agents in your area.
4) Join Your Spouse’s Insurance Plan
If your spouse has access to an employer-sponsored health insurance plan, they may be able to enroll and add you to their plan. Keep in mind that enrollment periods vary.
Common FAQs
Do Locum Tenens Providers Get Health Insurance?
Typically, locum providers are 1099 contractors and they enroll independently for health insurance. This means that self-employed locums can choose the plan that best fits their needs.
Are 1099 employees eligible for COBRA?
Yes, 1099 employees may be eligible for COBRA, as long as their former employer qualifies. When transitioning out of a permanent position, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, you may be able to continue your health insurance coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). If eligible, you and your family can stay on your former employer’s group plan for up to 18 months. However, this option might be less attractive to some due to typically higher insurance premiums.
Can you write off health insurance as a 1099 locum tenens provider?
Yes, if you are on a private plan, 100% of your health insurance premiums paid during the year can be deducted, with certain exceptions. To learn more about taxes as a locum 1099 contractor, check out our latest content. To gain professional advice, we suggest speaking with a tax professional or certified public accountant (CPA).
How much does health insurance cost 1099?
Health insurance costs range due to many factors, including the state of enrollment, medical needs, age, and the amount of coverage you choose. Given these factors, an exact figure is unavailable and instead, visit Healthcare.gov.
Locum Tenens Jobs
REVIEW OUR JOB LISTINGS
We are excited to offer a fulfilling opportunity for a Psychiatrist specializing in adult care to join our client's healthcare team in California on a locum tenens basis. This role focuses primarily on treating a lower-income adult population, emphasizing thoughtful and comprehensive psychiatric evaluations. The position is set in a... View This Job
We are seeking a skilled Dentist for a locum tenens assignment in Colorado. This short-term role is set to start on Jul 16, 2025, and requires a professional capable of managing a diverse range of dental procedures including extractions and dentures. This opportunity is ideal for individuals looking to expand... View This Job
We are seeking a highly qualified Gynecologist for a 60-day locum tenens assignment in Oklahoma. This role requires a board-certified or board-eligible physician specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology. The position starts in August 2025 and includes a full-time schedule with on-call responsibilities during nights and weekends. Ideal candidates will have... View This Job
We are seeking a dedicated Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner for a locum tenens assignment in Oregon. This role offers the opportunity to provide critical care in a dynamic urgent care setting, beginning in mid-July. The successful candidate will be involved in procedures such as sutures, splinting, and the management of... View This Job
We are seeking a skilled Dentist with proficiency in general dentistry for a locum tenens assignment in Tennessee. This opportunity, requiring expertise in extractions and dentures, offers a unique position as the sole provider, starting Jun 30, 2025. The role is ideal for professionals looking to apply their skills in... View This Job
We are seeking a licensed Dentist for a locum tenens assignment in New Mexico. This role is designed for a dental professional proficient in extractions and dentures, starting on Aug 11, 2025. The selected candidate will be the sole provider at the facility, offering a focused and impactful service environment.Job... View This Job