General vanlife medical approaches
Medical care for vanlife can be a tricky subject given the nomadic lifestyle, but is incredibly important to consider. Arranging healthcare while living in a van is one critical way to protect yourself, but it’s also important to consider the day-to-day aspect of medical care and preparation:
Have a well-stocked first-aid kit
Vanlifers should have a well-stocked first aid kit should contain essential items to help address minor injuries and medical emergencies. Even with vanlife healthcare, this is a critical preparation step, as you’ll likely be spending quite a bit of time on your own in potentially remote locations; emergencies will happen, be ready. The most important items to include in a basic first aid kit are adhesive bandages in various sizes, sterile gauze pads and rolls, medical tape, antiseptic wipes or solution, sterile saline solution for cleaning wounds, and tweezers. Adhesive bandages are useful for covering small cuts and scrapes, while sterile gauze pads and rolls can be used for larger wounds. Medical tape can be used to secure dressings or bandages in place. Antiseptic wipes or solution can help prevent infection in a wound, and sterile saline solution can be used to clean a wound before applying a dressing. Tweezers are helpful for removing splinters or other foreign objects from the skin.
Consider a basic first aid training course
A basic first aid training course can be incredibly valuable for a vanlifer, as they may not always have immediate access to medical care in the event of an emergency. Vanlifers may be traveling to remote or unfamiliar areas where medical services may be limited, so having some basic first aid skills can be potentially life-saving. A first aid training course can teach valuable skills such as how to clean and dress wounds, control bleeding, splint fractures, recognize and respond to shock, and perform CPR. Additionally, a first aid training course can help vanlifers gain confidence in their ability to respond to medical emergencies and be better prepared for unexpected situations. To find a course, check the Red Cross site as a starting point.
Stay healthy
Prevention is the best medicine, and van lifers can stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, getting enough exercise, and practicing good hygiene. Healthy practices can prevent many medical issues (which can be even more burdensome when living on the road) by helping to maintain a strong immune system, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving overall physical and mental wellbeing. Here are some ways that staying healthy can prevent medical issues - fortunately, all of these are really easy to do while living in a van
Boosting the immune system: A strong immune system can help prevent infections and illnesses. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly are all ways to help boost the immune system.
Reducing the risk of chronic diseases: Many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer, can be prevented or managed through healthy lifestyle choices. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can all help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Improving mental health: Poor mental health can lead to a range of physical and emotional issues, including anxiety, depression, and chronic stress, which can negatively impact overall health. Engaging in activities that promote mental wellbeing, such as meditation, yoga, or therapy, can help prevent these issues.
Save an emergency health fund
Having an emergency health fund is important because unexpected medical expenses can occur at any time, and health insurance may not cover all costs. Having a financial cushion can help alleviate the burden of paying for medical bills and prevent financial hardship.
Plan ahead
Planning ahead is incredibly important for vanlife when it comes to medical care and preparation. Living on the road is such a spontaneous lifestyle where emergencies can pop up more frequently (due to the common activities) and medical care can be more difficult to arrange. Van lifers should plan ahead for their healthcare needs and try to schedule any appointments or medical procedures in advance so they can be sure to have access to the care they need. Part of this means staying up to date, and even ahead of schedule on all preventative care - get your standard physical, checkup, bloodwoork, etc. on a regular basis so you don’t end up having to deal with an unexpected issue while in the middle of the desert with no cell service.
Keep important documents and medical information handy
Van lifers should keep their important documents, such as their health insurance information, in a safe and easy-to-find place so you’re not scrambling to figure out administrative issues when in desperate need of care. They should also have a list of emergency contacts and any important medical information that could be useful in the event of an emergency. Van lifers can sign up for a mail forwarding service to ensure that they receive their medical bills and other important healthcare-related documents.
Medical coverage and healthcare for vanlife
Obtaining health insurance for vanlife can be quite challenging considering how often people cross state borders, and the intricate details of each policy. It's such an important matter to address given the potential financial and medical downsides if an emergency occurs, yet unfortunately, it is often disregarded until the van build is complete. While the ideal solution for everyone is going to be different, and dependent on region, occupation, budget and medical needs, there are a few routes that are common for vanlife medical care. These approaches are in no way intended to be exhaustive - and please note that insurance details / offerings change often, so it's best to check directly with providers before committing to anything. The information below is also specific to the United States.
What is the right van life health insurance for me?
The perfect insurance completely varies person-to-person, so you really need to make the decision for yourself; that said, there are a few things to consider that can help you pinpoint the ideal choice. Choosing the right health insurance can be a daunting task, but it's important to take the time to research and evaluate your options. Here are some steps to help you choose the right health insurance plan for vanlife and based on your personal needs:
Determine your healthcare needs
Start by evaluating your healthcare needs and the services you expect to use, or already use in a traditional lifestyle. This includes considering any pre-existing conditions, prescription medications, and anticipated medical procedures. Make a list of the services you expect to use and the frequency of those services. This list will be useful when requesting pricing information from providers and asking questions.
Understand the types of health insurance relevant for vanlife
There are quite a few different options available, and many of the traditional medical care options don’t make sense for vanlife. See below for more detail.
Consider your budget
Look at the monthly premium costs of each plan, as well as any deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Keep in mind that a lower premium may mean higher out-of-pocket costs.When living in a van, you’ll have variable expenses like gas, tolls, food, maintenance, etc. - budget out your worst-case potential expenses to make sure you’re comfortable with your premium.
Vanlife lifestyle plan, and existing coverage
Are you planning to travel full-time or part-time? Will you be able to travel frequently back to your ‘home’ state? Are you currently covered to any extent by a current or previous employer, spouse or family member? These factors will impact the decision of vanlife health insurance for you.
Evaluate the network
Look at the healthcare providers included in each plan's network. Consider the proximity and availability of providers in the network, and whether they meet your healthcare needs. If you have a preferred doctor or specialist, make sure they are in the network.
Coverage area
Make sure the health insurance plan covers the areas where you plan to travel in your van. Some plans may have limitations on coverage outside of certain geographic areas, which could impact your ability to receive medical care while on the road.
Out-of-network coverage
Consider whether the plan provides coverage for out-of-network care. This can be especially important for vanlife, as you may need to seek medical care in areas where there are no in-network providers available.
Emergency care coverage
Look at the plan's coverage for emergency medical care, including ambulance services and emergency room visits. This is important for vanlife, as accidents or emergencies can happen while on the road.
Telemedicine options
Consider whether the plan offers telemedicine options, which can be especially helpful for vanlife. Many health insurance plans now offer telemedicine options, which allow vanlifers to consult with a medical professional over the phone or video chat. This can be especially useful for vanlifers who are in remote locations or do not have easy access to healthcare providers. Telemedicine appointments can be used for non-emergency medical issues, such as a sore throat or a rash, and can save time and money by avoiding an in-person doctor's visit.
Prescription drug coverage
Make sure the plan provides coverage for any prescription medications you may need, and consider how you will obtain refills while on the road. For instance, will this plan allow you to simply order medications to a standard pharmacy chain like CVS or Walgreens?
Review the plan's benefits
Consider the benefits offered by each plan, such as preventive care, mental health services, and maternity care. Look at the plan's summary of benefits and coverage to compare the benefits offered by each plan.
Check for additional perks
Some plans may offer additional perks such as wellness programs, or discounts on gym memberships. These perks can provide additional value beyond the basic healthcare services.
Understand the plan's limitations
Make sure you understand any limitations or restrictions on the plan, such as waiting periods for coverage, coverage limits on certain services, and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Seek guidance
If you're having trouble understanding your options or evaluating the different plans, consider reaching out to a healthcare navigator or insurance broker for guidance.
Ultimately, the right health insurance plan for you will depend on your individual healthcare needs, budget, and personal preferences. Take the time to research and evaluate your options to find the plan that best fits your needs.
What are the different types of health insurance for vanlife?
Generally, there are several different types of primary health insurance plans available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The lingo can be confusing, so before we get into the best approaches for vanlife, here are some of the most common basic types of health insurance:
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
PPO plans offer a network of healthcare providers that have agreed to provide services at a discounted rate to plan members. PPO plans typically allow members to see out-of-network providers, but at a higher cost.
Point of Service (POS)
POS plans combine features of both PPO and HMO plans, allowing members to see providers both in and out of the network, but with different cost-sharing arrangements.
Catastrophic Health Insurance
Catastrophic plans are typically available to those under 30 or those who qualify for a hardship exemption. These plans have low premiums but high deductibles and are intended to provide coverage for major medical expenses.
Short-term Health Insurance
Short-term health insurance plans are designed to provide coverage for a limited period of time, typically up to six months. These plans may be a good option for those who are between jobs or have a temporary gap in coverage.
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance is designed to provide coverage for medical expenses while traveling outside of your home location. These plans typically cover emergency medical care and evacuation, but may not cover pre-existing conditions or routine check-ups.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
EPO plans are similar to PPO plans, but typically do not cover out-of-network care. EPO plans may have lower premiums and deductibles than PPO plans. Each plan will differ, but given the tendency to steer away from out of network care, this likely isn’t the optimal type of plan for vanlife.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
HMO plans require members to choose a primary care physician (PCP) who acts as a gatekeeper for all medical care. HMO plans typically have lower premiums but may have more restrictions on which providers members can see. These plans are typically not suitable for vanlife, because they’re dependent on a single primary doctor in a single location. If you’re part-time, and able to travel back to your home state then it’s worth considering.
It's important to understand the different types of health insurance available and to choose a plan that fits your specific needs and budget.
What is the best healthcare for vanlife?
Again, as a disclaimer, this will differ for everyone based on personal situations, but some of the best and most common approaches are listed below; often vanlifers may use some combination over their entire period of van-dwelling, or switch as their situation, travels and needs evolve.
Health Insurance Marketplace® (ACA, Obamacare)
The Health Insurance Marketplace is a service provided by the federal government to help individuals find and enroll in health insurance plans. It is available at HealthCare.gov for most states, while some states have their own Marketplaces. The Marketplace offers various means of assistance such as websites, call centers, and in-person help for shopping and enrolling in health insurance plans.
ACA health insurance plans come in four primary forms (using the above lingo): PPOs, POSs, HMOs and EPOs.
If you don’t already have coverage through an existing employer, or through a family member or spouse, this is probably the most common place to start (in the US). In order to apply for insurance, you’ll need to identify a specific state as your permanent residence - some plans / states may even require proof of physical address, all of which may be challenging for vanlifers. After applying on the government site, you’ll receive information on coverage plans with costs that may be subsidized or adjusted for your income level. Therefore, ACA insurance can make sense for many vanlifers who have a lower expected income (affordable is even in the name). The Marketplace offers different levels of plans, with varying coverage and premiums.
ACA insurance is a good place for vanlifers to look for insurance, but it may not make sense for everyone, because many of the plans (with a few states as exceptions) require you to receive coverage in your home state - not ideal for nomads. Florida is one state that may offer nationwide plans, which would be more suitable for vanlifers, but this is subject to change / may have nuances.
If you’re part-time vanlife, or able to travel back to a home state often, or have a low expected income with infrequent expected doctor visits, then ACA plans could make sense for you on the road.
Catastrophic / short-term health insurance
Catastrophic or short-term health insurance is a type of health insurance that provides limited coverage for a short period of time. Catastrophic health insurance plans usually have low monthly premiums but high deductibles, which means you'll have to pay a significant amount out of pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. These plans are typically intended to protect against unexpected medical expenses due to a serious illness or injury, hence the name "catastrophic."
Short-term health insurance plans are also designed for short-term coverage, often ranging from 30 days to a year. These plans are meant to be used as a temporary solution for those who are between jobs, waiting for other health coverage to begin, or for those who missed the Open Enrollment Period for ACA-compliant health insurance plans.
While catastrophic or short-term health insurance plans may be suitable for some vanlifers, they may not provide sufficient coverage for routine medical needs. It's important to carefully consider the benefits and limitations of these plans before choosing them, as they may not cover pre-existing conditions, preventive care, or prescription drugs. It's recommended that vanlifers consult with a licensed insurance agent to explore all their options and find the best coverage for their specific needs. Many major insurance providers offer these types of plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Oscar, and Kaiser Permanente.
Health-sharing services
Health sharing services are membership-based programs that allow members to share the cost of healthcare expenses with other members. Members contribute a monthly fee or "share" to a pool, which is then used to pay for the medical bills of other members who have eligible medical expenses. These programs are not insurance and do not provide the same protections or benefits as traditional health insurance.
While health sharing services may be suitable for some vanlifers, it's important to note that they may not cover all medical expenses and may have certain limitations, exclusions, or eligibility requirements. For example, pre-existing conditions may not be covered or may have waiting periods before they are covered.
Additionally, health sharing services are often associated with a specific religious or ethical group, and members may be required to adhere to certain lifestyle or belief requirements to be eligible for coverage.
Vanlifers who are considering health sharing services should carefully research and compare different programs to ensure that they meet their healthcare needs and budget. It's recommended that vanlifers consult with a licensed insurance agent or healthcare professional to explore all their options and find the best coverage for their specific needs. Some examples of health-share plans include netWell healthshare, Altrua, Liberty, Medi-Share, OneShare Health and Samaritan.
Travel health insurance
Travel health insurance is a type of insurance that provides medical coverage for travelers who are outside of their home country. This type of insurance can provide coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, illness, and other unexpected events while traveling abroad.
While travel health insurance can be suitable for vanlifers who are traveling outside of the United States, it may not provide sufficient coverage for routine medical needs or emergencies that occur within the United States. Additionally, some travel health insurance policies may have exclusions or limitations for adventure sports or activities that are commonly associated with vanlife, such as hiking, rock climbing, or surfing.
Vanlifers who plan to travel outside of the United States should carefully research and compare different travel health insurance policies to ensure that they provide the coverage they need. It's recommended that vanlifers consult with a licensed insurance agent or healthcare professional to explore all their options and find the best coverage for their specific needs, both while traveling abroad and while within the United States. Major insurance companies offer these types of plans such as IMG, Allianz and Anthem.
Fixed indemnity insurance
Fixed indemnity insurance is a supplementary health plan that provides a fixed cash benefit payout for specific illnesses or injuries covered by the policy. It does not qualify as major medical insurance and therefore does not necessarily include the 10 essential health benefits that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates. It's essential to review the policy brochure carefully as some plans may have limited coverage. Fixed indemnity plans do not necessarily limit out-of-pocket costs, which may result in high expenses if used as the primary or sole source of health coverage. Pre-existing conditions are not often covered, and it's not a replacement for comprehensive coverage. Nevertheless, it may be a valuable and cost-effective addition to a high deductible plan or an option if major medical health insurance is not available given your travel plans.
Fixed indemnity health plans may be suitable for vanlifers who are looking for basic coverage for medical expenses, but they should be aware of the limitations of these plans. They can be useful in some situations as they are applicable nationwide, and can be upgraded to provide more comprehensive coverage. They're also typically cheapre than ACA plans, so may make sense for vanlifers with low expected income. These plans do not typically provide comprehensive coverage and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, they may have exclusions or limitations on pre-existing conditions and may not meet the minimum essential coverage requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
As you’ll have noticed by this point, there isn’t a perfect option for insurance that works for every single vanlifer. You’ll have to explore a few routes, and determine what’s best for your location and needs - ACA will be a great place to start, but you may need to supplement with shorter term, or un-regulated options as a temporary solution. Some vanlifers go without insurance - this is risky from a medical and financial perspective (it can also create tax-related costs) - but is a very personal decision to make depending on your circumstances. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions!
Where can I find first-hand experiences and vanlife health insurance answers?
Reddit is a great start: