Health insurance is one of the most important benefits employers and employees need. Even independent contractors should have one to ensure they can access medical assistance when needed.
Specifically, independent truck drivers should look into finding the right health insurance option for owner-operators. This is an especially important benefit to secure, given that truck driving is a hazardous occupation.
Fortunately, there are available options for health insurance for independent truck drivers. Some companies even provide this for the independent contractors they hire. For the most part, however, it’s up to the independent contractor to find the right one for them.
Health Insurance Options
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to insurance policies. Because every individual’s needs are different, it only makes sense for the insurance coverage to be customized according to these needs as well.
ACA – Otherwise known as the Affordable Care Act, the ACA is a health insurance option open to everyone. Each state has its own website, so make sure to register based on your residence.
Under the ACA, the coverage will depend on your income. This will also determine what kind of subsidies you can get coverage for and how much.
Private Insurance – Private insurance is a great way to ensure health coverage. Many companies offer this, some with additional investment components as well.
Private insurance coverage requires premium payments. At the same time, it also takes into account various deductibles. You need to be very thorough in understanding what comes with the insurance and assess whether the services they offer fit your needs.
Dental and Vision Insurance
These are usually bundled in with general medical insurance. However, they can also be taken individually. If this is not going to be included in the healthcare coverage or insurance policy you’re considering, it’s highly recommended that you get it as well. This way, you can rest assured that you’ll have full coverage for your medical needs.
Health Insurance Costs
Employees usually get their insurance payments debited automatically from their monthly pay. As independent contractors, however, this will be up to you to ensure that you’re able to make timely payments in order to keep your insurance coverage.
There are different ways to pay the costs of health insurance. The short-term payment has a lower monthly rate but will add up to higher costs in the long run. An annual payment, on the other hand, will have you shelling out a bigger amount upfront but will end up costing less down the line.
Having dependents can also affect the overall cost of your insurance. Make sure to identify them clearly and include them immediately in your enrollment so that their coverage will start at the same time as yours.
Health Insurance Is Essential
Independent contractors like truck drivers should stay on top of their health insurance coverage. Especially because of the nature of the work involved, driving for long hours out on the road, it’s only right that you protect yourself and your loved ones in case of any untoward incident.
Consult a professional health insurance agent to find the right health insurance policy for your needs.