Becoming a full-time RVer can sound very exciting. You can explore the world, waking up in a new location whenever you choose, and taking to the open road. But, just like living in a stationary home, there is some paperwork you’ll need to do if you’re a full-time RVer as well. Along with setting up your domestic state of residence and maintaining your RV, you’ll need to secure health insurance to cover you while you’re on the road.
Finding health insurance for full time RVers isn’t hard, but you will need to set aside some time to figure out the coverage you need and how to get it.
Here’s what to consider when you’re searching for health insurance for full-time RVers.
Health Insurance Options for Full-Time RVers (2026 Comparison)
Here are the options for health insurance, updated for 2026
| Plan Type | Best For | Pre-Existing Conditions | Routine Care While Traveling | Emergency Coverage Nationwide | RVers Should Watch For | Notes for Full-Timers |
| ACA Marketplace (On-Exchange) | Under 65, self-employed, subsidy-eligible | Yes | Often limited | Yes | Narrow provider networks | Emergency care is protected nationwide; routine care is usually in-state only |
| ACA-Compliant (Off-Exchange) | Higher income, no subsidies | Yes | Often limited | Yes | Same network limits as marketplace plans | Must still follow ACA rules; compare networks carefully |
| Original Medicare (A + B) | 65+, frequent travelers | Yes | Good | Yes | No annual out-of-pocket cap | Pair with Medigap for predictable costs |
| Medicare + Medigap | 65+, full-time RVers | Yes | Excellent | Yes | Higher monthly premiums | One of the most travel-friendly options available |
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | 65+, cost-sensitive | Yes | Poor outside service area | Yes | Non-emergency care limited when traveling | Works best for snowbirds, not constant movers |
| Short-Term Health Insurance (STLDI) | Temporary gaps only | Often excluded | Limited | Usually | Max 4 months total (federal rule) | Not renewable long-term; varies by state |
| Fixed Indemnity (Fixed Benefit) | Supplemental coverage only | Varies | Any provider | Not real coverage | Can leave large unpaid balances | Pays fixed amounts, not actual bills |
| Health Sharing Ministries | Cost-conscious, faith-aligned | Waiting periods | Any provider | Not guaranteed | Claims can be denied | Not insurance; no legal obligation to pay |
Things to Consider When Shopping for a Healthcare Plan
Let’s start with the basics. What do you want out of your healthcare plan when travel is now your lifestyle?
While special travel insurance plans exist for specific trips, you need health care that will meet your needs without an end date if you’re going to live in your RV full-time.
Also, health insurance in the U.S. is usually state-based, but you’re going to be in lots of states throughout the year. Things like networks, deductibles, and coverage don’t necessarily travel as freely as you will. Here are the main things to consider when shopping for a health insurance plan.
Your State of Residency Matters
Your healthcare options will depend on your state of residency. If you’re RVing full time, you’ll want to make sure you establish your state of residency before you hit the road. Also, while you’re determining your state of residency, you’ll want to look at everything that state offers. Some states that are popular because they don’t have an income tax, or for other reasons, can be lacking in health insurance options. Don’t forget to take that into consideration when you make your decision.
Some states that are popular for taxes or residency are terrible for health insurance options.
Determine Your Coverage Needs
Assess your healthcare needs and preferences. Consider factors such as pre-existing conditions, chronic illnesses, medications, frequency of doctor visits, and any specific medical requirements. Determine the level of coverage you require for routine care, emergencies, and potential future health issues.
Look at Network Flexibility
Consider the flexibility you need in choosing healthcare providers. Full-time RVers often travel and move between different areas, so having a health insurance plan with a broad provider network across multiple states can be beneficial.
Consider Affordability
Look at the monthly premiums, deductibles, copay amounts, and out-of-pocket maximums to determine the most affordable plan for your lifestyle. Don’t forget to factor in potential costs for prescriptions, specialist visits, and hospital stays, just in case.
Look at Emergency Coverage
You’ll also want to look at the emergency coverage provided by the health insurance plan. Look at emergency services that are covered both in-network and out-of-network, so you cover every scenario. Generally, most plans cover out-of-state emergency services regardless of what state you are in. Urgent care visits may not be covered in the same way, however, so be sure to check your coverage.
Review Prescription Medication Coverage
Review health insurance plans to understand coverage for prescription drugs. If you already take medication, look up those specific drugs on the plan. You may also want to look up often-prescribed medications like antibiotics and allergy medications to see what’s covered. Look at the copayments, formulary lists, and any limitations for specific medications.
Travel and Out-of-State Coverage
Review the coverage across state lines, and make sure you know what happens if you’re outside of your state of residency when you need care.
Additional Benefits
Health insurance companies sometimes offer telehealth services, wellness programs, preventative care coverage, and discounts on certain healthcare services. See what the programs you’re interested in offer and whether you need them. Keep in mind that telehealth options are improving every year, but they’re still not a substitute for in-person care as a general rule.
Policy Exclusions and Limitations
Carefully review the policy exclusions and limitations of each health insurance plan. Understand any waiting periods, restrictions on coverage for specific conditions or treatments, and limitations on certain services.
Customer Support and Service
Evaluate the customer support and service provided by the health insurance company. Look for reviews and ratings to gauge the company’s responsiveness, efficiency in claims processing, and overall customer satisfaction.
It’s important to note that while most health insurance plans generally offer emergency coverage nationwide, the level of coverage may vary based on whether you receive care from in-network or out-of-network providers. In-network providers have negotiated agreements with insurance companies, resulting in lower costs and higher coverage levels.
Out-of-network care may be covered but often involves higher out-of-pocket costs for the insured individual. If you already have health insurance, contact your health insurance provider or review your policy documents to understand the specific coverage details and any limitations that may apply.
ACA Health Insurance for RVers
Many full-time RVers are self-employed or freelance, which means they’ll need to buy health insurance through the marketplace — that is, open enrollment through the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare.
The ACA applies to all U.S. citizens and legal residents, including full-time RVers. The Marketplace offers a variety of health insurance options with different levels of coverage and costs. It provides a centralized platform to compare plans and determine eligibility for financial assistance based on income.
You can search the Affordable Care Act marketplace and enroll in a plan by clicking on this link.
Just know that ACA options usually offer nationwide emergency protection, but limited access to routine care while traveling.
Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is an annual period during which you can enroll in or make changes to an ACA plan. This is the ideal time to explore different coverage options and sign up for a plan that suits your needs. At the federal level, the individual mandate, which once required most Americans to carry health insurance or pay a penalty, was effectively repealed in 2019 when the penalty was reduced to $0. Most people no longer face a federal fine for being uninsured.
However, a handful of states and the District of Columbia still enforce their own individual mandates, typically through state income tax filings. These currently include California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C. If you claim domicile in one of these locations, you may face a state-level penalty if you go without qualifying health coverage.
Pros and Cons of ACA for Full-Time RVers:
The ACA offers full-time RVers the opportunity to access comprehensive health insurance coverage, guaranteed protection for pre-existing conditions, and potential financial assistance. While ACA plans provide several advantages, including nationwide emergency coverage and essential health benefits, there are also limitations, such as limited provider networks and potentially higher premiums for some people. It’s important for full-time RVers to evaluate their specific healthcare needs, income eligibility for subsidies, and travel patterns before purchasing an ACA plan.
Medicare for RVers
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or end-stage renal disease. Full-time RVers who meet the eligibility criteria can enroll in Medicare regardless of their residency or travel status. Medicare is made up of several parts, including hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and prescription drug coverage (Part D). Many RVers also choose a supplemental policy, known as Medigap, to help cover out-of-pocket costs.
One major advantage of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) for full-time RVers is its nationwide coverage, which allows access to healthcare providers across the country who accept Medicare. This makes Original Medicare—often paired with a Medigap policy—one of the most travel-friendly health insurance options for RVers.
In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) typically rely on regional provider networks, which can limit access to non-emergency care while traveling.
Private Health Insurance for RVers
Alongside the Affordable Care Act (ACA), there’s the option of consulting a licensed insurance agent or broker to explore private ACA-compliant health insurance plans. These private plans may be more cost-effective compared to the options available on the ACA marketplace. Some off-exchange ACA-compliant plans may be less expensive but still must accept pre-existing conditions, while non-ACA plans often exclude them. It’s helpful to compare both private and marketplace options to determine the most suitable choice for your needs.
You can use the search tool on Healthcare.gov to find licensed brokers and agents.
Fixed Health Insurance for RVers
A Fixed Benefit Insurance plan, also known as fixed indemnity, offers a predetermined payout for qualified medical services, regardless of the actual cost of those services. This type of plan covers various healthcare services, including hospital care, emergency room visits, ambulance services, surgeries, doctor visits, wellness and preventive care, prescription drugs, diagnostic lab tests, imaging, and more.
One advantage of a fixed benefit plan is that it allows you to choose any healthcare provider without the need to select a primary care physician. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for RVers who travel extensively and may need medical care in different locations. However, fixed indemnity plans don’t cap your out-of-pocket costs or replace comprehensive insurance and you can end up with hefty bills. They are best used as supplements to insurance.
For RVers, especially those who are full-time and operate on a structured budget, managing healthcare costs is just as important as managing other expenses, such as fuel, campgrounds, and RV maintenance.
Sharing Ministries for RVers
Healthcare sharing ministry plans provide an alternative approach to health insurance where you pay monthly premiums to a health share organization instead of an insurance company. These payments go towards assisting others with their medical expenses, and when you have a medical need, you contribute a portion of the bill, akin to a deductible, while other plan members’ payments go towards covering your expenses. These plans can have religious or secular orientations, but they do not fulfill minimum essential coverage requirements and may not cover all types of care. Additionally, there is typically a waiting period for pre-existing conditions to be eligible for coverage. For RVers, healthcare sharing ministry plans offer flexibility in provider choice, which can be helpful for a mobile lifestyle, but careful consideration of plan guidelines and limitations is essential.
Telemedicine
Telehealth services are virtual healthcare services where you can connect with a medical professional through your smart device. Most insurance plans cover these services now. For full-time RVers, telemedicine can be particularly valuable as it provides access to healthcare as long as there is an internet signal available. There are a number of virtual doctor programs and apps out there (we’ve listed some of our favorites in the section at the bottom of this article), and most offer a way to speak with a doctor, get prescriptions, and even get lab testing if needed.
Virtual vet visits are also available through similar tools, so be sure to find one of these if you plan to take furry friends on your RV adventures. It is important to note that telemedicine is not a substitute for comprehensive medical insurance, as it does not cover hospitalizations, procedures, or emergency care. Many healthcare plans offer telehealth services as part of a larger health insurance plan.
Short-Term Health Insurance for RVers
Short-term health insurance provides nationwide coverage and can be an attractive option for people in transitional periods or those seeking temporary coverage. Federal rules limit short-term plans to 4 months in total, renewals are heavily restricted, and some states ban them entirely. These plans are commonly used during job transitions or as a temporary solution between other insurance plans.
Best State for RV Health Insurance
Fortunately, one of the most popular states to establish residency in for full-timers is also one of the best when it comes to health insurance for full-time RVers – Florida.
Florida is a great place to establish your residency because it doesn’t carry an income tax, has relatively affordable vehicle registration fees, and has a ton of pre-established mail-forwarding services so you can easily get a “permanent” address.
The state can offer workable options for some RVers, particularly through Florida Blue, but make sure you check out plan details as they can vary.
One of the state’s most prominent insurers, Florida Blue,offers two types of Florida Blue EPO/PPO plans (Blue Select & Blue Options). They act as EPO in-state, but take advantage of an extensive and highly reputable “Blue Card” network that will function out of state as well, essentially making them PPO out of state. It’s a great option for full-time RV health insurance, and it doesn’t cost as much as you might think.
Along with having a workable option for full-timers, Florida is also one of the states where insurance is most affordable in general.
RVer Insurance Exchange
RVer insurance exchange is a platform that connects RV owners with knowledgeable, licensed insurance representatives who specialize in RV insurance. It serves as a centralized hub where full-time or part-time RVers can obtain quotes, compare coverage options, and purchase insurance policies specifically tailored for RVers. Representatives assist with researching, choosing, and enrolling in the right insurance. This group is fantastic at helping RVers find insurance plans that work for them and their unique living situations, so they can rest easy knowing they will be cared for no matter where they roam.
In addition to health insurance, they can also help you obtain dental and vision coverage.
Handling Medical Needs from the Road
Many people wonder how to handle medical needs while traveling via RV. The answer depends on how often you travel and your current health situation.
For instance, if you travel full-time in your RV, you will need to do a lot more to prepare for medical care on the road than you would if you were only planning to travel for a week or two. Meanwhile, those traveling for several months will need to make more preparations than the casual vacationer, but may make some different decisions than the full-time RVer.
Regardless, here are some tips on how to be ready.
How to Prepare Before Hitting the Road
Before we discuss what to do while traveling, let’s talk about the preparations you might want to make before hitting the road. By taking these simple steps before you leave home, you could avoid major problems down the line.
Talk to Your Doctor
Before you leave, check in with your current doctor, dentist, and even the vet who cares for your pets. Make sure there are no medical reasons you might want to avoid travel at this time, and ask if there are any special steps you should take in order to be medically prepared for your RV trip.
Carry Medical Documents
We highly recommend keeping a digital copy of important medical documents on hand at all times.
- For people, this might include documentation of allergies, vaccinations, dental x-rays, prescriptions, and known medical problems.
- For pets, it might just be vaccination documentation and your last vet visit summary.
These documents can help tremendously should you or your pet experience a medical emergency.
Stock Up on Prescriptions
If you have prescriptions you must take on a regular basis, be sure you stock up on those before you leave. You’ll want to have plenty for the entire trip, plus some extras in case getting home takes longer than anticipated.
Plan Your Return Home
If you plan to be out for a long time, you might want to plan your return to your domicile state before you even leave. Go ahead and make medical appointments that you will be due for, so you can get the cleanings, checkups, and medications you need as soon as you return.
This step is especially important for full-time RVers who may only return to their “home” once a year for a short period of time.
Finding Needed Support on the Road
Now that you have the preparations out of the way, you might be wondering how to handle medical needs on a road trip should they arise. The tips below can help you navigate these situations, which can be tricky in some cases.
Find a Community
There’s safety in numbers. This is one of the many great reasons to find a community on the road.
RVers are great people. Make connections with folks in your campground, attend RV rallies, join Facebook groups, and make a point of making friends wherever you go. You never know when a helping hand from another fellow RVer might be helpful. This can be especially true in a medical emergency.
Turn to Online Therapy
Those who will only be gone for a couple of weeks don’t really need to worry about missing out on their usual therapy sessions. That said, if you’ll be gone for months, you might want to look into virtual therapy options. Many therapists are offering an online option these days. There are also apps that offer therapy for free.
Use Online Search Tools
If you need to see someone in person, you might be wondering how in the world to find a doctor wherever you land. In this case, we recommend using a search tool such as Zocdoc to find a well-rated doctor who will accept your insurance plan.
If you’re looking for a dentist, check your dental insurance website to see if they provide a nationwide list of providers. Otherwise, a quick Google search should reveal some of the dentists that offer emergency appointments in your area.
