Truck driving does not exactly promote a healthy lifestyle. Truck drivers expose themselves to unique health risks. A driver’s health is vital to their job. In most cases, truckers get paid by the mile. If a driver is out of work due to sickness, they do not get paid. Truck drivers need health insurance, so they can get the proper care needed to get better and back on the road. Truck drivers need to be aware of the importance of health insurance. A health insurance plan not only protects you (the driver). It can also protect your family.
Do truck drivers get health insurance?
Health insurance helps protect you from unexpected, high medical costs. Due to the health risks truck drivers face, every driver should have health insurance. However, that does not mean that all drivers have health insurance. In fact, many drivers do not have any insurance or have a sufficient amount to cover their medical needs or their families.
Some trucking companies will provide their drivers with good health insurance. However, that is not the case for all trucking companies. If you are an owner operator or independent contractor, you may not have access to health insurance. You will be responsible for finding your own health insurance.
Should truck drivers have health insurance?
Trucking is considered a high-risk profession. Due to the combination of long work hours and sleep deprivation, truck driving is one of the most dangerous jobs. A study shows that an estimated 70% of truck drivers have at least one serious health condition.
If you work for a trucking company, check with your company to see what health insurance options they offer. If you are an owner operator or independent truck driver, you will more than likely have to purchase an individual or family health insurance policy.
Health insurance options as a truck driver
- Owner – Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) – OOIDA offers small business truck drivers a variety of affordable health insurance plans.
- Medsharing Plan – Medsharing is a form of medical sharing where a client pays a monthly premium. The premium is put into an escrow account and claims are paid less the Members Shared responsibility amount.
- Short Term Medical Plan – Short term medical plans are not meant to cover every medical situation. These plans are often meant to cover sudden illness or major accidents.
Tips for Finding the right plan
- Figure out where and when to enroll
- Review plan options
- Compare estimated yearly costs and monthly premiums
- Consider how much health care you use
- Consider getting help from a professional
Check out our most recent blog here!
