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Suppose you’re already a certified trucker or considering a career as a truck driver. In that case, it’s important to weigh the benefits available if you choose trucking as your career. This includes taking a closer look at the potential salary and other perks, such as truck driver health insurance coverage. Although some companies may offer their employees the opportunity to join the company’s health insurance, policies can vary, and some companies don’t. Fortunately, truck drivers have several options when it comes to health insurance. The type of plan can often depend on how long the driver has been qualified, their salary, and what they can afford according to their unique requirements. 

Why do truck drivers need health insurance? 

Working in logistics services, your health is vital to doing your job. If you become sick or injured, this could result in downtime as you may not drive for a certain period. While many companies offer sick pay, not having health insurance could risk a loss of income in the long term. This is why truck drivers should consider the types of plans available to protect their future finances. If you have the right health insurance plan, that will go a long way towards ensuring that you get the affordable medical care you need quickly so you can get back on the road as soon as possible. There are several types of health insurance for truck drivers. 

Truck insurance for new CDL drivers 

One of the best options for truck driver insurance for new CDL drivers is the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This is more suitable for more recent drivers on an entry-level salary because one of the conditions is that you need to earn below a certain threshold. This income threshold changes each year, but experienced truck drivers who earn upwards of $50,000 a year may not qualify. This is because the main aim of the ACA is providing healthcare to those who may not normally be able to afford it. 

Medsharing plans 

Another option both new and experienced truck drivers have is government-compliant medsharing plans. These operate similarly to traditional plans, with the difference being that premiums are put into an escrow account, but they are typically much lower than ACA plans. Claims are paid after the deduction of a set Members Shared Responsibility Amount. 

Short-term health insurance plans 

If you’re between jobs or unable to afford ACA insurance premiums, a short-term health insurance plan may be a suitable solution. The truck driver health insurance coverage offered by short-term plans will vary according to the state you live in. The purpose of these plans is to fill a gap, which can be very useful, but it’s important to shop around and find the provider that offers the coverage you need with minimal limitations. Here is a quick guide to short-term health insurance providers with more details. 

Health Savings Account (HSA) 

A Health Savings Account (HSA) may be a good choice for truckers without current health issues. It’s a way to save money for future medical care for yourself or your family. Another benefit is that it gives truck drivers more control over their health insurance. You should consider an HSA as more of an investment as your money works harder in this type of account, and your contributions go in before taxes. It also works in conjunction with a high-deductible health insurance policy. 

Owner-operator Independent Health Insurance (OOIDA)  

Truckers also have the option to become members of Owner-operator Independent Health Insurance (OOIDA). By becoming a member, you will be entitled to healthcare and life insurance for you and your family. There are several benefits of OOIDA health insurance. The medical benefits group offers different types of plans so that OOIDA health insurance costs can vary. There are, however, many discounts and rebates offered by their service providers, which will help to bring down OOIDA insurance payments. 

National Truckers Insurance Company (NITIC) 

Another organization truckers can join is the National Independent Truckers Insurance Company (NITIC). They provide health insurance plans specifically designed for truck drivers. These can include protection in the case of damage or injuries caused by trucking accidents. Deductibles can vary according to location, your driving record, and the location of your company. If you’d like to learn more about the NITIC and customer experiences, try reading some (NITIC) truck insurance reviews. 

Disability insurance 

One final type of truck driver health insurance worth considering is disability insurance. This can be available as a short-term or long-term plan if you’re unable to work due to disability. Truckers are out on the road all day, and there is a risk of accidents. If you were injured while driving that left you out of work for a while or on a long-term basis, disability insurance could help to support you and your family during the recovery process. For this reason, it’s especially advisable to consider disability insurance if you’re working in logistics services. 

How to choose a company with the best benefits for truck drivers 

If you’re looking for work as a truck driver, you may find that some employers will offer health insurance or some coverage. The important thing is to be mindful and determine precisely what is covered and how the insurance plan works. It could also be worth considering a higher salary, other perks, and looking into different types of insurance plans. If you’re not sure which health insurance plan to choose as a truck driver, seek professional advice from a logistics company that can provide support. 

At Warrior Logistics, we empower all our truck drivers to achieve their full potential. We provide all the necessary support they need to progress in their career. This includes information about truck driver health insurance coverage, perks and benefits of the role, and CDL certifications. 

Find out more today if you’d like further details about health insurance for truck drivers or starting a career on the open road.