Health on the Highway: Coverage, Choices, and Conversations
Sponsored by RV Roofing Solutions
Have health care questions? Join the conversation in our Facebook community or connect with Dealora directly for personalized guidance.
If wondering what you’ll do during a medical emergency while RVing keeps you up at night, you're not alone. Health care on the road is one of those topics that doesn't get nearly enough attention until you're standing in an urgent care parking lot, insurance card in hand, wondering if you're even covered.
The truth? Health care for RVers isn't straightforward. Navigating domicile requirements, network limitations, prescription transfers, and open enrollment windows gets complicated. And unlike a fender bender or a flat tire, getting health care wrong can have serious, life-altering consequences.
Whether you're a full-timer planning your first year on the road, a seasonal traveler shopping for new coverage, or a working remote family trying to figure out how to keep everyone protected, this episode tackles the health care conversations most RVers avoid until it's too late.
This episode is essential listening if you're:
- Currently shopping for health insurance during open enrollment (Nov. 1-Jan. 15)
- Confused about ACA plans, PPO networks, or health sharing ministries
- Wondering how your domicile state affects your coverage options
- Trying to manage prescriptions while constantly moving
- Concerned about accessing care outside your home state
- Looking for alternatives to traditional insurance
- Planning to work remotely and need employer coverage that travels
- Curious about homeopathic and natural health options on the road
- Worried about the cost of health care while traveling with kids
What You’ll Learn: Real Talk About Health Care on the Road
This isn't your typical "here's what you should do" health care episode. Instead, we're pulling back the curtain on our own diverse approaches to staying healthy and covered while traveling. From Tricare and employer plans to health sharing and homeopathy, our hosts represent the full spectrum of health care choices RVers face.
In this episode, you'll hear:
- Expert Insights: Dealora from InsuranceWithDealora.com breaks down the five main types of health insurance in America and explains why not all coverage travels. She shares critical information about PPO plans versus HMO networks, the risks of short-term and health share plans, and why going without insurance is never the right answer, even if you're young and healthy.
- Open Enrollment: November 1st through January 15th is the only time most people can sign up for marketplace plans without a qualifying life event. Miss this window, and you might be stuck waiting months for coverage. Dealora explains why this timeline matters and what to do if you think private long-term plans might be right for your family.
- Domicile Decisions: Your state of residence affects more than just your vehicle registration and driver's license. It determines which insurance options are available to you, whether you can access PPO networks through the marketplace, and how much you'll pay for coverage. We discuss which states offer the most flexibility for travelers.
- Prescription Management: Getting your medications while constantly on the move requires strategy. From using nationwide pharmacies to setting up three-month fills, our hosts share practical tips for keeping prescriptions current across state lines without running into legal or logistical roadblocks.
- Natural Health Approaches: Amanda Pelser from RootedHomeopathy.com joins us to discuss homeopathy from a biblical perspective. She explains what homeopathy actually is and isn't, shares essential remedies every RV family should carry, and offers guidance on when natural approaches can complement traditional health care. Download her free resource at RootedHomeopathy.com/LearnToRV.
- Budget-Friendly Strategies: We get creative about managing health care costs without sacrificing quality care or protection from catastrophic events.
Beyond the Basics: Coverage Gaps
Being up to speed on health care is more than just making sure your wallet is packed with an insurance card. It's about understanding deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, network limitations, and the fine print that determines whether you're actually covered when you need care most.
We discuss scenarios most RVers don't consider until they're facing them: What happens when your prescriptions run out in a different state than where they were written? How do you find an in-network provider when you're somewhere new every few weeks? Can your insurance really drop you if you get diagnosed with something serious? Do you really need dental, vision, and mental health coverage, too?
We also explore alternatives and supplements to traditional insurance, including travel medical assistance programs from organizations like FRVA and SkyMed, as well as supplemental plans that can fill coverage gaps and offer benefits like free telemedicine visits.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Health care on the road doesn't have to be complicated or scary. But it does require planning, understanding your options, and making informed decisions before you need care. Whether you choose traditional insurance, explore natural alternatives, or combine multiple approaches, the key is having a plan that works for your family, your budget, and your travel lifestyle.
This episode won't give you all the answers, because everyone's situation is unique. But it will give you the questions to ask, the resources to explore, and the confidence to make health care decisions that let you focus on what matters most: living your best life on the road.
We’ve loaded you up with actionable information, expert guidance, and honest conversations about health care challenges on the road. But we're just scratching the surface of what you need to know.
For personalized guidance on your specific situation, Dealora offers free consultations. You can reach her directly through InsuranceWithDealora.com or by scheduling a call through her website. She works with individuals, families, self-employed people, small businesses, and travelers across all 50 states.
Looking for homeopathy resources? Visit RootedHomeopathy.com/LearnToRV for Amanda's free PDF on the three essential remedies every RV family needs, plus information about scheduling consultations for chronic health concerns.
And don't forget to explore health care-related articles on learntorv.com for additional tips on staying healthy while traveling, managing medical emergencies, and building your RV first aid kit.
Where to Listen
Ready to take control of your health care on the road? Listen to Episode 12: "Health on the Highway: Coverage, Choices, and Conversations" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream podcasts.
For exclusive bonus content, like extended conversations with Dealora and Amanda, join our Patreon Campfire Crew community. Then continue the discussion in the Learn to RV: The Podcast Community on Facebook, where you can ask questions, share your own health care experiences, and connect with other RVers navigating similar situations.
DISCLAIMERS:
Amanda Pelser is not a licensed medical professional. The information she shares is educational and not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Amanda is a certified practical and clinical homeopath. Homeopathy supports the whole person and stimulates the God-given ability within the body to heal itself through the use of presenting symptoms. Please consult your medical provider for medical advice.
This information is educational and not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your medical provider for medical advice.
The information shared in this episode is based on personal experience and individual choices. Learn To RV, Learn To RV: The Podcast, and all related persons do not claim to be medical professionals or practitioners of homeopathy. Nothing discussed should be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified health care provider before making decisions related to your health or wellness.
This episode is sponsored by RV Roofing Solutions, protecting your home on wheels so you can focus on protecting your health and your family.
This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.