Travel nursing isn’t just about seeing new places — it’s about building a career with more flexibility, stronger earning potential, and benefits that can make a real difference. The catch? A lot of perks only help you if you understand how they work. Here are 12 programs and benefits every travel nurse should know about before signing the next contract.
1) Tax-Free Stipends (Housing + Meals & Incidentals)
Many travel contracts include tax-advantaged stipends to help cover housing and day-to-day costs. The key is eligibility: you generally need a qualifying tax home and duplicated expenses while on assignment.
Always ask for a clear pay breakdown so you know what’s taxable vs. stipend.
2) Travel Reimbursement
Some contracts reimburse mileage, flights, or relocation expenses. Confirm when it’s paid (upfront vs. after start) and whether it’s conditional on completing a certain number of shifts.
3) Completion Bonuses
Facilities may offer a completion bonus for finishing a contract. Make sure the amount, payout date, and requirements are written into the agreement.
4) Overtime and Holiday Pay Policies
Overtime rules vary by facility and contract. Ask what counts as OT (weekly hours vs. daily), and how holidays are defined and paid.
5) Guaranteed Hours
Guaranteed hours can protect your income if the facility cancels shifts. Ask what qualifies as a cancellation and how many can occur before guarantee pay applies.
6) Contract Extensions
Extensions can reduce onboarding stress and keep your income steady. If you like the unit, ask early about extension options and rate adjustments.
7) Shift and Schedule Flexibility
One major perk of travel nursing is choosing shifts that fit your life — nights vs. days, block scheduling, weekends, or rotating. Get schedule expectations in writing when possible.
8) Health Insurance Options
Some agencies offer health coverage starting day one, while others require a waiting period or minimum hours. Ask about start date, dependent coverage, and what happens between assignments.
9) Retirement Plans (401k / Matching)
If a 401k is offered, find out whether there’s employer matching and how long you must be employed to vest (keep the match).
10) Licensure Reimbursement
Multi-state work can mean multiple license fees. Many agencies reimburse licenses or certifications—confirm what’s covered and what documentation is needed.
11) Certifications and Education Support
Some programs help cover BLS/ACLS renewals, specialty certs, or continuing education. Keeping certs current can open higher-paying roles and better units.
12) Referral Bonuses
If you love your agency, referral bonuses can be a nice extra. Ask how payouts work and whether your referral needs to complete a certain time on contract.
Quick Checklist Before You Sign
- Ask for a full pay breakdown (taxable vs. stipends)
- Confirm guaranteed hours and cancellation rules
- Get reimbursements/bonuses in writing
- Clarify OT, holiday pay, and floating expectations
- Know benefit start dates and requirements