Question 1

What is travel healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Travel healthcare involves taking short-term assignments (typically 8–26 weeks) at hospitals, clinics, and facilities across the country. Travel nurses, PTs, OTs, SLPs, and other allied health professionals fill temporary staffing needs while earning competitive pay and exploring new locations.

Question 2

How do I start a career in travel healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Most travel positions require at least one year of clinical experience in your specialty. Start by getting your licenses in order, creating a profile on Luvo, and browsing available assignments. Our team can help match you with positions that fit your skills and preferences.

Question 3

What qualifications do I need?

Accepted Answer

Requirements vary by specialty, but generally you'll need an active professional license, at least 1–2 years of clinical experience, current BLS/ACLS certifications (for nursing), and any specialty-specific credentials. Some facilities may have additional requirements.

Question 4

How long are typical travel assignments?

Accepted Answer

Most contracts run 13 weeks (about 3 months), though assignments can range from 8 to 26 weeks. Some travelers extend their contracts at the same facility, while others move on to new locations after each assignment.

Question 5

How does travel healthcare pay work?

Accepted Answer

Travel healthcare pay typically includes a taxable hourly rate plus tax-free stipends for housing and meals & incidentals (M&IE). This structure often results in higher take-home pay compared to permanent staff positions. The exact amounts depend on your specialty, location, and the facility.

Question 6

What are tax-free stipends?

Accepted Answer

If you maintain a tax home (a permanent residence you pay for while traveling), you're eligible for tax-free stipends to cover housing, meals, and incidental expenses while on assignment. These stipends are based on GSA per diem rates for your assignment location and are not subject to federal income tax.

Question 7

What is a tax home and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

A tax home is the area where your primary place of business is located — typically where you maintain a permanent residence. To qualify for tax-free stipends, you must have a legitimate tax home with regular living expenses. Consult a tax professional familiar with travel healthcare for specific guidance.

Question 8

Do travel clinicians get benefits?

Accepted Answer

Many agencies and platforms offer benefits including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) plans, license reimbursement, continuing education stipends, and referral bonuses. Benefits vary by employer, so compare packages when evaluating opportunities.

Question 9

Do I need a license in every state I work?

Accepted Answer

You need an active license in the state where you're working. However, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses with a compact license to practice in 40+ member states without obtaining individual state licenses. Physical therapy and other professions have their own interstate compacts.

Question 10

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

Accepted Answer

The NLC is an agreement among participating states that allows registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to have one multistate license with the ability to practice in all compact states. Your compact license is issued by your primary state of residence.

Question 11

How long does it take to get a new state license?

Accepted Answer

Processing times vary widely by state — from a few days for compact-state endorsements to 8–12 weeks for non-compact states. Some states offer temporary permits that allow you to start working while your full license is processed. Plan ahead and start applications early.

Question 12

What compliance documents are typically required?

Accepted Answer

Common requirements include professional licenses, BLS/ACLS certifications, immunization records (including TB tests and titers), a physical exam, drug screening, background check, and any specialty-specific certifications. Keep digital copies of all documents current and accessible.

Question 13

How does housing work for travel assignments?

Accepted Answer

You generally have two options: take a housing stipend and find your own accommodations, or use agency-provided housing. Most experienced travelers prefer the stipend option since it offers more flexibility and can result in higher take-home pay if you find affordable housing.

Question 14

How do I find housing for my assignment?

Accepted Answer

Popular options include Furnished Finder, Airbnb, extended-stay hotels, short-term rental platforms, and travel nurse housing Facebook groups for your assignment city. Start looking 4–6 weeks before your start date. Many travelers also connect with other clinicians to share housing costs.

Question 15

Are travel expenses reimbursed?

Accepted Answer

Travel reimbursement policies vary. Some positions include a travel stipend or reimbursement for mileage to and from your assignment location. Be sure to ask about travel pay when evaluating an offer. Keep receipts for any unreimbursed travel expenses, as they may be tax-deductible.

Question 16

Can I bring my family or pets on assignments?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many travel clinicians bring spouses, children, or pets along. When searching for housing, filter for pet-friendly and family-appropriate accommodations. Factor in the extra space and cost when comparing your housing stipend to rental prices.

Question 17

What makes Luvo different from traditional staffing agencies?

Accepted Answer

Luvo is a transparent healthcare marketplace. Unlike traditional agencies, we show you the full pay breakdown upfront — no hidden margins. You connect directly with facilities, compare opportunities side by side, and make informed decisions about your career.

Question 18

Is there a cost to use Luvo?

Accepted Answer

No. Luvo is completely free for clinicians. Facilities pay to list positions on our platform. You'll never be charged to browse jobs, apply, or access our resources.

Question 19

How do I apply for a position on Luvo?

Accepted Answer

Create a free account, complete your profile with your credentials and preferences, then browse available positions. When you find a match, submit your application directly through the platform. You can track your application status from your dashboard.

Question 20

How quickly can I start a new assignment?

Accepted Answer

Timeline depends on several factors including credentialing, license verification, and facility onboarding. Some positions can start within 2–3 weeks, while others may take 4–6 weeks. Having your documents current and organized helps speed up the process.

Got questions?
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Getting Started

Pay & Compensation

Licensing & Compliance

Housing & Travel

Working with Luvo

Ready to start your travel healthcare career?

Your next chapter starts here.

Got questions?
We've got answers

Getting Started

Pay & Compensation

Licensing & Compliance

Housing & Travel

Working with Luvo

Ready to start your travel healthcare career?

Your next chapter starts here.

Got questions?We've got answers

Getting Started

What is travel healthcare?

How do I start a career in travel healthcare?

What qualifications do I need?

How long are typical travel assignments?

Pay & Compensation

How does travel healthcare pay work?

What are tax-free stipends?

What is a tax home and why does it matter?

Do travel clinicians get benefits?

Licensing & Compliance

Do I need a license in every state I work?

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

How long does it take to get a new state license?

What compliance documents are typically required?

Housing & Travel

How does housing work for travel assignments?

How do I find housing for my assignment?

Are travel expenses reimbursed?

Can I bring my family or pets on assignments?

Working with Luvo

What makes Luvo different from traditional staffing agencies?

Is there a cost to use Luvo?

How do I apply for a position on Luvo?

How quickly can I start a new assignment?

Ready to start your travel healthcare career?

Your next chapter starts here.

Got questions?We've got answers

Getting Started

What is travel healthcare?

How do I start a career in travel healthcare?

What qualifications do I need?

How long are typical travel assignments?

Pay & Compensation

How does travel healthcare pay work?

What are tax-free stipends?

What is a tax home and why does it matter?

Do travel clinicians get benefits?

Licensing & Compliance

Do I need a license in every state I work?

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

How long does it take to get a new state license?

What compliance documents are typically required?

Housing & Travel

How does housing work for travel assignments?

How do I find housing for my assignment?

Are travel expenses reimbursed?

Can I bring my family or pets on assignments?

Working with Luvo

What makes Luvo different from traditional staffing agencies?

Is there a cost to use Luvo?

How do I apply for a position on Luvo?

How quickly can I start a new assignment?

Ready to start your travel healthcare career?

Your next chapter starts here.

Got questions?
We've got answers

Got questions?
We've got answers