Health Insurance Options for CRNAs: Plans for 1099, PRN & Locums
Home / CRNA Insurance / Health Insurance Options for CRNAs: Plans for 1099, PRN & Locums / Last Updated January, 2026
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Health insurance for CRNAs outside traditional full-time W-2 roles requires a different planning approach. Portability, network access across multiple states, and continuity during transitions matter more than employer branding. The sections below outline the individual health insurance carriers and access pathways CRNAs most commonly encounter when working PRN, locum tenens, travel, or 1099 roles.
Common Individual Health Insurance Carriers Used by CRNAs
UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
- Plan type
- Individual & family health insurance
- Network
- Large national provider networks
- Marketplace access
- Available in many states
- Best fit
- CRNAs working across multiple states
- Access channel
- Marketplace or broker
- Best for: CRNAs who value broad hospital and specialist access.
- Watch for: Premiums and network tiers vary significantly by plan level and state.
Anthem / Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Plan type
- Individual & family health plans
- Network
- State-based Blue Cross networks
- Marketplace access
- Available in many states
- Best fit
- CRNAs prioritizing local hospital access
- Access channel
- Marketplace or broker
- Best for: CRNAs who work primarily within one region or state.
- Watch for: Blue Cross plans are not identical across states.
Cigna Healthcare
- Plan type
- Individual & family health insurance
- Network
- State-specific PPO and EPO networks
- Marketplace access
- Available in select states
- Best fit
- CRNAs seeking predictable plan design
- Access channel
- Marketplace or broker
- Best for: CRNAs who prefer established national insurers.
- Watch for: Network depth varies widely by region.
Aetna
- Plan type
- Individual & family health insurance
- Network
- Broad national network
- Marketplace access
- Available in select states
- Best fit
- CRNAs seeking hospital-based access
- Access channel
- Marketplace or broker
- Best for: CRNAs practicing in hospital-heavy markets.
- Watch for: Availability and plan design vary by state.
Ambetter (Centene)
- Plan type
- ACA marketplace plans
- Network
- Narrow, state-based networks
- Marketplace access
- Common on ACA exchanges
- Best fit
- Cost-sensitive CRNAs
- Access channel
- Marketplace
- Best for: Lower premiums and ACA eligibility.
- Watch for: Hospital and specialist access may be limited.
Molina Healthcare
- Plan type
- ACA marketplace plans
- Network
- Regional and narrow networks
- Marketplace access
- Available in select states
- Best fit
- CRNAs needing basic ACA coverage
- Access channel
- Marketplace
- Best for: Coverage continuity during transitions.
- Watch for: Limited provider choice.
Kaiser Permanente
- Plan type
- Integrated health system plans
- Network
- Kaiser-owned facilities
- Marketplace access
- Available in select regions
- Best fit
- CRNAs living near Kaiser systems
- Access channel
- Marketplace or direct
- Best for: Predictable care within one system.
- Watch for: Not usable outside Kaiser regions.
Provider descriptions are for general educational purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. Availability, networks, premiums, and coverage rules vary by state and individual circumstances. CRNAs should review plan documents carefully before enrolling.