About Travel - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to become a traveler?
What do I need to do before leaving on an assignment?
What do I need to do when traveling to my assignment?
And when I arrive, what then?
What do I do about housing?
What kind of insurance can I expect?
How will I be paid?
What do I need to do about taxes?
How do I cash my checks?
Helpful interview questions...
What are the requirements to become a traveler?
Before leaving on assignment, you'll need a license to practice in the state to which you are traveling as well as having gone through a physical examination, laboratory tests and drug screen. For more information, please visit our "Requirements" section.
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What do I need to do before leaving on an assignment?
- As stated above, immediately after deciding the location of your assignment, you will need to apply for a license to practice in the state in which you are traveling. For a listing of resources to facilitate licensing, please visit our "Requirements" section.
- Arrange for a forwarding address at the post office.
- Cancel existing accounts that you will no longer utilize (i.e., utilities, telephone, cable television). Have bills forwarded to your new address.
- Prior to your arrival you can arrange for a scheduled telephone hook-up with the phone company in the area of your destination. You also may want to arrange to have the utilities transferred to your name at this time (if necessary). Contact your Personal Placement Consultant if you have any questions.
- Inform your family of your travel route and expected arrival date.
- Establish a “travel folder” including all receipts (i.e., professional license, CEUs, magazine invoices, uniforms, travel receipts for gas and airfare, food and lodging). These receipts may be helpful at tax time.
- Make sure you have enough money for three weeks. Paychecks from out of state banks should clear within this time frame.
We've also provided a list of resources that you may find helpful in the moving process - just click here.
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What do I need to do when traveling to my assignment?
MedStaff is extremely concerned with the safety and wellbeing of our travelers. The following are a few useful tips to consider during your trip:
- When traveling long distances, notify us of your departure and keep us posted on your journey.
- Review and follow a planned route. We can provide you with detailed maps that can aid you in your journey.
- Keep your gas tank full when anticipating long drives through barren country. Flares, extra water and anti-freeze are helpful.
- Drive as much during the day as possible. Take frequent rest stops. IF YOU FEEL TIRED, DO NOT DRIVE!
- For safety purposes, carry a cellular phone with you during your trip. Use of a cell phone will also allow you to remain in contact with your Personal Placement Consultant. Always provide your Personal Placement Consultant with your cell phone number.
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And when I arrive, what then?
Once you arrive at your destination, please consider the following:
- Unpack your vehicle right away.
- Call MedStaff to let us know of your safe arrival and give your Personal Placement Consultant your new phone number so that you can be reached in case of an emergency.
- Notify the local post office of your new address.
- Prior to your first workday, perform a test drive to the hospital so that you feel comfortable with the route and time allocation.
- Arrange for connection of any services (phone, cable television) that were not connected by you prior to your arrival.
- Open a small local bank account to alleviate out-of-state banking inconveniences.
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What do I do about housing?
You are provided housing either through MedStaff or the facility. In cases where MedStaff provides housing, we strive to offer the most comfortable and attractive accommodations possible. Please visit our "Housing" section for additional information.
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What kind of insurance can I expect?
As an employee of MedStaff you will receive one of three insurance options that best suits your individual needs. The options range from a monthly cash reimbursement, Individual Short Term Major Medical Insurance and a Group Medical Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Coverage. The following is a brief overview of each option.
Please note: All options require signed, returned paperwork to become effective.
1. Group Medical Plan
You may also be eligible for coverage under MedStaff’s Group Medical PPO plan on the first day of your contract (free insurance coverage is available) This coverage includes:
- Low office visit co-pays for participating physicians
- National Network of Doctors consisting of over 390,000 doctors nationwide
- Out of Network Benefits (subject to a deductible)
- Preventative Care Benefits
- Prescription Coverage
2. Cash Stipend
If you decline coverage you will receive a $100 taxable insurance stipend each month to be paid on a monthly basis.
Please have your Personal Placement Consultant discuss your situation with the Benefits Administrator to determine what plan is best for you.
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How will I be paid?
There are two types of travel contracts - mobile and staffing. Each contract contains its own payroll mechanism.
1. Staffing:
If your contract is a staffing agreement, MedStaff will issue the paycheck on a bi-weekly basis. While you will be paid in accordance with the hospital pay period, MedStaff will generate your payroll with checks issued every other Friday. Your compensation is calculated on the time slips faxed by either you or the facility on every Monday, by 5pm EST, following the week that you have worked. Please check with your Personal Placement Consultant to confirm the hospital workweek, holiday and overtime policy, and responsibility of reporting hours. The current payroll fax number is (800) 390-6183.
2. Mobile:
If your contract is a less frequent mobile agreement, your paycheck will be issued by the facility per their pay period schedule. The facility will withhold all appropriate taxes from your pay. Timekeeping will depend on the facility’s traveler policy. You will either be expected to punch a time card or maintain time slips. MedStaff will supply time slips.
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What do I need to do about taxes?
W-4s are issued with your contract. If your assignment is a staffing agreement (MedStaff issued payroll), MedStaff will deduct the appropriate taxes according to the number of deductions identified on your W-4 form. If you are on a mobile agreement (hospital issued payroll), the hospital may require you to complete another W-4 form and will deduct all the appropriate taxes identified. Any changes in your W-4 are to be communicated to MedStaff. In addition to the W-4 taxes, a state tax for the state in which you are working will be deducted. Depending on the city and state, the tax rate can range from zero (0) to eight (8) percent. Completion and referral bonuses, when issued, will be taxed, since this is considered additional income. License reimbursement is not taxed provided a receipt or canceled check is sent to MedStaff. We will reimburse up to $100 per license at the successful completion of an assignment. Relocation reimbursement, when provided by MedStaff, will also not be taxed. If proof of a permanent tax residency is on file with MedStaff, subsidy/housing will not be taxed for the first working year.
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How do I cash my checks?
You have several options for receiving your paycheck: regular mail, overnight mail, and direct deposit. Typically checks are sent out via regular postal mail every other Thursday evening. If you elect the direct deposit option, your first check will be sent to you via regular mail or overnight mail (your choice). All subsequent payroll checks will be deposited directly into your account with the respective pay stub being sent to the address of your choice via regular mail. The most effective mode of payroll delivery is direct deposit; MedStaff encourages the use of this option. If you open a bank account in the area of your new assignment, please check with the institution to determine the availability of your funds. If the payroll check is from out-of-state, banks often require a grace period (typically 5 days) before the check will clear. Next day availability on checks usually requires a minimum account balance. Always be prepared with two (2) forms of identification (driver’s license & major credit card).
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Helpful interview questions...
- How large is the facility/unit/department?
- Is the facility private, community or teaching?
- What are the typical diagnoses and ages of patients seen in the facility?
- How far is the housing from the facility? (If the facility is providing housing)
- What hours will I be working, rotating?
- Will I be required to take charge?
- Will I be reassigned to different units/departments?
- What other job classifications render care in the unit/department?
- What is the weekend requirement?
- Are there other travelers at the facility?
- Is there overtime availability?
- Is there a specific approach to care that is delivered in the unit/department?
- What recreational activities are located in the area?
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