Working as a freelance filmmaker can feel like a dream come true. You get to use your imagination and creativity to make films you’re passionate about with the flexibility and freedom of being your own boss. However, as with any freelancing position, there are some potential concerns you should address before you decide whether it’s the right move for you. One of the potential downsides is finding consistent healthcare.
You probably already know that you’ll need to pay for your own healthcare and insurance unless you’re part of a union, but you might be more concerned about actually finding insurance that works for you and making sure you can receive adequate care when you need it.
Let’s answer some of those questions so you can have peace of mind about finding healthcare as a freelance filmmaker.
How to Get Good Insurance
A quick search on Google will provide you with dozens (if not more) of options when it comes to healthcare for freelancers. There are various companies to choose from, plans to select, and coverages to consider.
However, not all health insurance plans are created equally.
So, how can you make sure you’re getting good insurance that will provide you with the care you need?
The easiest way to get started is simply to do your research within the Health Insurance Marketplace, as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or “Obamacare.” However, if you’re not in a financial position to purchase insurance or you’re not sure which plan might fit your needs, there are other options to consider, including:
- COBRA coverage (if you recently left a position)
- Professional organizations
- Short-term insurance
- Getting on a spouse’s insurance plan
If you’re on a strict budget, consider looking at plans with a high deductible. They typically have lower payments, but you’ll need to meet that deductible each year for your insurance to pay for your medical needs. If you’re young, healthy, and don’t have any underlying conditions, it can be an affordable and easy-to-understand option.
Utilize Telehealth Services
Maybe insurance isn’t your concern, but finding consistent healthcare on an inconsistent schedule is.
As a freelance filmmaker, you might be away from home more often than not. After all, you have to go where work takes you. That can open up some exciting opportunities to see the world, but it can also make it difficult to get the medical care you need at any given time.
Thankfully, technology has made it easier than ever to maintain a connection with your doctor(s), no matter where you are. Telehealth is nothing new, but we saw a huge rise in its popularity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, it was used to keep patients and doctors safe. Now, however, many practitioners and specialists are continuing to offer it for convenience.
Obviously, some medical services and procedures need to be performed in person. However, if you need to speak with a doctor about things like test results or lab work, or you have a specific question, telehealth can make it easy to connect from anywhere. Your doctor might even be able to adjust and refill prescriptions after a telehealth visit, so you don’t have to worry about missing important medications because you can’t get to an in-person appointment.
Practice Preventative Care
When you’re a filmmaker, you’re typically around a lot of people on set. Add that to the frequent traveling you might have to do and the networking required to advance your career, and there’s no way you can 100% protect yourself from getting sick or injured.
However, prioritizing your health and practicing preventative care can help, especially before a long-term project.
First, before you tackle another project, decide if there are any exams, procedures, or surgeries you shouldn’t be putting off. For example, getting a procedure like Lasik or PRK might seem intimidating, but getting it done now will help you stay focused on your next project without worrying about your vision or what could happen if you delay the procedure.
Other than that, basic self-care practices and healthy habitual changes can go a long way. Try to prioritize the following when it comes to your health:
- Eating a nutritious diet
- Staying physically active
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing your mental well-being
- Reducing your stress
The better you take care of yourself, the lower your risk will be for getting sick or making a careless mistake that could result in an injury.
When you’re freelancing, it can feel like a lot of things are uncertain. That’s part of the excitement, but it can also be unnerving when it comes to things like healthcare. You don’t have to take chances or feel uneasy about finding solid insurance and the care you deserve. Keep these ideas in mind to take care of yourself, find an insurance plan that works for you, and stay connected with your trusted medical professionals. In doing so, you’ll be able to stay healthy, happy, and focused while making future films.
