How Much Time Should You Take Off Between Travel Physical Therapy Assignments?

One of the biggest perks and my favorite thing about being a travel physical therapist is the flexibility it offers. You’re not tied to a long-term job, and between assignments, you have the freedom to decide how much time (if any) you want to take off. But how much time should you take off? The answer, unsurprisingly, is: it depends.

It All Comes Down to You

First and foremost, the decision comes down to your personal situation. Are you feeling burned out after a tough contract? Do you have financial goals you're trying to hit quickly? Are you planning a big trip or need time to move or visit family? Do you need your benefits during your break from assignment? These are all valid reasons to take more or less time between assignments.

There’s no right or wrong answer here, but it’s about preparing ahead of time and trying to be balanced. You want to prioritize your mental health and energy levels while also being mindful of practical things like benefits and budgeting.

What About Benefits?

If you’re working with a travel staffing company, most offer a grace period of around 30 days between assignments during which you can keep your health insurance and other benefits—as long as you’ve signed a contract for your next assignment with them. Keep in mind, this varies by company, so be sure to confirm the specifics with your agency. This setup works well if you’re only planning a short break.

However, if you want to take a longer period off—say, a couple of months or more—you should know that you’ll likely lose access to those benefits unless you pursue alternatives like COBRA, a marketplace plan, or a spouse’s coverage.

Will a Longer Break Hurt My Career?

Short answer: very unlikely.

Taking even a few months or even a year off between assignments is generally not a deal-breaker. In fact, it’s quite common in the world of travel therapy. That said, you may be asked about the time off during an interview, so it’s a good idea to have a thoughtful answer prepared. Just be transparent with the interviewer if asked. You can also explain that travel therapy helped you adapt quickly to new settings, so you're confident you can jump back in without much rust to shake off.

In my experience, I've taken breaks ranging from a week to a couple of months between contracts. Most of the time, I take about a week off completely without working between assignments. During longer breaks, I worked a PRN job to maintain some income and keep a routine. My fiancée, on the other hand, took extended time off without working and didn’t experience any negative consequences when securing her next contract.

Budget for Your Time Off

This is a big one—make sure you budget accordingly for any time you plan to take off. Travel PT assignments tend to pay well, but since you’re not on a traditional salaried job with PTO, any time off means no income. Planning ahead can help reduce stress and give you the freedom to enjoy your break without constantly checking your bank account.

You Won’t Lose Your Skills

Worried that a break will set you back professionally? Don’t be. I’ve transitioned back and forth between outpatient and acute care and even took 1.5 years off from outpatient before returning. You may need a day or two to shake the rust off, but your training and experience don’t disappear just because you took a breather.

Looking Ahead

In the near future, I plan to take more extended breaks between contracts. Travel therapy has been an amazing journey, but I know it’s not something I’ll do forever. I anticipate big life changes on the horizon such as starting a family and/or buying a home. Taking time off allows me to explore the world, recharge, and fully enjoy the flexible lifestyle I’ve worked hard to build.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much time you should take between travel therapy assignments. Listen to your body, your finances, and your personal goals. Whether it’s a week, a month, or a year, take the time you need. One of the biggest perks of travel PT is the freedom to create your own schedule, which is something that becomes much harder to do once you transition into a full-time permanent role. Take advantage of this now!