Choosing among the best locum tenens agencies means more than finding a job. You need a partner that supports your career goals, preferences, and lifestyle. Whether you’re researching locum tenens companies for the first time or considering a switch, compare each agency's job volume, malpractice coverage, specialty support, travel coverage, digital tools, and independent ratings. From telehealth opportunities to international assignments and mission work, the right agency can open doors you didn’t even know existed. This guide breaks down the key factors for physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and CRNAs, and shows how CompHealth and its sister agencies stack up.

The best locum tenens agency should have

Each of the best locum tenens companies is different and offers something unique to physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs). Use the checklist below to compare agencies side by side, then read on to see what to ask about each factor.

Locum tenens agency comparison checklist

A comparison of locum tenens agencies

A guide to comparing locum tenens agencies

Choosing a locum tenens agency is more than finding a job—it’s about finding the right partner to support your career goals, preferences, and lifestyle. As you compare locum tenens agencies, consider what sets each one apart in terms of job volume, malpractice coverage, specialty support, digital tools, and more. From telehealth opportunities to international assignments and mission work, the right agency can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to evaluate—and how CompHealth and its sister agencies stand out across the board.

Number of jobs and specialties

One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a locum tenens agency is the number of job opportunities it offers. More jobs mean more options to fit your preferences, whether you want to work in a rural clinic or a large health system, stay close to home or travel across the country. It also means you’re more likely to find openings that match your specialty, schedule, and compensation expectations. Not all agencies have the same level of access to jobs, and many rely on job boards to source new openings. Agencies with deeper, long-standing connections in the industry often hear about opportunities first, giving their providers an edge. If you’re looking for rural placements, ask how many assignments the agency has in rural and critical access settings.

Why CompHealth is a top choice:

We staff both permanent and locums/travel positions for physicians and APPs across a range of practice settings, locations, and specialties. Thanks to decades-long partnerships with hospitals, health systems, and clinics nationwide, CompHealth often hears about openings before they’re posted publicly.

Malpractice coverage

Malpractice insurance is a must-have for any healthcare provider, and it’s important to understand how you’re covered when accepting a locum tenens assignment. Not all agencies offer malpractice coverage, and those that do may vary in the types of policies they provide. Before working with an agency, ask what kind of coverage they provide, what it includes, and whether you’re responsible for any part of it.

Why CompHealth is a top choice:

CompHealth provides malpractice coverage for all its locum tenens providers, typically through a claims-made policy. We also understand how malpractice requirements vary by state and contract, and we have the experience to adapt. If a claim comes up, our in-house experts support you throughout the process so you can stay focused on delivering care. Learn more about CompHealth’s malpractice coverage.

Access to telehealth positions

The rise of telehealth has created new opportunities for healthcare professionals to provide care remotely, offering greater flexibility, work-life balance, and the chance to reach patients in underserved areas. However, not all locum tenens agencies offer telehealth roles, and among those that do, the number and variety of opportunities can vary widely. If remote work is something you’re looking for, it’s important to ask whether an agency staffs telehealth positions, what specialties are included, and how licensure and technology requirements are handled.

Why CompHealth is a top choice:

CompHealth offers a growing number of telehealth opportunities across a range of specialties. With our extensive client network and experience navigating state licensure and virtual care regulations, we’re well-equipped to match clinicians with remote assignments that align with their skills and preferences.

Online portal and mobile app: MyCompHealth

An online portal may not seem like a top priority when choosing a locum tenens agency, but it can make a big difference in your day-to-day experience. A well-designed portal gives you 24/7 access to assignment details, travel itineraries, timesheets, licensing documents, and pay information, all in one place. It can streamline communication, reduce paperwork, and help you stay organized before, during, and after each assignment. Not all agencies offer this kind of digital access; among those that do, the features and usability vary widely.

Why CompHealth is a top choice:

MyCompHealth is our secure online portal and mobile app, designed to simplify the locums experience and keep you on top of logistics. With MyCompHealth, you can:

View your assignment details

Submit timesheets

Manage travel information

Track important documents

Access it all anytime, from any device

Combined with personalized recruiter support, MyCompHealth adds convenience and control to every step of your locum tenens journey.

Check out these tools CompHealth offers: The MyCompHealth online portal and app

Support finding a permanent job

While locum tenens assignments are temporary by nature, many healthcare providers are also interested in finding the right long-term fit. Some staffing agencies specialize only in short-term placements, while others offer support for finding permanent roles. Working with an agency to secure a permanent position can save time and stress, especially if you’re unfamiliar with a region, looking to relocate, or want help negotiating compensation and benefits. Recruiters can offer access to unlisted jobs, insight into employer culture, and guidance throughout the hiring process. If you’re a newer clinician, also ask about credentialing and onboarding support, since those first steps often take the most coordination.

Why CompHealth is a top choice:

In addition to locum tenens placements, CompHealth has extensive experience helping physicians find full-time roles nationwide. With long-standing relationships across a wide range of healthcare systems, hospitals, and clinics, CompHealth recruiters can match candidates with positions that align with their goals, preferences, and lifestyle. From interview prep to contract negotiation, we offer hands-on support every step of the way, making the permanent job search less overwhelming and more effective.

Emergency medicine physician Dr. Russ Reinbolt shares how his partnership with a CompHealth recruiter has shaped his locums experience, and why it matters.

Availability of international locum tenens positions

Opportunities to practice abroad can be both professionally rewarding and personally enriching for healthcare providers seeking to combine their clinical expertise with the adventure of international travel. However, not all staffing agencies offer international locum tenens placements, and navigating the complexities of international licensing, visa requirements, and healthcare systems can be daunting without experienced support. Providers interested in international opportunities should choose an agency with deep experience in global placements and the infrastructure to handle country-specific requirements and logistics.

Why CompHealth is a top choice:

CompHealth’s sister agency, Global Medical Staffing, is the only locum tenens agency specializing exclusively in international placements. GMS offers assignments in diverse locations, including Australia, New Zealand, Guam, and the Caribbean. With decades of experience, they provide comprehensive support throughout the process, including assistance with licensing, credentialing, travel logistics, and understanding local healthcare practices.

Opportunity to participate in medical missions

Many healthcare providers are passionate about giving back through humanitarian work or medical missions. Still, it can be hard to know where to start or how to make it work logistically. Some staffing agencies support these efforts by offering time off, sponsorships, or partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Providers interested in medical missions should look for an agency that actively encourages volunteerism and can connect them with credible organizations and resources.

Why CompHealth is a top choice:

CompHealth partners with the CHG Healthcare Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping healthcare providers participate in medical humanitarian trips worldwide. Through this partnership, CompHealth clinicians have access to resources and potential funding to support mission work in underserved communities. Whether you're looking to join an organized trip or plan your own, CompHealth supports your desire to make a global impact by helping you find meaningful opportunities to serve.

Interested in going on a medical mission? View upcoming medical missions trips

Best locum tenens companies for NPs, PAs, and CRNAs

Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs have different needs than physicians when they compare locum tenens agencies. Licensing, scope of practice, supervision requirements, and pay structure can all vary by state and by facility, so an agency with APP experience can save you time and rework.

When you evaluate the best locum tenens companies for NPs and PAs, ask:

Why CompHealth is a top choice:

We place NPs, PAs, and CRNAs in locum tenens and permanent roles nationwide, and our recruiters can walk you through licensing, credentialing, and assignment details. If you’re new to locums, our multi-part guides for PAs and NPs cover how to get started, how pay and benefits work, and how to choose an agency. Actual pay and benefits vary by specialty, location, experience, and assignment.

The physician assistant’s locum tenens guide: What is locums and how do I get started?

The nurse practitioner’s locum tenens guide: Getting started with locums

What providers say about working with CompHealth

Reviews and ratings matter when you compare locum tenens agencies, but they’re hard to compare across agencies that measure service differently. Net Promoter Score (NPS) gives you a consistent benchmark because it measures how likely providers are to recommend an agency to a colleague.

CompHealth has won ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Talent award, which is based on ratings from the providers an agency has worked with. Scores reflect the most recent survey and can change from year to year.

When you talk with any agency, ask how it measures satisfaction, who runs the survey, and how recent the results are.

Comphealth's top three strengths

Frequently asked questions about locum tenens agencies

What are the best locum tenens agencies?

How the best companies invest in their people

The best locum tenens agency for you depends on your specialty, preferred locations, and what you need from an agency. Compare job volume, malpractice coverage, travel support, technology, and independent ratings. CompHealth, which has been placing providers for more than 40 years, offers locum tenens and permanent roles across specialties nationwide.

How do I compare locum tenens companies?

Ask each company the same questions and compare the answers in writing. Start with how many jobs it has in your specialty, what malpractice coverage it provides, what travel and lodging it covers, and how it measures provider satisfaction. The checklist above covers each factor.

Which locum tenens companies are best for NPs and PAs?

Look for agencies with recruiters who work with APPs every day, support for state licensing and credentialing, malpractice coverage, and clear pay terms. CompHealth places NPs, PAs, and CRNAs nationwide and offers multi-part locum tenens guides for NPs and PAs.

Do locum tenens agencies provide malpractice insurance?

Many do, but coverage and policy type vary by agency. Ask what the policy includes and whether tail coverage applies. CompHealth provides malpractice coverage for all its locum tenens providers, typically through a claims-made policy.

Do locum tenens agencies cover travel and lodging?

It depends on the agency and the assignment. Ask what the agency arranges, reimburses, or includes in your contract before you accept. With CompHealth, you can manage travel details in the MyCompHealth portal and app, with support from your recruiter.

Do I pay a fee to work with a locum tenens agency?

Providers typically don’t pay agency fees, because the facility pays the agency. Confirm this in writing before you sign a contract.

How do I find a locum tenens agency for rural placements?

Ask how many rural and critical access assignments the agency has in your specialty, how long it has worked with those facilities, and what travel and lodging support it offers. Agencies with long-standing facility relationships often hear about openings early.

What is the MyCompHealth app?

MyCompHealth is CompHealth’s secure online portal and mobile app. Providers use it to view assignment details, submit timesheets, manage travel information, and track important documents from any device.

How we keep this guide current

We review and update this comparison annually to ensure that the criteria, ratings, and CompHealth details remain accurate. This version was last updated in November 2026.

To experience the benefits of working with CompHealth, give us a call at 800.453.3030 or view today’s job opportunities in your specialty.