Health insurance plans generally fall into one of two categories:
indemnity plans (also known as reimbursement plans) and managed
care plans such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs),
preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and point of service
(POS) plans.
An indemnity
plan allows you to choose your own doctors and pays for
your medical expenses--totally, in part, or up to a specified
amount per day for a specified number of days. Managed care
plans generally provide broader coverage, but they all involve
an arrangement between the insurer and a selected network
of health-care providers (doctors, hospitals, etc.). For
example, an HMO will require that a primary care physician
in the network coordinate all of your care and refer you
to specialists in the network. No matter which type of health
insurance you buy, you'll need to make sure it offers the
right kinds of coverage.