Health Insurance? -

I'm shopping for health insurance and am a bit confused by all the terms,Can someone tell me the difference between HMO's,PPO's,Network's,And Indemnity's and which is better? What slim said is accurate, I would just like to add/clarify. HMO - Uses a small network within your local area. Some require referrals and may services require authorizations. PPO - Use a large nation wide network. IE. If you have Pennsylvania Blue Shield PPO and you go to California, and the hospital participates with California Blue Shield PPO you are still in network (but with an HMO you would be out of network and with an HMO out of network is just not covered but with a PPO out of network is covered, it just process at a lower amount of payment than in network. Indemnity does not use a network but it is is very expensive and usually does not cover routine or preventive/screening services. Indemnity usually involves a lot of work for the member, you file most claims your self and with other plans, the provider will do it for you. Most have a deductible and alot do not cover regular office visits. This is old fashioned coverage and only covers services that are truly "Medically Necessary" (hence not covring routine). Usually, only inpatient services require authorization, and it is your responsiblity to take care of that. No referrals. I prefer PPO because it is portable across the country, and you do not have to worry about leaving your area. They usually cover routine/screening/preventive and many are deductilbe free if you stay in network. It covers office visits. Usually only inpatient services require authorization, but it is the participating providers responsibilty. No referalls. You do not have to file the claims your self, unless you go out of network. check these sites out. HMO - Health Maintenance Organization They have their own network of doctors, specialist, and hospital If you travel outside the coverage area of the network you may not have any coverage or if you wanted to see a specialist that was not in the network you may not be able to see him or her. PPO - Preferred Provider Organization or sometimes referred to as a Participating Provider Organization If you see one of the preferred providers you pay a smaller percent of the medical bill if you see a Dr. that is not on the list of preferred provider you pay a larger percent of the medical bill Indemnity - The Insurance company agrees to pay you a certian amount for you sickness or accident to make whole again ( financially before the sickness or accident) Which is best it depends on if you travel a lot outside the network , are your doctors in the network if not would you be willing to change doctors, How much more would you have to pay if you went to see a doctor that was not on the list of preferred providers,How much will the insurance pay if you sick, injured or hospitalized I could not completely make certain that my answer is the ideal one for you,it should be useful though,check out here.http://health-insurance.expert-tip.info/...