Compare Health Insurance Plans
Side-by-side breakdown of every major plan type — find the one that fits your situation and budget.
Which situation sounds like you?
HMO
I want the lowest monthly premium and don't mind staying in-network
PPO
I want to see any doctor without a referral, including specialists
EPO
I want no referrals but am fine staying within a network
POS
I want some out-of-network access without paying full PPO premiums
HDHP
I'm generally healthy and want to build tax-free savings with an HSA
Full feature comparison
Tap a plan to highlight its column:
| Feature | HMO | PPO | EPO | POS | HDHP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Referral required for specialists | Yes | No | No | Yes | Varies |
| Out-of-network coverage | Emergency only | Yes (higher cost) | Emergency only | Yes (higher cost) | Varies by plan |
| Primary care physician required | Yes | No | No | Yes | Varies |
| Typical monthly premium | Low | High | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Deductible | Low–Moderate | Moderate–High | Moderate | Moderate | High (required) |
| HSA eligible | No | No | No | No | Yes ✓ |
| Network flexibility | Restricted | Most flexible | Network only | Some flexibility | Varies |
| Best for | Budget-focused, consistent care | Flexibility, specialists, travel | No referrals on a mid budget | Some OON access on a budget | Healthy people saving via HSA |
Deep-dive: head-to-head comparisons
Narrowed it down to two options? Read a detailed breakdown.
The core trade-off: HMOs are cheaper but restrict you to a network and require referrals. PPOs cost more but let you see any doctor without a referral.
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Both save you money on healthcare with pre-tax dollars, but HSAs are far more flexible — they roll over forever, can be invested, and you own them. FSAs have use-it-or-lose-it rules.
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Medicare is federal health insurance based on age (65+) or disability. Medicaid is a joint federal-state program based on low income. They serve different populations but can overlap.
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After losing job-based coverage, you can continue your exact employer plan via COBRA or switch to an ACA Marketplace plan. COBRA keeps your current doctors but is expensive. Marketplace plans are often cheaper, especially with subsidies.
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HDHPs have lower premiums but higher deductibles and unlock HSA eligibility. PPOs have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs when you use care.
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Still not sure which plan fits you?
Ask Nova — our AI assistant can walk through your situation and recommend the right plan type in plain English.