Pros And Cons Of POS Health Plans
POS Health Plans

POS health plans , or Point Of Service insurance, is another option to consider besides HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). Like the other plans, it has advantages and disadvantages, depending on what your medical needs are.

POS health plans still resemble managed care health insurance. It offers you low medical costs, but sacrifices personal choice in selection. However, there are some major differences between POS health insurance and a traditional HMO.

Pros Of POS Health Care

POS health plans offer an advantage, that could still be seen as a limitation. When you choose a POS plan, you have to choose a primary care physician from the insurance company's network. The advantage is that once you have your physician, he or she can make referrals to other doctors or specialists, even if that referral means traveling outside of the network. This offers you some flexibility—but with limited conditions.

If you choose POS health care, and remain within the suggested network, then all paperwork is completed for you. POS plans also resembled HMOs in that premiums are less, due to the restrictions, and considered affordable compared to the typical PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan.

Cons Of POS Health Care

POS health plans also have disadvantages, one of which has already been covered: the limit of freedom to choose your own primary care physician, and the required referral to see other specialists. In addition, if you travel outside the insurance company's network even with the permission of your primary doctor, then you will have more paperwork and less benefits. If dealing with a specialist outside the network, you must fill out the forms, send in payments and keep track of your receipts.

POS health plans rewards loyalty to the network, even though it allows you to go beyond. When considering which plan is right for you, ask yourself what are the most important factors in my health care? Do I have a specific need for choosing my own doctor or specialist whenever I want? Or is affordability and some flexibility the most important thing? Consider the welfare of you and your family before making a final decision.