PPO Plans:

Offer more flexibility in selecting a doctor or hospital Often has fewer restrictions on seeing out-of-network providers Sometimes covers the costs of visits to out-of-network providers. The majority of companies that offer health insurance benefits to employees offered PPO plans -- 73% -- while only 37% offered HMOs in the 2018 survey.

HMO Plans:

Often are more affordable, with lower monthly premiums and a low or no annual deductible Usually require PCP referrals to see specialists for non-emergency needs Usually provide a list of network providers, including specialists -- but if you choose to visit a doctor outside of the network, it's possible there will be no coverage provided and you will have to pay the full cost for the visit.