There are three basic health plans available: Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), the Participating Provider Option (PPO), and Traditional Indemnity (TI). If you receive health insurance through your employer or through an organization with which you are affiliated, you may not have a choice as to whether your health plan is an HMO, PPO, or TI. However, if you purchase an independent health insurance plan, the freedom to shop around usually brings with it the freedom to find the kind of health plan you want - HMO, PPO, or TI.

The kind of health insurance plan you choose depends on your...