A Preferred Provider Organization, or PPO, is a popular type of health insurance because it offers more freedom than an HMO, but is less expensive than traditional health insurance plans. If you're in the market for health insurance, you should definitely look into cheap PPO health insurance plans.

What is a PPO?

With a PPO, your health insurance company contracts with health care providers to provide health care at pre-set prices. All kinds of health care providers participate in PPOs, including doctors, hospitals, clinics, physical therapists, pharmacies, etc. As the insured you pay:

* A co-payment for services

* An annual deductible

* A percentage of medical fees

You can choose from any health care provider in the network, but if you go outside the network you have to pay a higher portion of the expenses.

What is the Difference Between a PPO and an HMO?

Health Maintenance Organizations, or HMOs, usually have no deductible and lower co-payments than PPOs. As with PPOs, you choose from health care providers within a network. However, HMO plans are more restrictive:

* If you go outside the network, you may receive no coverage at all

* You need a referral from your doctor before you can see a specialist

* You may need approval from the plan's management for some specialty care

How Do I Find a Cheap PPO Plan?

To find a cheap PPO health insurance plan, begin by visiting insurance comparison websites. On these websites you complete a simple form with information about yourself and your health insurance needs. Shortly thereafter, you'll begin to receive quotes from multiple A-rated health insurance companies. All you have to do is compare the coverages and premiums and choose the one that is right for you.

The best websites even let you talk with insurance professionals by phone, or through an online chat service, so you can get expert answers to all your health insurance questions (see link below).