Quick answer
Health insurance comes in a few main types, sorted two ways: where you get it (through a job, the ACA marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP, or the military) and how the plan’s network works (HMO, PPO, EPO or POS). There are also plans that aren’t full health insurance, like short-term plans and fixed indemnity policies, and add-ons like dental, vision and travel insurance.
Key takeaways
- Job-based coverage is the most common source of health insurance for people under 65.
- ACA marketplace plans are sold in four metal levels and must cover pre-existing conditions and essential benefits.
- HMOs and EPOs cover in-network care only; PPOs and POS plans pay some out-of-network costs. See what is an EPO plan.
- Short-term plans, indemnity plans and sharing ministries aren’t ACA coverage and can leave big gaps.
- Travel, dental and vision coverage are usually bought separately.
On this page
Where coverage comes from
| Source | Who it’s for |
|---|---|
| Job-based (employer) plans | Workers and their families |
| ACA marketplace and individual plans | People who buy their own coverage |
| Medicare | People 65 and older and some people with disabilities |
| Medicaid and CHIP | People with low incomes and children in low- and moderate-income families |
| Military coverage (TRICARE, VA) | Service members, veterans and families |
Network types
- HMO (health maintenance organization): in-network care only, except emergencies. You usually need a primary care doctor and referrals. Often the lowest premiums.
- PPO (preferred provider organization): covers in-network and out-of-network care, with no referrals needed. Higher premiums.
- EPO (exclusive provider organization): in-network only, like an HMO, but usually without referrals.
- POS (point of service): a primary care doctor and referrals, plus some out-of-network coverage.
Which is better, a PPO or an HMO compares the two most common.
Cost-sharing designs
- Metal levels. Marketplace plans are bronze, silver, gold or platinum, from lowest premium to lowest out-of-pocket costs.
- High-deductible plans have lower premiums and can pair with an HSA.
- Catastrophic plans for people under 30 or with a hardship exemption.
Most plans combine a deductible, copays and coinsurance. If you have more than one plan, see how deductibles work with two health insurance plans.
Coverage that isn’t full health insurance
- Short-term plans can refuse pre-existing conditions and skip essential benefits.
- Fixed indemnity plans pay set dollar amounts per day or service.
- Health care sharing ministries aren’t insurance and don’t guarantee payment.
- Discount plans lower prices at participating providers but don’t pay claims. See health insurance discounts.
These can supplement real coverage but aren’t a substitute for it.
Add-on coverage
- Dental and vision plans, since most medical plans don’t cover adult dental and vision care.
- Accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity policies that pay cash benefits.
- Travel medical insurance for trips abroad, since many U.S. plans cover little outside the country.
Choosing the right type
Start with where you can get coverage, then compare network types and total costs. Cheapest isn’t always best: a plan with a higher premium but a lower deductible can cost less in a year when you need care.
See the types of plans sold in your area: compare quotes by ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the most common type of health insurance?
For people under 65, job-based coverage. For people 65 and older, Medicare.
Is an EPO better than an HMO?
It depends. EPOs usually don’t require referrals, but both limit you to the network. Compare networks and costs.
Is short-term health insurance real insurance?
It’s insurance, but not ACA coverage. It can deny you for your health and exclude pre-existing conditions.
What type of plan has the lowest premiums?
Usually bronze HMO or EPO plans, and catastrophic plans for people who qualify.
Sources
This article is general information, not insurance advice. Plan types and availability vary by state, so compare your actual options on HealthCare.gov, through your employer or with a licensed agent. Last reviewed September 2026.