What type of health insurance plan permits patients to select any healthcare provider?

A fee-for-service plan allows patients to choose any healthcare provider without requiring them to get a referral or be limited to a network. In this type of insurance arrangement, patients pay for the services they receive and then submit a claim to their insurance for reimbursement. This model offers flexibility since patients are not restricted to a specific network of providers and can seek care from specialists or out-of-network providers as needed.

In contrast, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) typically require members to choose a primary care physician and obtain referrals for specialist care. Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) allow for more flexibility than HMOs but still encourage members to utilize a network of preferred providers to lower out-of-pocket expenses. Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs) restrict members to certain providers but do not require referrals like HMOs. Fee-for-service stands out as it fundamentally supports patient autonomy in selecting healthcare providers.