A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), is a group of health providers who contract with an insurer to provide health insurance coverage at a reduced rate to policyholders represented by the insurer.

A PPO offers you more flexibility in choosing which health care providers you see. You have the freedom to receive care from providers both in-network and out-of-network. You can usually visit specialists without a referral, including out-of-network specialists.

PPO plans are generally more expensive than health maintenance organizations (HMO) plans. Overall, think higher cost with greater flexibility to choose your team of health providers.