POS (Point of Service)
A POS plan combines an HMO's primary care gatekeeper with a PPO's partial out-of-network cover, so you get referrals but can still go outside the network at a higher cost.
- Brand
- Plan type
- Category
- Health Insurance Plan Types
- Released
- Price
- Not published
- VersusAnything Score
- 25/100
Key features
- Some out-of-network cover
- Lower premiums than a PPO
- Coordinated care via primary doctor
Best for people who want a safety net for out-of-network care without PPO premiums.
POS plan specifications
| Network flexibility | In-network preferred; out-of-network allowed |
|---|---|
| Referral needed for specialists | Yes, from your primary care physician |
| Out-of-network coverage | Yes, at a higher cost share |
| Premium level (1 = lowest) | 3 |
| Typical deductible | Low in network, higher out of network |
| HSA eligible | Rarely |
| Best for | Families who want coordinated care plus flexibility |
| Main drawback | More paperwork for out-of-network claims; fewer plans offered |
Score breakdown
- Overall (100%)
Scored against every health plan in our database using the health insurance plan types weighting.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Some out-of-network cover
- Lower premiums than a PPO
- Coordinated care via primary doctor
Cons
- Weaker overall score (25/100 within health insurance plan types)
Compare POS plan against
Alternatives to POS plan
Sources
- POS plan: Plan type official (manufacturer)
Specifications last verified: 2026-10-01. Prices are launch or official list prices in US dollars unless stated. See our sources and data policy.