What allows an insured individual to select any healthcare provider without restriction?

The answer highlights the nature of a Preferred Provider Organization, or PPO, which is designed to provide flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. In a PPO, the insured individual is not limited to a specific network of providers and can see any doctor or specialist without needing a referral, which is a key characteristic of this type of plan.

Policyholders may incur lower out-of-pocket costs when they choose to utilize providers within the PPO network, but they retain the freedom to seek care outside of that network if they choose. This flexibility is a significant advantage over other types of health plans, such as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), where members must select from a limited list of providers and often require referrals for specialist services.

Comprehensive major medical policies offer a wide array of coverage but do not inherently grant the same level of provider choice as a PPO. Service insurers typically operate on a fee-for-service basis but can have varying restrictions based on the specific plan rules. Overall, the flexibility offered by PPOs to see any healthcare provider without restrictions makes them a preferred option for many insured individuals seeking autonomy in their healthcare decisions.