What does EPO stand for in insurance?

Asked by: Juliet Klein  |  Last update: December 21, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (71 votes)

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plan. A managed care plan where services are covered only if you go to doctors, specialists, or hospitals in the plan's network (except in an emergency).

Is an EPO or PPO better?

Benefits of EPO vs PPO

An advantage of a PPO over an EPO is that out-of-network providers are available. Unlike the EPO, where members are strictly held to a more narrow selection of health care facilities, physicians, and pharmacies, the PPO allows some coverage for out-of-network providers.

What does EPO mean in health insurance?

EPO, meaning “exclusive provider organization,” refers to the rule of staying within the plan's network of select providers. If you get care outside the EPO network, you'll likely have to pay the full cost of that visit.

What are the downsides of EPO insurance?

An EPO is usually more pocket-friendly than a PPO plan. However, if you choose to get care outside of your plan's network, it may not be covered (except in an emergency).

What is an EPO and how does it work?

A law enforcement officer can request an Emergency Protective Order (EPO), usually when the victim of a crime calls the police or 911 for help. The officer fills out an Emergency Protective Order (form EPO-001) application and contacts a judge to review the application.

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40 related questions found

What is EPO and how does it work?

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the peritubular cells of the renal cortex. This hormone stimulates red blood cell production in response to low partial pressure of oxygen (pO2).

Who takes EPO insurance?

EPO plans contract with doctors and hospitals to provide care to the health plan's members. These providers are called “network providers” or “in-network providers,” and they include physicians, specialists, and facilities, like labs, hospitals, and urgent care centers.

How much does EPO cost?

The median total cost for EPO over 12 months was $4178.70 ($2416.37-5955.12) and for DA was $2302.92 ($1177.86-4218.93).

Do EPO plans have a deductible?

EPO deductibles are flat amounts, as shown on Medical Plan Highlights 2024/2025. If you enroll any family members, you are responsible for two medical deductibles, one for yourself and one for all your family members combined.

Can I travel with EPO?

With an EPO plan, you're only covered for emergency care and accidental injuries when you travel outside your network in the U.S. or the rest of the world. If you're outside of the U.S., call 1-800-810-2583 to find local hospitals.

Why do doctors prefer PPO?

HMO plans might involve more bureaucracy and can limit doctors' ability to practice medicine as they see fit due to stricter guidelines on treatment protocols. So just as with patients, providers who prefer a greater degree of flexibility tend to prefer PPO plans.

What does 100% coinsurance mean?

100% coinsurance: You're responsible for the entire bill. 0% coinsurance: You aren't responsible for any part of the bill — your insurance company will pay the entire claim.

Does an EPO have a number of doctors and hospitals in its network?

An EPO health plan provides a local network of doctors and hospitals that you can visit for your medical needs. Some of the top EPO benefits include: You generally pay lower insurance rates when compared to other types of health plans.

What is 50% coinsurance after deductible?

So what does 40% coinsurance mean, for example? If you have 40% coinsurance after the deductible, you will pay the deductible first and then 40% of the costs. 50% coinsurance means the same thing; only you will pay 50% of costs. While these are higher upfront costs, you will reach your out-of-pocket limit faster.

What type of plan is an EPO?

A managed care plan where services are covered only if you go to doctors, specialists, or hospitals in the plan's network (except in an emergency).

Is EPO or PPO better for pregnancy?

If you're happy with an insurer's network and don't mind seeing a primary care physician to get referrals to specialists, an HMO or EPO could be a cost-effective plan. However, if you prefer flexibility and don't want to be tethered to a PCP, you may prefer a POS or PPO plan.

Who should avoid a high deductible health plan?

While these types of plans can be beneficial to those who are relatively healthy, they can be very expensive for those who have chronic conditions or who experience a medical crisis. It's important to carefully consider your expected medical expenses before choosing to participate in a high deductible health care plan.

Is EPO a good health plan?

EPO and PPO plans are both solid options that can help cover medical costs for you and your family. If you're looking for coverage that reaches beyond a limited network, then a PPO may be right for you. However, EPOs tend to be more affordable and offer sufficient coverage for in-network medical services.

Do EPO plans require authorization?

You do not usually need to have a primary care provider when you belong to one of these plans, and you can see a specialist without getting a referral. EPOs can be difficult to manage, however, since you will need to get authorization for many expensive services that are not deemed medically necessary.

What is the EPO allowance?

Eligible expatriate employees receive a monthly allowance. Depending on their circumstances, it is 16% or 20% of their basic salary.

When should I get EPO?

Healthcare providers clone the gene for EPO and give them to you by injection (shot) to stimulate the production of more red blood cells. Providers use it to treat anemia that results from chronic kidney failure. They also give it to some people with rare types of cancer.

Who gives EPO?

Your doctor may prescribe both iron and EPO if you have anemia. Your doctor may prescribe iron for you if the iron levels in your blood are too low. In most cases, this will be in the form of pills.

What is a point of service health insurance plan?

A type of plan in which you pay less if you use doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers that belong to the plan's network. POS plans also require you to get a referral from your primary care doctor in order to see a specialist.

What does coinsurance mean?

Listen to pronunciation. (KOH-in-SHOOR-ents) The amount of money not covered by a patient's health insurance that the patient pays for each health care service. For example, if a plan covers 80% of the cost of a service, then the coinsurance that the patient pays will be the remaining 20% of the cost.