There are five basic kinds of health insurance plans that are covered in California. Of course, you'll want to purchase the plan that meets your cost, services, and quality standards. In other words, you should choose a plan that you can afford, one that offers the services you need, and one that has the reputation of offering quality care and services.

The first kind of health insurance in California is an Indemnity Policy. This kind of policy usually offers you the freedom of choosing the doctor or health care facility you want, and is regulated by the California Department of Insurance (CDI).

The second kind of health insurance in California is the Preferred Provider Organization, or the PPO. With a PPO, you can see an out-of-network doctor or visit an out-of-network facility, but you will pay less out-of-pocket expenses if you choose a doctor or facility included in the PPO network. PPOs are regulated by either the CDI or the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC).

The third kind of health insurance in California is a Health Maintenance Organization, or an HMO. With an HMO, you must choose doctors or health care facilities that are included in the HMO. An HMO is regulated by the DMHC.

The fourth kind of health insurance in California is the Self-Insured Health Pplan. Many large organizations or businesses choose to go with self-insured plans, in which there is a large sum of money set aside for the purpose of paying medical costs of the policy holders. Self-insured health plans are usually regulated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or the ERISA.

The fifth, and last, kind of health insurance in California is the Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement. With a multiple employer welfare arrangement, employers who are members of associations (industry, trade, professional, etc.) create accounts which pay for the health care benefits. Issues with this kind of insurance are handled by the CDI.