US Medical Term · insurance
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
Organización de Mantenimiento de Salud
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) |
| Spanish (Español) | Organización de Mantenimiento de Salud |
| Chinese (中文) | 健康维护组织 |
| Korean (한국어) | 건강 유지 기구 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Tổ chức duy trì sức khỏe |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | HMO |
| Portuguese (Português) | Organização de Manutenção de Saúde |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | องค์กรบำรุงรักษาสุขภาพ |
| Japanese (日本語) | HMO（健康維持機構） |
What it means
An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) is an insurance plan type that requires members to choose a primary care provider and obtain referrals to see specialists. HMOs typically only cover care from in-network providers except in emergencies. They usually have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to PPO plans, but less flexibility in provider choice. Members must use HMO-designated facilities for non-emergency care to have costs covered. HMOs emphasize coordinated, preventive care.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My HMO requires me to choose a primary care doctor before my coverage becomes active.
Mi HMO requiere que elija un médico de atención primaria antes de que mi cobertura esté activa.
I need a referral from my HMO primary care doctor to see a dermatologist.
Necesito una derivación de mi médico de atención primaria del HMO para ver a un dermatólogo.
If I see an out-of-network doctor with my HMO, will any of my costs be covered?
Si voy a un médico fuera de la red con mi HMO, ¿cubrirán alguno de mis costos?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Related guide
→ US Guide: how us health insurance worksSources
Last reviewed: September 2026