What type of health insurance plan does Shelly have if she went to an out-of-network doctor?

The most appropriate type of health insurance plan for someone who visits an out-of-network doctor is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). PPO plans typically allow members to see any healthcare provider, including those outside of their insurance network, though there may be higher out-of-pocket costs associated with that choice.

On the other hand, a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) generally requires members to select a primary care physician and receive referrals for specialists, with coverage typically limited to network providers, making it less likely for an out-of-network visit to be fully covered. An Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) operates similarly to an HMO, as it also usually does not cover out-of-network services unless in an emergency. A service plan is not a commonly recognized term in this context and does not accurately reflect a specific type of health insurance.

Thus, the rationale for selecting a plan that accommodates out-of-network visits leans toward a PPO, as it offers the flexibility in provider choices without the stringent network restrictions found in other plan types.