Help Choosing a Health Plan in California

Hi guys, I am a Canadian citizen looking for some advice on health insurance. I have already consulted with a specialist in San Diego (he hasn't charged me yet, but I will be needing tests soon). Although I live in Canada and can get the tests (colonoscopy and endoscopy) for free, it takes too long (mostly due to me being too young), so I am willing to pay for it in the US.

He said I should look at getting insurance for 6 months as it might be cheaper if they find something wrong with me. I will be staying in my aunts house in La Jolla San Diego, and I am in my early 30s. I was recommended to get a PPO plan, but there are so many providers.

Google tells me that Kaiser Permanente is far and away the best provider in San Diego, but they only seem to offer HMO plans. I also need to consider the fact that I plan on paying for the best coverage for a few months (6 months), and then I will reassess if I need coverage any longer. I didn't even know this was possible but my doctor told that this is how he would do it, lol too bad he didn't provide any concrete details, as navigating your health insurance offerings is surprisingly complicated.

I should note that I am currently "healthy" I am simply looking to get a diagnosis for a problem that has been bothering me for a long time. I don't really need to go the insurance route, but wanted to make sure I covered all the basics. Thank you for any advice.

submitted by /u/smta48
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