For those working in the United States, there comes a time each year that can be quite stressful. It's the Open Enrollment season for choosing company health insurance. With so many types of insurance available, it can be overwhelming to decide, but there is one name you are likely to hear: Kaiser Permanente.

Newcomers to the U.S. often find themselves confused, asking, "Is Kaiser an insurance company or a hospital?" The answer is both. In the typical American healthcare system, insurance companies and hospitals are separate entities. It's common to have insurance from Company A while going to Hospital B and seeing a specialist at Hospital C.

However, Kaiser operates a bit differently. The insurance company and the hospital are run together under one organization. In simple terms, the insurance, the hospital, and the doctors are all part of Kaiser. This integration means that medical records and test results are all connected within one system. If you have a test today and see a specialist next week, the doctor can already access all your records, reducing the need to repeat the same information.

Kaiser Permanente operates on a fairly large scale in San Diego as well. The main hospital is the Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center located on Zion Avenue, and there are several outpatient clinics in various locations, making it more convenient than you might expect.

Personally, I find Kaiser's biggest advantage to be its focus on preventive medicine. In the U.S., while treating illnesses is important, managing health to prevent them is highly valued. Services like regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and management of blood pressure and diabetes are well established. For minor symptoms like a cold, many people can consult via an app or phone and even receive prescriptions, reducing the need to drive to a hospital.

Another very convenient feature is the smartphone app. It allows you to change appointments, check test results, request prescription refills, and even message your primary doctor, all in one place. For Korean speakers, there is also a Korean interpretation service available, making it easier to use than you might think.

However, there are downsides as well. The biggest drawback is the lack of freedom. For example, if a friend says, "The doctor at UCSD is really famous" or "I had surgery at Scripps," you may find it difficult to use those services if you have Kaiser insurance. Generally, you must use Kaiser-affiliated hospitals and doctors.

You also cannot see a specialist directly. If you have back pain, you cannot just book an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon; you first need to see your primary care doctor, who will refer you to a specialist if necessary. While this may feel frustrating at first, it is a system designed to manage healthcare costs by reducing unnecessary tests and duplicate treatments.

Ultimately, Kaiser is well-suited for those who prefer a streamlined approach. If you think, "I'm okay with using just one hospital as long as it's convenient," "I value preventive check-ups and regular health management," or "I want predictable medical costs," you will likely be satisfied with Kaiser.

On the other hand, if you want to choose a well-known specialist directly or prioritize freedom in selecting hospitals, another PPO insurance might be a better fit.

In the U.S., having expensive health insurance doesn't necessarily mean it's good; what matters more is how well it fits your lifestyle. As the workplace benefits season approaches, consider not just the premiums but also how you typically use healthcare services to make a choice you won't regret.