Fee-for-service is health care coverage in which doctors and other health care providers receive a fee for each service such as an office visit, test, procedure, or other health care service. Fee-for-service health insurance plans typically allow patients to obtain care from doctors or hospitals of their choosing ,but in return for this flexibility they may pay higher co-payments or deductibles. Patients frequently pay providers directly for services, then submit claims to their insurance company for reimbursement.