What does in-network care mean?

In-network care is almost always cheaper, because your carrier will have made a deal with your provider for cheaper rates. When you sign up for an insurance plan, there is a list of doctors and other providers who are part of your insurance network.

What does out-of-network care mean?

Out-of-network care is sometimes covered, depending on the plan you pick, but it’s almost always more expensive, because your carrier hasn't made a deal with the out-of-network provider. Many plans have a separate deductible for out-of-network care, which means your out-of-network coverage might not kick in until you've hit that higher threshold.

Should I only see providers who are in-network?

The importance of in-network care varies from plan to plan. However, staying in network whenever possible is beneficial. You can call your insurance or check their website to find doctors within your network.

In most cases, if you are working with a primary care provider, they will do their best to recommend specialists within the network. You can always verify with them before scheduling an appointment. Making sure your care is in-network can take an extra few minutes, but can save you a significant amount of money.