In-Network

What Does In-Network Mean?

“In-network” refers to healthcare providers who are part of a group that has contracted with a particular insurer. Policyholders who visit in-network care providers typically pay much less than they would otherwise, as their insurance company has already agreed to reimburse these providers for their services.

Insuranceopedia Explains In-Network

An example of an in-network healthcare provider is a primary care physician who has contracted with Blue Cross Blue Shield. As long as the patient has Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, this physician would be considered in-network.

Physicians who are out-of-network generally cost more because insurance companies often do not cover their fees. As a result, the cost difference between seeing an in-network versus an out-of-network physician can be quite significant.