Out Of Network

What Does Out Of Network Mean?

“Out of network” is a health insurance term that refers to healthcare providers who are not contracted with the insurer to offer services at a negotiated rate. Therefore, a patient who sees an out-of-network provider can expect to pay significantly more than if they were to see an in-network provider. Some health plans do not reimburse the insured for these visits, while others may offer partial coverage.

Insuranceopedia Explains Out Of Network

Health insurance companies establish agreements with a network of healthcare providers to receive discounted rates in exchange for directing patients to those providers. As a result, health plans typically cover a larger portion of the costs for seeing an in-network provider compared to an out-of-network provider. However, there are times when it may be necessary or advisable to see an out-of-network provider, despite the higher cost.