When you sign up for an insurance plan, you agree to a contract. Typically, you pay a monthly premium, or fee, to your insurer, and in exchange, that insurer covers various costs related to your care. This can include anything from a routine office visit to a trip to the emergency room. Having an insurance plan can give you peace of mind by keeping your monthly costs predictable and manageable, even in the event of an unexpected health cost.
For each plan, some providers are considered in-network, while others are out-of-network. This status impacts how much you’ll pay for care.