In-network refers to doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who have a contract with your insurance company to provide services at negotiated, discounted rates. When you see an in-network provider, your insurer picks up a larger share of the bill and your out-of-pocket costs, like copays and coinsurance, are typically lower. Providers outside this network, called out-of-network, haven't agreed to those negotiated rates, which can mean higher costs or, in some cases, no coverage at all.

Before scheduling an appointment or procedure, it's worth checking your insurer's directory to confirm a provider is in-network, since networks can change from year to year. Staying in-network is one of the simplest ways to keep your healthcare costs predictable and avoid surprise bills.