Real answers for your healthcare questions
What happens if I use an out of network doctor or hospital?
Answer
Your cost may be higher, and some plans may not cover routine out of network care at all. Even when a plan has out of network benefits, you can face a higher deductible, higher coinsurance, and possible charges above the amount the insurer considers allowable.
What to Know
Emergency care and certain services at in network facilities may have federal surprise billing protections, but those protections do not make every out of network service free or covered. The rules also do not replace the need to check network status for planned care.
What to Do Next
For non emergency care, confirm network status before the visit or procedure. If you must use an out of network provider, ask the plan what it will cover and request a cost estimate from the provider.
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