Glossary · Plan types
What is a provider network?
A network is the facilities, providers, and suppliers your health insurer or plan has contracted with to provide health care services.
Definition and figures from HealthCare.gov, checked October 23, 2026. This page explains the term; it does not recommend a plan.
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Provider network: the facts
| Item | Fact | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Plan types by network rule | HMO, EPO, POS, and PPO differ in how they cover care outside the network | HealthCare.gov: Health insurance plan and network types |
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- HMO vs PPOSide-by-side comparison
- PPO vs EPOSide-by-side comparison
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Questions
What does provider network mean in health insurance?
A network is the facilities, providers, and suppliers your health insurer or plan has contracted with to provide health care services.