### A network is a group of doctors, clinics, hospitals and other providers you can see for a lower cost. 

If you choose to see healthcare providers that are not in your plan’s network, you will likely have to pay more for (or even all of) the cost of that care.

Your network is determined by your specific Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota or Blue Plus health plan. Some networks are large and some are smaller with a limited number of healthcare providers.

### Staying in your network is important

When receiving care, you will pay the lowest cost by using doctors, pharmacies and other healthcare providers who are in your network. Blue Cross and Blue Plus have worked with the doctors, hospitals and clinics in your network to establish a discounted rate for care.

### Going outside of your network

Your costs will likely be higher if you use an out-of-network provider for care. Sometimes there are exceptions, such as emergency situations. However, you should check your health plan documents to make sure you understand the details specific to your network.

### How do I find my network?

If you're a Blue Cross or Blue Plus member, [create an account ](https://www.bluecrossmn.com/accountregister "/healthy/public/personal/home/registration")or [log in](https://www.bluecrossmn.com/accountlogin "/healthy/public/personal/home/confirmation") to your member account, refer to your printed plan materials or call the number on the back of your [member ID card](/member-resources/your-blue-cross-member-id-card "member ID card") to find out what your network is called. When you log in to [search for providers](/find-care "Find Care"), your current plan's network will already be selected.

### National and international coverage for employer plans

Blue Cross is part of the [national BlueCard network](http://provider.bcbs.com/ "Search BlueCard national network"). As a member of an employer plan, you can find doctors in our network across the U.S. In fact, the BlueCard network includes 95% of care providers in the United States.

The [Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core](https://bcbsglobalcore.com) network for employer plans offers access to doctors and hospitals in more than 200 countries. For more information about how your benefits cover care received internationally, check your health plan documents or contact customer service at the phone number on the back of your member ID card.



 

 

 

 

 ### Networks for different types of health plans

The type of network you have depends on the type of plan you have. For example, networks for health plans you buy on your own are different from networks for health plans you get through your employer.



 

[Learn about Medicare networks](/understanding-health-insurance/learn-about-medicare/learn-about-blue-cross-medicare)

[Learn about small employer plans' networks](/employers/small-group-health-plans/networks-small-employers)

[Learn about large employer plans' networks](/employers/large-groups/networks-overview-large-employers)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Each Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield plan is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.*

*Each healthcare provider is an independent contractor and not our agent.*