Insurers, or the third-party administrators they work with, agree rates with a network of GP, specialist and dental clinics called the panel. An employee shows their medical card or app, pays any co-payment, and the clinic bills the insurer.
At a non-panel clinic the employee pays the bill and submits a claim. Many plans reimburse non-panel visits at a lower limit, or not at all, to steer employees to the panel.
The size and spread of a panel matter as much as the benefit limits. Before choosing a plan, check that there are panel clinics near your office and near where your team lives.