Aug. 27, 2020
Understanding Your Health Insurance Card
Did you know some of the essential information you need to access your health insurance coverage is on your card? It contains the necessary information about your plan and whom it covers.
Health plans usually give you one or two insurance cards. If you don鈥檛 get an insurance card, after enrolling in a new plan, call your health insurance company. You also may have the option to print a paper copy of your card from your health plan鈥檚 website.
When you receive your insurance card, check the information on the card. While the information displayed on the card varies from plan to plan, it鈥檚 important to verify that it is correct. Check out our interactive insurance card tool 鈥What to Ask When You Receive Your Health Insurance Card鈥 and ask yourself:
Does the information match your coverage selections?
- Is the plan type correct?
- Is the network name what you expected?
- Are the cost-sharing amounts right?
- If there is a Primary Care Provider (PCP) listed on your insurance card, is the information correct?
If any of the information is wrong, call your health plan right away to have it corrected.
Keep your insurance card with you at all times. You鈥檒l need to show your insurance card any time you receive health care services or talk to a health care provider (a doctor, for example) in person. You鈥檒l need the information on your card when you speak on the phone about your plan or look for information on your plan鈥檚 website. If you have coverage under more than one health plan (for instance, if you have coverage through work, but you also have coverage under your spouse鈥檚 health benefits), you should bring both insurance cards.
Protect your insurance. You should protect this card like you would other sensitive personal and financial information. If you misplace your health insurance card, you鈥檒l want to get a replacement. You can contact your health plan to request a new card.
About the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (不良研究所官方) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the 不良研究所官方, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. 不良研究所官方 staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally.