The Personal Details on Your Card
Your health insurance card will likely have your name on it, but in some cases, it may show the name of the person who holds the insurance policy for you, like a parent. Depending on the insurance provider, your card might also feature additional information like your home address.
The Policy Identification Number
Located on the front of your insurance card, the policy number is a unique identifier assigned to your specific insurance policy. This number is used by your insurance company to keep track of your medical expenses. It’s often labeled as “Policy ID” or “Policy #.”
Group Plan Identification
If you have insurance through your employer, your card will probably have a group plan number. This number is used by the insurance company to identify the health insurance policy provided by your employer. As an employee, you’re covered under that policy. Not all insurance cards will have this number.
Insurance Company Contact Information
You can find the contact details of the insurance company on the bottom or back of your card, such as an address, phone number, and website. This information is crucial when you need to check your benefits or require any other information. For instance, you might need to call to verify your benefits for a specific treatment, reach out to your insurance company or find information on their website.
Cost Coverage and Network Providers
The “coverage amount” on your insurance card tells you how much of your medical expenses the insurance company will cover. This information can often be found on the front of the card and is usually represented by a percentage, like 10%, 25%, or 50%. You may also see multiple percentages listed, which could pertain to different types of care such as office visits, specialty care, urgent care, and emergency room care.
In-Network and Out-of-Network
Another key aspect of your insurance card is the distinction between in-network and out-of-network providers. Providers that are “in-network” have an agreement with the insurance company and will typically have a higher percentage of coverage compared to “out-of-network” providers. It’s important to note that while you are able to see out-of-network providers, you will likely be responsible for paying a larger portion of the costs. To verify if a provider is in-network, contact your insurance company.
Co-pays and Prescription Coverage
You may also see a dollar amount on your insurance card, like $10 or $25, which represents your co-pay. A co-pay is a set amount you pay for certain types of care or medication. Some insurance plans do not have co-pays, but many do. If you see multiple dollar amounts, they may pertain to different types of care. Additionally, if you see an Rx symbol on your card, it means that your insurance company covers prescription drugs. However, not all insurance cards will have this symbol, so it’s important to check with your insurance company if you’re unsure about your prescription coverage.
