How to Read Your Insurance Card

Note that insurance cards can look different. The important information, however, should include the following:

1. Insurance company name. The insurance company name and plan type are in the top header of the card.

2. Member name and number. The member name is the name of the person who is covered under the insurance plan. The member number helps insurance providers quickly identify the person and their insurance plan benefits.

Other information that could be included in this section is the subscriber or policy holder name. The subscriber is the individual who signs and is responsible for a contract with a health insurance plan.  

3. Group number. The group number identifies what group you are part of in your insurance plan. It helps identify your benefits in that specific plan.

4. Effective date. This date shows when your insurance coverage begins (or start date). It may not be listed on your insurance card. If you don’t know when your insurance coverage began (or becomes effective) you can get this information from your insurance provider.

5. Insurance contact information. Your insurance company contact information is listed on your card. Call your insurance company if you have questions about:

• Finding an in-network provider,
• Figuring out if a service is in-network or out of network, and
• Finding answers to any other questions about your health insurance benefits.

Note: There may be different insurance cards and phone numbers for these benefits:

• Prescriptions
• Dental
• Mental health