Why Does My Health Insurance Come With a Health Card?

A health card generally serves as an identification document to easily access medical facilities covered under your healthcare plan. From quickly verifying your eligibility to enabling cashless hospitalisation, this card is a crucial part of your policy.

Most private insurers will provide you with this card in a digital format shortly after your policy is approved. Meanwhile, the cards for government schemes like AB-PMJAY are issued at centres after verification.

What Information is Provided in a Health Insurance Card?

• Policyholder’s Name:The name of the covered person, along with their personal details, such as their contact number and address, will be present on the card.

• Policy ID: It will feature a unique identifier number required to record the policyholder's claims.

• Type of Policy: The card will showcase whether the health insurance plan is for an individual or a family.

• Insurer’s Details: The insurance company’s contact information and address will be added here.

• Policy Expiry Date: You can view the active duration of your insurance coverage.

Why Do Health Insurance Companies Provide Health Cards?

1. Reduces Delay During Emergency

The health card is specifically designed to help you avoid delays during a sudden hospitalisation. Since every necessary piece of information, like the policy number or the coverage type, is mentioned here, you do not need to juggle through multiple documents during this time.

2. Helps in Cashless Claims

To receive cashless treatment at network hospitals, you will need to present your health insurance card. Using this card, the hospital will check your coverage with the insurer or Third-Party Administrator (TPA). Moreover, if your policy includes OPD coverage, this card will be required to access cashless services.

3. Verifies Your Eligibility

The essential policy details presented on this card help verify your eligibility for claims quickly. This way, you can get faster approvals, easy admission, and hassle-free access to cashless treatment without unnecessary delays or confusion.

4. Provides Essential Information

Your health insurance card will include essential emergency contact information, including the insurer's helpline number and contact details. Thus, in case you face any issues while making claims, this information will help you get quick assistance.

How to Get a Health Insurance Card?

To get a health card, you need to purchase a health insurance policy first. Therefore, you need to submit your necessary documents, such as ID proof (e.g., Aadhaar or PAN card), age proof (e.g., birth certificate), address proof (e.g., utility bill), and passport-size photos.

Once your health insurance application is approved, you will get the digital health card instantly. However, to receive the physical copy of the card, you have to wait 7 to 10 business days.

Final Words

A health insurance card makes it easier to receive necessary medical treatment whenever you need it most. This is why, while purchasing a health insurance plan, make sure to get both a digital and a physical copy of this card from your insurer.