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For years, a physical insurance card has been part of nearly every doctor’s visit or pharmacy pickup. That is changing. Major health insurance carriers are moving away from mailing plastic ID cards and toward digital versions stored in a mobile app or phone wallet. For instance, Cigna has set a goal of moving nearly all customers to digital ID cards, and UnitedHealthcare has started shifting subscribers who choose paperless billing to digital-only cards as well.

This article explains how carriers are moving to a digital-first distribution of member ID cards.

Why Carriers Are Making the Shift

Carriers point to cost, speed and reliability as the main reasons behind the change. Printing and mailing millions of plastic cards each year is expensive, and a paper card can become outdated the moment a plan detail changes. Other reasons include:

Lower administrative costs—Cutting printing and postage reduces plan expenses, savings that can help keep premiums in check.
Instant access—New members can view and use their ID card the moment they enroll, instead of waiting for a card to arrive by mail.
Automatic updates—Digital cards update right away when plan details change, so members always have current information.
Fewer lost cards—A card stored on a phone cannot be left behind in a coat pocket or a desk drawer.
Less paper waste—Fewer printed cards mean less paper and plastic produced and shipped each year.

How Digital ID Cards Work

Most carriers now offer digital ID cards through their member mobile app or online account. According to JD Power’s 2026 U.S. Healthcare Digital Experience Study, mobile app adoption among commercial health plan members climbed to 38% in 2026, up from 31% the year before, as more members manage their coverage from a phone. Getting your digital ID card set up takes a few minutes, and the process is roughly the same across carriers:

Download your carrier’s app. Search for your health plan’s app, and sign in with your member information.
Save the card to your phone’s wallet. Most apps let you add your ID card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, so it opens instantly, even without an internet connection.
Use it like a plastic card. Providers and pharmacies can scan or read your member ID directly from your phone screen.
Add your family. Each covered dependent can have their own card linked to the same account.

What This Means for You

The shift to digital-first distribution changes how you carry proof of coverage. Your benefits and plan details stay the same. Most doctors’ offices, hospitals and pharmacies already accept digital cards the same way they accept a physical one. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

No cost to you—Digital ID cards are provided at no charge through your carrier’s app or online account.
Faster check-in—Front desk staff and pharmacists can often scan a digital card straight from your phone screen.
Coverage from day one—New enrollees typically gain digital access to their ID card before a mailed card would ever arrive.
Option to still receive a printed card—If you prefer a physical card, most carriers still let you request or print one from your online account.

Things to Keep in Mind

Digital-first does not mean digital-only everywhere. Acceptance can vary by state, provider and carrier, and some plans still mail physical cards depending on where you live. Consider the following:

Check with your provider ahead of time. A small number of offices or pharmacies may still prefer a printed card, so ask if you are unsure.
Request a paper copy if you need one. Most carriers will still mail a physical card on request, typically at no extra cost. Submit your request ahead of upcoming appointments so it arrives in time.
Save your member ID number. Keeping a note or screenshot of it is a simple backup if your phone is unavailable.

Conclusion

Carriers are moving away from mailed, physical ID cards because digital versions are faster, cheaper and easier to keep up to date. For most employees, this means signing into a carrier’s app once and having reliable, instant access to proof of coverage from that point forward. Anyone who prefers a physical card can typically still request one, so the change simplifies the process for most people without removing the option for those who want it. Employees with questions about their specific plan should contact their insurance carrier or HR department.