Add your insurance card in three steps
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, and select "Insurance" from the list of card types. Take a photo of the front of your insurance card when prompted, then take a photo of the back. Apple Wallet will read the card details automatically — check that the member ID, group number, and issuer name are correct before you save. The card appears in your Wallet when ready and works offline, so you can show it to a doctor or pharmacist even without cell service.
If the automatic reading misses details, you can edit them by tapping the card, selecting the three dots, and choosing "Edit Card." Type in any missing information — most commonly the customer service phone number or your plan type. Once saved, your insurance card stays in Wallet until you delete it.
Some insurance companies also let you add their branded app to Wallet instead of a generic card. Check your insurer's website or app store listing to see if they offer this option — it sometimes includes extra features like claims history or finding in-network providers.
Key Takeaways
- Wallet reads your insurance card automatically when you photograph both sides, so you do not have to type details manually.
- Your card works in Wallet without internet or cell service, so you can show it to a doctor even if your phone has no signal.
- You can edit any details Wallet misses by tapping the card and selecting "Edit Card" from the menu.
- Some insurance companies offer their own branded cards in Wallet with extra features beyond a basic card image.
- Deleting a card from Wallet does not affect your actual insurance — it only removes the digital copy from your phone.
What information Wallet captures from your card
When you photograph your insurance card, Wallet looks for the member ID (sometimes called the subscriber ID or policy number), the group number, the plan name, and the issuer name. It also captures the customer service phone number if it appears on the card. These are the details a doctor's office or pharmacy needs to process a claim, so Wallet prioritizes them.
The automatic reading works best on cards with clear, printed text and good lighting. If your card is worn, faded, or has handwritten information, Wallet may miss some details. This is why the edit step matters — you can add anything the camera did not catch. The back of your card often holds the customer service number and any prior authorization requirements, so photograph it even if the front looks complete.
How to show your card at a doctor's office or pharmacy
When you arrive at a doctor's office or pharmacy, open Wallet and tap your insurance card. The card appears full-size on your screen. Hand your phone to the staff member, and they can read the member ID and group number directly from the screen. You do not have to unlock your phone or open any other app — Wallet shows only the card you selected.
Some offices have card readers that can scan the barcode on the back of your card. If Wallet includes a barcode image, the staff member can scan your phone screen the same way they would scan a physical card. If your card does not have a barcode or Wallet did not capture it, they can type the member ID and group number by hand — this takes a few extra seconds but works just as well.
Keep your physical card with you as a backup. Some older systems or smaller offices may not accept digital cards, and having the physical card ensures you can always show proof of insurance.
Editing or removing a card from Wallet
To change any information on your card, open Wallet, tap the insurance card, and tap the three dots in the upper right corner. Select "Edit Card" and update any field — member ID, group number, customer service number, or plan name. Tap "Save" when you finish. The changes appear in Wallet when ready.
To remove a card, open Wallet, tap and hold the card, and select "Remove Card" from the menu. Removing the card from Wallet does not cancel your insurance or affect your coverage — it only deletes the digital image from your phone. You can add the same card back later by taking new photos of it.
When your insurance changes or you get a new card
When your insurance company sends you a new card, add it to Wallet the same way you added the first one — open Wallet, tap the plus sign, select "Insurance," and photograph both sides of the new card. You can keep multiple insurance cards in Wallet if you have coverage through more than one plan (for example, your own plan and a spouse's plan).
If you want to remove the old card, tap and hold it and select "Remove Card." Wallet will ask you to confirm before deleting it. If you are unsure whether you still need the old card, you can leave both in Wallet until you confirm with your insurance company that the new one is active.
Some insurance companies send replacement cards automatically when your plan renews or changes. Check your insurer's website or app to see when your new card should arrive, and update Wallet once you receive it.
Troubleshooting cards that won't scan or save
If Wallet cannot read your card, the photo may be blurry, too dark, or at an angle. Try again with better lighting and hold your phone directly above the card. Make sure the entire card is visible in the frame and that no part of it is cut off. Take the photo in a well-lit room or near a window rather than in dim light.
If Wallet reads the card but will not save it, restart your iPhone and try again. Sometimes a temporary glitch prevents the save from completing. If the problem continues, delete the card and photograph it again from the start.
If you see an error message saying the card type is not supported, your insurance company may not be compatible with Wallet yet. You can still store a photo of your card in the Photos app or Notes app as a backup, or keep the physical card with you.
Keeping your insurance information find in Wallet
Your insurance card in Wallet is protected by the same security as everything else on your iPhone — it requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to access. When you hand your phone to a staff member to view the card, they see only the card you selected, not your other cards, photos, or personal information.
If you lose your phone, your insurance information is not accessible to whoever finds it without unlocking the device. You can also use Find My iPhone to locate your phone or erase it remotely if it is lost or stolen. Once erased, all cards in Wallet are deleted from that device.
If your phone is stolen and you are worried about your insurance information, contact your insurance company to report it. They can flag your account and watch for fraudulent claims. You can add your card to a replacement phone as soon as you get one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add my spouse's or child's insurance card to my Wallet?
Yes. Open Wallet, tap the plus sign, select "Insurance," and photograph their card. You can store as many insurance cards as you need in Wallet — one for each family member or each plan you are covered under. Each card appears as a separate item in your Wallet.
What happens if my insurance card has a barcode but Wallet doesn't show it?
Wallet captures the barcode if it is visible and clear in your photo. If it does not appear, the photo may have been at an angle or the barcode may have been cut off. Try photographing the card again, making sure the entire back is in the frame and the lighting is good. If Wallet still does not capture it, staff can type your member ID and group number by hand instead.
Can I use Wallet if my insurance company is not listed?
Yes. Wallet lets you add any insurance card, even if your company is not specifically named. The card works the same way — you photograph it, Wallet reads the details, and you can show it to doctors and pharmacies. Some companies offer branded versions with extra features, but a basic card works for all the information you need.
Does adding my card to Wallet mean I am covered?
No. Adding your card to Wallet is only storing a digital copy of your insurance card. Your coverage depends on your actual insurance policy and whether your premiums are paid. Wallet does not change your coverage or set up anything — it is just a way to carry your card information on your phone.
What if I delete my card from Wallet by accident?
You can add it back when ready by photographing your physical card again. Open Wallet, tap the plus sign, select "Insurance," and take new photos of both sides. Your card reappears in Wallet within seconds. Deleting it from Wallet does not affect your actual insurance at all.