Understanding & Using Your Insurance
We understand that health insurance can be very confusing, especially if this is the first time you are on your own plan. There are a number of short videos that may be helpful in understanding the basics of health insurance, including key terminology, how to use your plan, and understanding the difference between healthcare in the United States and other countries. These videos are all available below.
In this video, we’ll explore common reasons why your health insurance waiver is denied or pended for additional information and how you can address it effectively.
Watch HereWe have a full team available to help provide support and guidance, as well. For the most expedited support related to your situation, please contact the following:
- For assistance with the Gallagher student insurance portal, benefits questions, or claims assistance – connect by using the Contact Us form on the Help Center website or by calling 866-931-5275
For all other inquiries, connect with the Student Health Insurance Support Team at shs-insurance@duke.edu or call us at 919-684-1000.
Your Health Insurance Card
Your health insurance card, which is sometimes referred to as your Member ID card, is your proof of insurance. You will need this when you go to see a medical provider or go to the pharmacy.
The Duke Student Medical Insurance plan is a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina plan. Your insurance card will resemble the images below.
You can access this card in a number of ways:
- For students enrolled in the Duke Student Medical Insurance Plan or Dental Insurance Plan, navigate to the Gallagher Student Insurance Portal and select “Get an ID Card” in either the SMIP or Dental section of the webpage.
- You can also download the Blue Connect app and access your medical insurance card there.
You should keep a copy of your insurance card with you. We recommend keeping a copy on your phone. You can do this in a number of ways:
- Download the Blue Connect app so you can pull up your card from the app whenever you need it.
- After downloading the app, you can also add the card to your mobile wallet. Instructions here.
- Take a photo of the front and back of your card. This is a great solution for students who may be a dependent on someone else’s plan and do not have access to the app or a physical card for themselves.
The Duke SMIP is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plan. This means that you have a wider range of medical providers you can choose to see for your care. There are preferred providers and these are identified as “in-network.” There is more coverage of your healthcare expenses with these providers than “out-of-network” providers. Here is a helpful website and very short video that may help better explain PPOs.
You will want to familiarize yourself with key insurance terminology, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. We recommend you review this brief video.
When you need to seek medical care, you will want to provide them with your insurance information. This quick video will walk you through the process of how to use your insurance when you see a medical provider.
We encourage you to use in-network providers to maximize the insurance coverage for your healthcare expenses. If you are enrolled in the Duke Student Medical or Dental Insurance Plan, you can locate an in-network provider by visiting the Gallagher Student Health Insurance Portal and clicking “Find a Doctor” in the medical or dental section of the page.
If you are enrolled in other private health insurance, visit your health insurance carrier’s website. You may also find information on locating a provider on the back of your health insurance card.