Zocdoc recently launched Insurance Checker – available now on the Zocdoc mobile app for iOS and Android, and mobile web – which scans a picture of a patient’s insurance card and uses artificial intelligence technology to help patients correctly select the right plan. Insurance Checker also helps to verify plan details and guide patients to in-network doctors, so they won’t make a costly, out-of-network appointment.

Such digital tools can overcome the challenge that many Americans have when trying to read and understand insurance cards, Kharraz says, as each card has a different format and design, and most lack proper emphasis on relevant information.

According to the survey, just 8 percent of respondents think their insurance card is intuitive, and roughly a quarter (27 percent) say their insurance card is well-designed. Those who feel their insurance cards are difficult to understand are less likely to feel confident they understand what their health insurance covers.

Moreover, the majority say they have a difficult time figuring out what their insurance will cover, and roughly half (48 percent) don’t think it's easy to get answers or clarification from their insurance company. Nearly a third (29 percent) have shown up to a doctor’s visit unaware of the co-pay and/or other costs they would incur, and 27 percent are unaware of what’s left on their deductible.

More than three-quarters (77 percent) of the respondents says they would like an easier way to ensure their doctor is in-network when booking appointments. If unable to book an appointment with an in-network doctor, nearly a quarter (22 percent) of would skip going to the doctor altogether and 17 percent would go to the emergency room. The majority (63 percent) said that if they had higher confidence in their insurance coverage, they would be less likely to avoid getting care.