Indemnity health insurance, also known as fee-for-service insurance, is a traditional form of health coverage that provides policyholders with a high degree of flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. In an indemnity plan, individuals are not restricted to a network of doctors or hospitals, and they can seek medical care from any licensed healthcare provider.

With indemnity health insurance, policyholders are generally required to pay for medical services out of pocket initially, and then they submit a claim to the insurance company for reimbursement. The insurance company then reimburses a percentage of the covered expenses, usually after the policyholder meets a deductible.

One key characteristic of indemnity plans is the concept of "usual, customary, and reasonable" (UCR) fees. The insurance company determines a reasonable amount that it is willing to cover for a particular service based on factors such as the average cost in a specific geographic area. If the healthcare provider charges more than the UCR amount, the policyholder may be responsible for the difference.

While indemnity plans offer a high degree of flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, they may come with higher out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles and co-insurance. Additionally, some indemnity plans may have annual or lifetime limits on coverage.

Indemnity health insurance contrasts with managed care plans, such as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) or Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), which often have networks of contracted providers and different cost-sharing structures. Choosing between indemnity and managed care plans depends on individual preferences, healthcare needs, and the importance of provider flexibility in the decision-making process.

The time it takes to receive health insurance cards in the mail can vary depending on the insurance company, the specific policy, and the efficiency of the administrative processes. In general, health insurance cards are typically sent out shortly after the policy becomes active. This may occur within a few weeks after the insurance company processes the enrollment and receives the initial premium payment.

Some insurance companies provide temporary proof of coverage or electronic versions of insurance cards that policyholders can access online or through mobile apps immediately upon enrollment. These temporary documents can be used to receive medical services until the physical cards arrive in the mail.

If there are delays in processing or if there are issues with the enrollment information, it may take longer to receive the health insurance cards. Policyholders can contact their insurance provider's customer service to inquire about the status of their card issuance or request expedited delivery if necessary.

It's essential for individuals to review the information on their health insurance cards once received to ensure accuracy. This includes verifying the names of covered individuals, policy numbers, and the effective date of coverage. If there are discrepancies or issues, contacting the insurance company promptly can help resolve any concerns and ensure smooth access to healthcare services.