Faster Insurance Claim Process

Documents must be accurate and you shouldn't dither on timely intimation

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda) has asked insurers to expedite the claim settlement process for the victims of floods in Jammu & Kashmir. They have responded by announcing advance payment, lesser documentation, assigning dedicated personnel to handle claims and so on to help the victims. Under ordinary situations, however, things could be very different. Policyholders must take some steps to ensure a smooth claim settlement process.

Life Insurance

Don't leave it to the agent to fill up the details in your proposal form while buying the policy. Incorrect disclosures, particularly information related to medical status, often lead to claim repudiation. The foundation for a hassle-free claim experience is laid not at the time of claim, but at the time of policy purchase itself. You should fill up the life insurance policy form yourself and not depend upon an agent or service advisor to do so. Non-disclosures, partial disclosures and incorrect disclosures of significant and material facts are the major reason for rejection of claims.

At the time of filing the claim, the first point you (the nominee in case of a death claim) must remember is not to pay any charges to officials to secure your claim.Do not let them bully you into paying fees for processing the claim. This apart, ensure that you intimate (either physically or through call centres and e-mails) the firm as soon as possible.

Next step is to get all the required documents in order. Claim documents should be submitted in an orderly and timely manner. The documentation list required for claim processing is available on the website of all companies. Hence, it is advisable that a claim be intimated with all the required documents, as this would facilitate speedier processing of claim. Visit your insurer's website to ascertain the documents required and procure the same before filing the claim.

Health Insurance

The quickest way of obtaining your claim is to avail of the cashless facility .Not only is the process faster, but it also ensures that your hospitalisation does not burden your finances even temporarily. If it is a pre-planned surgery, then inform in writing to the insurer or a third-party administrator (TPA) in advance. In case it is an emergency, inform them within the 24-hour deadline, after admission. If you have to settle for a reimbursement claim, make sure that you submit all the documents (claim form, discharge summary, prescriptions, hospital bills etc.) within the stipulated time frame and more importantly, ask for an acknowledgement from the insurer or the TPA. As per the new regulations, the insurer TPA has to ask for all the claim-related papers at one go (which means they cannot delay the process by asking for documents in instalments). In addition, the insurer has to give specific medical grounds for denial of claim. If claim is not settled in 30 days of submission of last set of papers, the insurer has to pay an interest on delayed payments. So, make sure you claim your rightful money.

Finally, in both the cases, study the terms and conditions of the policies carefully . Besides coming to your aid at the time of claim processing, the fine print can help you return an unsuitable life policy within the 15-day free-look period. With health cover, too, it's critical to understand clauses like pre-existing diseases, exclusions, sub-limits to avoid disputes.