Health Insurance Claim Rejected? Your 2026 Fight-Back Plan

By Hari Kotian, IRDAI-Certified Insurance Advisor · 2026

For life policies, Section 45 of the Insurance Act 1938 bars contest after 3 years of continuous coverage except for proven fraud - a powerful lever on older claims.

What not to do

Do not accept the first rejection at face value, do not miss the GRO window, and do not discard medical records or hospital bills - they are your appeal evidence.

Step 1: Written rejection letter

By regulation the insurer must provide a written rejection citing the specific policy clause. If they have not, write a formal letter demanding one and keep every communication with dates.

Why claims get rejected

Non-disclosure of pre-existing diseases, incomplete waiting periods, policy exclusions, lapsed policies, delayed intimation, and missing documentation cause most rejections. The insurer must state the reason in writing - demand it if absent.