How to Appeal a Rejected Health Insurance Claim in India (2026)

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.

Step 4: IRDAI Bima Bharosa (IGMS)

File on the Bima Bharosa portal at bimabharosa.irdai.gov.in to put regulatory pressure on the insurer. A trackable reference number is issued and the insurer must respond within 15 days.

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.