Took a policy trusting the bank and got cheated at the time of claim? Know how to teach a lesson when a claim is rejected:

New Delhi. The recent alliance between Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of the prestigious government banks of the country, and Star Health Insurance has sparked a new debate among the customers. When a trusted bank like PNB joins hands with a private insurance company, the common man feels that both his hard-earned money and health are safe. But, the reality seems to be the opposite. There has been a flood of such complaints on social media and consumer forums where customers allege that they have to run from pillar to post while availing cashless facility and making claims.

Customers angry over claim rejection

In the insurance sector, ‘cashless’ facility is promised with great enthusiasm, but in many cases it has been seen that the claim is suddenly rejected at the time of discharge from the hospital. After this alliance of Star Health and PNB, customers’ expectations regarding security had increased significantly, but claim rejection and complex processes at the ground level have increased people’s concerns. Experts say banks often sell policies as ‘corporate agents’ but when it comes to helping, they shy away. In such a situation, the question arises that if the policy taken on the trust of the bank does not work, then where should the customer go?

This is how to control the arbitrariness of Star Health or Bank

If you or someone you know has had your health insurance claim wrongly rejected by Star Health, there is no need to remain silent. You can get your rights by following these legal steps:

Complaint to Internal Ombudsman: First of all send a written complaint to the nodal officer of Star Health and PNB. As per the rules, they are required to resolve your issue within 30 days.

Insurance Ombudsman: If you do not get a satisfactory response from the company, you can approach the ‘Insurance Ombudsman’ of your area. This process is completely free and hearing of customers is given priority here.

IRDAI ‘Bima Bharosa’ Portal: Register your complaint on the online portal of insurance regulatory body IRDAI. This organization has the power to impose heavy fines on arbitrary and wrong claim rejections by insurance companies.

Knocking the door of consumer court is also an option

If the claim amount is large and you have strong documents like doctor’s discharge summary, all bills and rejection letter given by the company, then you can file a case in the consumer court through ‘E-Daakhil’. Remember, the responsibility of the bank is not just to sell the policy but also to help in settling claims. Only alert customers can stop the arbitrariness of such companies and banks. Read the terms of your policy carefully and start gathering written evidence immediately in case of any dispute.