Health Claim Denied? The Legal & Practical Recovery Playbook

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.

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.