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6 Things to Consider Before Filing Your Health Insurance Claim

Team AckoJun 13, 2024

Like car insurance, health insurance is also meant to provide financial cushioning in case of mishaps. Unlike car insurance, health insurance is not mandatory. As a result, people often perceive it as an expense rather than a precautionary measure. This approach leaves a major part of the population without a health cover. Even, those who have a health insurance cover might not be well-versed with the details regarding raising a claim. Claim settlement is the most crucial aspect of medical health insurance for the policyholder.

Contents

6 Things to Consider While Filing Medical Health Insurance Claim
Things to avoid when filing health insurance claims:
The Role of Deductibles and Copayments
Importance of Annual Health Check-ups and Preventive Care
Health Insurance Ombudsman
- Do's and Don'ts While Filing Health Insurance Claim
Things to keep in mind when dealing with health insurance claims:
Tips and Strategies to Maximize the Benefits of Health Insurance Plans
Online Health Insurance
Frequently asked questions

6 Things to Consider While Filing Medical Health Insurance Claim

1. Tenure

Mr. Suresh was admitted in the hospital as he was severely hurt after falling down from the stairs. Fortunately, he had purchased a dedicated Personal Accident Cover health policy. Being from a modest background, his family felt comforted knowing that there was an insurance policy to take care of the expenses. However, Mr. Suresh and his family were in for a shock as the insurance company refused their claim request because the policy was expired.

You must manage your health insurance actively so that you are covered all the time. An expired policy is considered as an inactive policy and no insurance company will settle a claim request raised in case of an expired policy.

Also read about: Family health insurance plans

2. Mediclaim vs Health Insurance

It is common to get confused regarding, Mediclaim and health insurance. Some people use Mediclaim and Health Insurance interchangeably. However, there is a difference in coverage when it comes to these policies. Whether it is a Mediclaim policy or a health insurance policy, you must be aware of the coverage and raise a claim accordingly.

Going through the inclusions and exclusions of a health insurance/Mediclaim policy will give you an idea whether the condition against which you plan to raise a claim is covered by your policy or not. If you are not sure, you can get in touch with your insurer to get your doubts clarified.

3. Terms and conditions

Merely knowing the inclusions and exclusions isn’t enough. Your claim request won’t be approved if the condition for which you are raising a claim is disqualified as per the terms and conditions of the policy. Understanding the terms and conditions of your policy is paramount in the insurance claim process. Carefully review all criteria around pre-approvals, waiting periods, eligibility factors each time to avoid unpleasant surprises. Having clarity upfront streamlines the overall insurance claim process.

4. Intimating the insurance company

If you are going for planned hospitalization and cashless claim settlement, it is suggested to intimate the insurance company seven days prior to hospitalization. In case the policyholder is hospitalized in an emergency situation, such admission must be notified within 24 hours for a smooth claim settlement process. Both scenarios allow insurers to coordinate upfront based on details supplied through channels like medi assist reimbursement claim forms.

5. Reimbursement Claims

If the policyholder is admitted in a non-network hospital, then the insurance company shall settle the claim on reimbursement basis. In such cases, the policyholder needs to submit all necessary documents within 7 days of getting discharged from the hospital. The insurer vets everything against records like care health insurance claim forms before sending the approved coverage. After discharge, gathering and submitting all necessary documents—like the care health insurance claim form or the medi assist reimbursement claim form—within the prescribed timeframe, typically 7 days, is crucial.

Documentation:

Claim application
Discharge card
Bills
Reports
Prescription details

6. Proper Communication

Ensure proper communication with the insurance company. Almost every claim is different in some ways. There might be certain complications in a case which do not exactly fit well with the existing process of an insurance company. Therefore, two-way communication is extremely important. You can do your part by communicating upfront with the insurance company and being patient regarding their response. Also, answer all their queries truthfully and comply with them regarding the claim settlement process. This collaborative approach not only smooths the path to claim settlement but also fosters a relationship of trust and understanding with your insurance provider.

Things to avoid when filing health insurance claims:

Delay in Notification: Avoid delaying the notification of your medical treatment or hospitalization to your insurance provider. Notify them promptly, especially for planned treatments or surgeries. Delayed notifications may lead to claim rejections.
Incomplete Information: Ensure all information provided on the claim form is complete, accurate, and legible. Incomplete or incorrect details can result in claims being denied or delayed.
Missing Documentation: Avoid failing to provide essential supporting documents, such as medical bills, prescriptions, diagnostic reports, and hospital invoices. Proper documentation is crucial for claim approval.
Not Reading Policy Terms: Do not overlook reading and understanding your insurance policy. Be aware of coverage limits, deductibles, co-payments, exclusions, and waiting periods to prevent misunderstandings during claims.
Out-of-Network Providers: Whenever possible, avoid seeking medical treatment from healthcare providers or facilities outside your insurer's network. Using out-of-network services may lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses and more complex claims.
Ignoring Pre-Authorization: f your policy requires pre-authorization for specific treatments or hospitalizations, do not ignore this step. Failing to obtain pre-authorization can result in claim denials.
Non-Disclosure: Avoid withholding or providing false information about your medical history or conditions when applying for insurance. Full disclosure is crucial to avoid future claim disputes.
Late Claim Submission: Respect the submission deadlines outlined in your policy. Submit claims on time to prevent potential rejections due to missed deadlines.
Filing Multiple Claims for the Same Expense: Do not submit the same medical expense for reimbursement to multiple insurers if you have multiple policies. Double-dipping can lead to disputes and legal complications.
Non-Payment of Premiums: Ensure that your insurance premiums are paid on time. A lapsed policy due to non-payment can result in claim rejections.
Ignoring Exclusions: Be aware of policy exclusions and limitations. Avoid filing claims for treatments or expenses explicitly excluded in your policy, as they will likely be denied.
Inadequate Communication: Ensure effective communication with your insurer. Keep records of all interactions and maintain open lines of communication during the claims process. Respond promptly to any requests for information or documents.
Not Reviewing Settlement Details: Don't accept claim settlements without review. Carefully examine settlement details to ensure they align with your claimed expenses and policy terms.
Not Appealing Denied Claims: If a claim is denied and you believe it's valid, don't give up. Avoid failing to appeal the denial. Often, appeals can lead to successful claim resolutions.

The Role of Deductibles and Copayments

Understanding deductibles and copayments is crucial in the health insurance claim process. A deductible is the out-of-pocket amount before your insurance begins to cover its share of the costs. Co-payments, or co-pays, are fixed amounts you pay for specific services, like a doctor's visit, regardless of the service's total cost. These elements are designed to share the cost of care between you and your insurance provider.

When choosing a plan, consider how the sizes of these payments affect your overall expenses. Lower deductibles and copays can mean higher premiums, but they can make accessing care more affordable when needed. Understanding these costs is key to managing your health expenses and making the most of your insurance claim process, including using online preauth and claims to streamline your experiences.

Importance of Annual Health Check-ups and Preventive Care

Annual health check-ups and preventive care are foundational to maintaining good health and minimising long-term healthcare costs. Often covered by health insurance plans, these services can detect health issues before they become serious. Regular preventive care helps you stay healthy and can reduce the likelihood of expensive medical treatments in the future. Insurance providers may offer online preauth for such services, making managing appointments and understanding coverage easier.

By taking advantage of these benefits, you're not only investing in your health but potentially lowering your overall insurance costs, as insurers often reward healthy lifestyle choices with lower premiums. Remember, preventive care is a proactive step towards a healthier life and can simplify the health insurance claim process by avoiding more complex medical insurance claims.

Health Insurance Ombudsman

What is a Health Insurance Ombudsman or rather who is it?

A Health Insurance Ombudsman is an independent authority appointed by the government to assist policyholders in resolving disputes or grievances related to health insurance. They act as a mediator between policyholders and insurance companies, aiming to ensure fair treatment and swift resolution of issues.

What does a Health Insurance Ombudsman do?

Handling Complaints: Ombudsmen receive and investigate complaints from policyholders regarding health insurance-related matters. These can include claim denials, delays, disputes over coverage, or unfair treatment by insurers.

Mediation: They work to resolve disputes by mediating between the policyholder and the insurance company. This involves facilitating communication, negotiation, and finding mutually agreeable solutions.

Advisory Role: Ombudsmen provide guidance to policyholders about their rights and responsibilities under their health insurance policies. They also help policyholders understand the terms and conditions of their policies.

Transparency: The Ombudsman promotes transparency in insurance operations. They ensure that insurers adhere to the regulatory framework and follow fair practices while dealing with policyholders.

Recommendations: In cases where disputes cannot be resolved through mediation, the ombudsman can make recommendations for resolving the issue. These recommendations are not legally binding but are often followed by insurers.

Timely Resolution: The primary goal is to achieve timely and amicable resolutions, saving both the policyholder and the insurance company time and legal expenses.

When to Approach a Health Insurance Ombudsman?

You can approach a Health Insurance Ombudsman when you encounter issues like:

Claim rejections or delays.
Disagreements over policy coverage or terms.
Unfair treatment by the insurance company.
Non-responsive or unsatisfactory communication from the insurer.
Any other unresolved concerns related to your health insurance policy.

How to Contact a Health Insurance Ombudsman?

Contact details for the ombudsman are typically available on the official website of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) or your country's relevant regulatory authority. You can file a complaint with the ombudsman through an online portal or by submitting a physical complaint form.

Do's and Don'ts While Filing Health Insurance Claim

Do's:

Read Your Policy Thoroughly: Before filing a claim, review your insurance policy to understand coverage, exclusions, and the claims process.
Notify Your Insurer Promptly: Report any planned treatments or emergencies to your insurer as soon as possible, respecting the notification requirements in your policy.
Keep Detailed Records: Maintain organized records of medical bills, prescriptions, test reports, and communications with your insurer throughout the claims process.
Fill Out Claim Forms Accurately: Ensure all information on the claim form is complete and correct, avoiding errors or omissions.
Submit Claims Timely: Adhere to submission deadlines specified in your policy to prevent claim rejections due to missed timelines.
Seek Pre-Authorization When Required: If your policy mandates pre-authorization for specific treatments or hospitalizations, obtain it to avoid claim denials.
Engage in Open Communication: Maintain clear and timely communication with your insurer. Inquire about the status of your claim and provide the requested information promptly.
Review Settlement Details: Carefully examine the claim settlement details provided by your insurer to verify accuracy and compliance with your claimed expenses and policy terms.

Don'ts:

Delay Notification: Avoid procrastinating in notifying your insurer about planned treatments or emergencies, as this may lead to issues with claim processing.
Incomplete or Incorrect Information: Don't provide incomplete or inaccurate details on the claim form, as this can result in claim rejections or delays.
Ignore Policy Terms: Don't overlook the terms and conditions of your insurance policy, including exclusions and limitations. Be aware of what's covered and what's not.
Bypass Pre-Authorization: If your policy requires pre-authorization for certain treatments, don't skip this step, as it may lead to claim denials.
Miss Submission Deadlines: Avoid missing claim submission deadlines specified in your policy, as insurers typically have strict timelines for filing claims.
Double-Dip Claims: Don't submit the same medical expense for reimbursement to multiple insurers if you have multiple policies. This can lead to disputes and legal complications.
Assume Claim Denials Are Final: If your claim is denied and you believe it's valid, don't assume it's the final decision. Appeals often lead to successful claim resolutions.

Things to keep in mind when dealing with health insurance claims:

Emergency Helpline: Familiarize yourself with your insurer's emergency helpline number. It can be invaluable in critical situations, providing guidance on seeking immediate medical help and initiating the claims process.
Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your treatment plan with your healthcare provider before filing a claim. They can advise on which procedures or services are medically necessary and how to align them with your policy.
Review the Network: Periodically check if the healthcare providers you frequently visit are still in your insurer's network. Changes can occur, and staying informed helps prevent unexpected expenses.
Keep Claim Records: Make copies of all claim-related documents, including emails and letters to and from your insurer. This documentation can serve as evidence in case of disputes.
Understand Exclusions: Be aware of specific exclusions in your policy, especially those related to pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, or non-covered treatments. Understanding these can prevent claim denials.
Opt for Direct Billing: Whenever possible, choose healthcare facilities that offer direct billing to your insurer. This simplifies the cashless claim process and reduces paperwork.
Renew Your Policy Timely: Ensure you renew your policy on time to maintain continuous coverage. A gap in coverage can result in denied claims for treatments during the gap period.
Seek Authorization: When directed by your insurer, obtain pre-authorization for planned treatments or hospitalizations. This ensures smoother claim processing.
Appeal When Needed: Don't hesitate to appeal a denied claim if you believe it's valid. Insurers can sometimes reconsider claims based on additional information or clarification.
Review Claim Settlements: Carefully scrutinize the claim settlement statement provided by your insurer. Ensure it aligns with your claimed expenses and policy terms, and question any discrepancies.
Utilize Customer Service: If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your insurer's customer service. They can provide clarification on policy details and guide you through the claims process.
Understand Sub-limits: Some policies have sub-limits for specific medical services. Know these limits to avoid surprises when claims are settled. This is unique to every insurance provider.

Tips and Strategies to Maximize the Benefits of Health Insurance Plans

Understand the Plan Thoroughly

Carefully read all policy documents and manuals detailing covered services, network providers, claim processes, and terms around deductibles, co-pays, maximums, etc. Know key guidelines to capitalise on available offerings.

Use In-Network Providers

Thanks to aligned systems, staying in-network ensures the lowest out-of-pocket costs per visit, simpler claim submissions, and better provider coordination on referrals or tests. Avoid out-of-network surprises disrupting care and billing.

Get Preventative Care

Most plans now offer certain preventive services like annual checkups or screenings at low or no cost to encourage vital wellness visits. Book age-appropriate cancer tests, vaccines, heart health screens and more to benefit annually.

Understand Prior Authorization Needs

If undergoing planned procedures, extended therapies, or using speciality medications, determine whether pre-approvals apply to guarantee coverage later on.

Negotiate Unexpected Bills

If billing errors occur or out-of-network charges end up on a statement unexpectedly, contact providers right away to negotiate revised rates or insurer assistance. Quick action can help minimise personal outlays.

Putting in work upfront to grasp plan details ensures you smoothly access offerings over time. But staying vigilant around optimising protections with each care interaction keeps benefits compounding.

Online Health Insurance

Nowadays, it has become extremely easy to purchase, review, renew, compare, and educate yourself regarding health insurance. All this can be done through your smartphone within minutes. Make an informed choice while purchasing the policy and follow the claim settlement process of your insurer for trouble-free claim settlement.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to health insurance claim

What happens if my health insurance policy expires before I file a claim?

If your health insurance policy expires before you file a claim, the insurance company will consider the policy as inactive and will not settle the claim. It's crucial to actively manage your health insurance to ensure you're always covered.

What's the difference between Mediclaim and health insurance?

While some people use Mediclaim and health insurance interchangeably, there's a difference in coverage. Mediclaim typically covers hospitalization expenses, while health insurance offers broader coverage, including pre and post-hospitalization, critical illness cover, and more.

How important are the terms and conditions in my health insurance policy?

Understanding the terms and conditions of your health insurance policy is critical. Your claim might be denied if the condition you're filing for is disqualified according to your policy's terms. Always review the pre-approvals, waiting periods, and eligibility criteria to avoid surprises.

When should I notify my insurance company about hospitalization?

For planned hospitalization and cashless claim settlement, notify the insurance company seven days before hospitalisation. In emergencies, the admission must be notified within 24 hours to ensure a smooth claim settlement process.

What documents are necessary for a reimbursement claim if I'm admitted to a non-network hospital?

For reimbursement claims, you must submit all necessary documents, including the claim application, discharge card, bills, reports, and prescription details, within seven days of discharge.

Why is communication with my insurance company important?

Effective communication with your insurance company is essential as every claim is unique. This two-way communication helps clarify any complications and ensures a smoother claim settlement process. Being upfront and patient can foster a trusting relationship with your insurer.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when filing a health insurance claim?

Avoid delays in notifying your insurer about your treatment, providing incomplete or incorrect information on the claim form, failing to provide essential supporting documents, ignoring policy terms, including exclusions and pre-authorization requirements, and missing submission deadlines.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change. Refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.