How to file a claim for Reimbursement Mediclaim
In case an emergency arises, you might have to rush to a nearby hospital for treatment. Even, when you have a planned surgery, you might want to avail the treatment at a hospital in your vicinity or near to where you reside. If the doctor
treating you works at a specific hospital, you are likely to prefer it over others. That hospital may/ may not fall under the list of Network Hospitals of your
Insurer.
It may be possible that your Health Insurance Company's Network Hospital is not affiliated with your preferred hospital. Then your only choice would be to file a Reimbursement claim with your Health Insurance Company.
If this is your first time filing a claim for Reimbursement Mediclaim Insurance, you might come across questions like:
- 'What is the procedure for obtaining a Reimbursement Claim Form?'
- 'What is the best way to submit it?'
- 'What documents are required?'
- 'What is the deadline for submitting the form?'
In this article, we have shared insights on the entire procedure and its minute details.
What is a Reimbursement Claim?
You can file for Reimbursement Claim if you're admitted to/ getting treatment at a Non Network Hospital of the Insurer.
While opting for Reimbursement Claim, you need to primarily pay for your hospitalization on your own. Post submission of documents, verification & approval, the amount shall be transferred to your registered bank account.
While filing a Reimbursement Claim, be assured that your Health Insurance Policy covers expenses related to your treatment.
Health Insurance Companies
Steps Involved while Filing for a Reimbursement Claim
- Intimate the companyYou must inform the company within the designated timeline.
- Get your Documents ReadyYou must ensure that you have all original documents related to the treatment like Medical Bills, Doctor's Prescription, Diagnostic Reports, Pharmacy Bills etc.
- Fill and Submit the Claim FormDuly signed & filled form must be submitted with other required documents.
- Evaluation of Claim RequestAfter submission, the Insurance Company will evaluate the documents as per the Terms & Conditions of the policy.
- Reimbursement Initiated by the CompanyOnce approved, the amount shall be transferred to the registered bank account.
When do I Need to Inform the Insurer about Reimbursement Claims?
In Case of Planned Hospitalization, the Insurer needs to be informed 2 days before the admission. In Case of Emergency Hospitalization, you must inform the Insurer within 24 hours of Hospitalization.
Documents Required for Filing Reimbursement Claim
- Health Card Copy
- Duly Filled Claim Form
- Original Hospital Discharge Summary
- Investigation Reports like scans, X-rays, blood reports, etc
- Cash Receipts from Hospitals
- If an accident happens, then FIR or medico-legal certificate(MLC)
- Doctor's Consultation Papers and Pre-Admission Investigations
- Copy of KYC documents
- Contact Info, NEFT details
- Invoices of pharmacy supported by respective prescriptions.
Points to Bear in Mind while Filing a Claim
Before getting a Mediclaim there are certain things that you should keep in mind:
Pre Existing Diseases (PED)
There is a certain Waiting Period that you have to surpass in order to avail compensation against them.
Renewal
It is important to renew your health policy on time to continue availing the benefits. If the policy is not
renewed, you might not be able to file for a claim.
DayCare Treatments
Treatments which require less than 24 hours of hospitalisation are not covered.
Look into the Contract
Read the contract carefully to understand Terms & Conditions & additional steps (if any), which are required to file a claim.
How to Deal with a Health Insurance Claim Rejection?
Sometimes, your claim could be rejected due to multiple reasons, which must be rectified in order to avail of the benefits of Reimbursement Claim.
Claim Rejection Circumstances
- Incorrect Information in the Claim Form
- Claim Form not submitted within the timeline
- Filing a claim for an exclusion
With the help of a third-party representative (TPA) and sufficient documentation, you can get your claim form
corrected.
What if You Do Not Get a Reply from your Insurance Company?
If you haven't received a response from your Health Insurer within 30 days, you must contact your Insurance Ombudsman.
You can go for legal assistance in addition to addressing the Ombudsman's office. However, you must keep in mind that legal assistance might cost a lot.
To avoid rejection and the struggle that comes with it, it is preferable to submit accurately filled forms & proper documentation.
How to Track the Status of your Claim
You can check the status of your claim online. You can visit the official website of the Insurance Company and track the status by entering the relevant information.
