Health Insurance Claim ProcessCashless Claim (Recommended)Check if the hospital is in your insurer's network on their website/app.Show your health card at the hospital TPA desk at admission.Hospital sends pre-authorization request to your insurer.Insurer approves/denies within 2-4 hours (emergency: 1 hour).Treatment happens — hospital bills insurer directly.You pay only non-covered items (phone calls, attendant meals, etc.).Reimbursement ClaimGet treated at any hospital (network or non-network).Collect ALL original bills, discharge summary, prescription copies.Fill the reimbursement claim form within 15-30 days of discharge.Submit documents to insurer (online or physical).Insurer processes within 30 days (IRDAI mandate).Amount credited to your bank account.⚠ Common Mistake: Never lose original bills. Photocopies or digital scans are not accepted for reimbursement claims. Keep hospital bills, pharmacy receipts, diagnostic reports, and discharge summary in original for at least 3 years.Life Insurance Claim ProcessNotify insurer within 30 days of death (ideally within 7 days).Submit documents: Death certificate, policy document, nominee ID proof, FIR (if accidental), hospital reports.Investigation: Insurer verifies claim. If policy is less than 3 years old, detailed investigation may happen.Settlement: IRDAI mandates settlement within 30 days of document submission. If investigation needed, 90 days.Motor Insurance Claim ProcessStepOwn Damage ClaimThird-Party ClaimReportInsurer + police (theft/major)FIR mandatoryTimelineWithin 24-48 hoursImmediately after accidentSurveyInsurer sends surveyorCourt-appointed surveyorDocumentsRC, DL, policy copy, FIR, photosSame + medical reports of third partySettlement Time7-15 working days6 months - 2 years (via court)PayoutRepair cost minus depreciationAs per court orderDocuments Checklist for All Claims✅ Policy document or policy number✅ KYC documents (Aadhaar, PAN)✅ Bank account details (cancelled cheque)✅ Claim form (insurer-specific)✅ Hospital bills and discharge summary (health)✅ Death certificate and FIR if applicable (life)✅ Driving license and RC book (motor)✅ Photographs of damage (motor)Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat if my claim is rejected?

You can (1) file a complaint with the insurer's grievance cell, (2) approach IRDAI IGMS portal (igms.irda.gov.in) within 1 year, (3) file with Insurance Ombudsman (free, no lawyer needed) for claims up to ₹30 Lakh, or (4) approach Consumer Court for larger amounts.

How long does claim settlement take?

IRDAI mandates: Health cashless — 2-4 hours pre-auth. Health reimbursement — 30 days. Life insurance — 30 days (90 if investigation needed). Motor own damage — 7-15 days. Delays beyond these timelines attract interest from insurer.

Insurance Claim Process Guide: Step-by-Step for Health, Life & Motor Claims

By Admin • Feb 23, 2026 • 📖 4 min read

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Admin

Insurance & financial content specialist at PolicyBaazar. Helping Indians make informed insurance decisions with expert analysis and unbiased reviews.

📅 Published: Feb 23, 2026 📖 840 words ⏱️ 4 min read

Insurance Claim Process Guide: Step-by-Step for Health, Life & Motor Claims

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