How to Claim Insurance (Health, Term, or Car) – A Step-by-Step Guide

Insurance is that thing we buy, pay for… and hope we never have to use.

But when the time comes to actually file a claim, many people are confused, delayed, or worse — rejected due to missed steps.

⭐️ In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to claim three of the most common types of insurance in India:

• 🏥 Health Insurance
• 🧾 Term Life Insurance
• 🚗 Car/Vehicle Insurance

All explained in simple steps — no legal jargon, no agent pressure.

🏥 1. How to Claim Health Insurance

📍 Scenario A: Cashless Claim (Planned or Emergency)

1. Go to a network hospital (check your insurer’s website or card)
2. Show your health insurance card at admission desk
3. Fill out pre-authorization form (hospital will help)
4. Hospital contacts the insurer for approval
5. If approved, your bill is directly settled by insurer

🟢 You may still have to pay small charges like registration or non-covered items (gloves, masks, etc.)

📍 Scenario B: Reimbursement Claim

Used when:

• You go to a non-network hospital
• You didn’t get pre-approval

Steps:

1. Pay full bill at hospital
2. Collect all original documents:
   • Bills, prescriptions, discharge summary, lab reports
3. Fill claim form from your insurer’s website
4. Submit claim via courier, email, or app (depends on insurer)
5. Track status online; get reimbursed to your bank

🕒 Time limit: Usually 7–30 days from discharge

📄 Documents Needed for Health Claim

• Policy copy / ID card
• Hospital bills (original)
• Discharge summary
• Investigation reports
• Medicine bills + prescriptions
• Cancelled cheque (for bank credit)

🧾 2. How to Claim Term Life Insurance

This claim is made after the policyholder’s death, by nominee or legal heir.

🪙 Steps to File Term Insurance Claim:

1. Inform the insurer as early as possible
2. Fill the claim intimation form
3. Submit required documents (see below)
4. Insurer verifies documents and processes claim
5. If all okay, payout is made within 30 days (as per IRDAI rule)

📄 Documents Required (Term Life Claim)

• Policy document
• Death certificate (original or notarized)
• KYC of nominee
• PAN + bank details of nominee
• Hospital records (if death was in hospital)
• FIR/post-mortem (if accidental)

🟢 Tip: Keep nominee details updated in your policy to avoid legal hurdles.

🚗 3. How to Claim Car/Two-Wheeler Insurance

📍 For Accidents (Own Damage Claim)

1. Inform your insurer within 24–48 hours
2. Don’t repair vehicle until insurer inspects
3. File an FIR if it’s a major accident
4. Insurer sends surveyor to inspect vehicle
5. Take vehicle to authorized garage
6. Submit bills + claim form
7. Repair gets approved and settled

📍 For Third-Party Claims

• You need to file a case in Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT)
• It’s a legal process; the insurer provides support

📄 Documents Needed (Car Claim)

• Policy copy
• RC of vehicle
• Driving license
• FIR (for theft/accidents)
• Photos of damage
• Estimate of repair
• Claim form

🟢 Theft? Submit police FIR + final untraceable report from police.

🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Not informing insurer within time
❌ Throwing away original bills
❌ Using a non-network hospital and expecting cashless
❌ Forgetting nominee details
❌ Not renewing your policy on time

💬 Final Thoughts

Insurance is not just paperwork — it’s protection, peace of mind, and family support when you need it most.

⭐️ But protection only works if you know how to use it.

Save this guide. Share it with your family.
And when the time comes — you’ll be ready, not stuck.

📢 Bonus Download:

📝 Claim Checklist PDF – What to do, documents to keep, who to contact
👉 Subscribe to Bitveen to get it in your inbox!

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always read your policy documents and consult your insurer.