Idukki District Commission Holds Star Health and Insurance Company Liable for Rejection of Insurance Claims (Consumer Case)
The complainant purchased medical insurance from Star Health and Allied Insurance Company for his family, valid from 12.08.2021 to 11.08.2022. In May 2022, his son was hospitalized for Synovitis Left Knee-Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Although the policy entitles cashless treatment, the insurer denied the pre-authorization request due to insufficient documents. After paying Rs. 67,726 for treatment, the complainant submitted the required documents for reimbursement, but the claim was denied. The complainant sent a lawyer’s notice on 05.10.2022, but the insurer did not respond, prompting the complainant to file a complaint in the District Commission for deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.

The Commission found that the complainant’s son sought medical treatment three months after a bicycle fall on 27.02.2022, when pain worsened, and was later diagnosed with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, triggered by the fall. The injury occurred during the policy period. The complainant had submitted all required documents for both cashless treatment pre-authorization and reimbursement of treatment expenses.

The Commission held the insurer liable for repudiating the claim and directed them to pay Rs. 67,726 with 12% interest, Rs. 25,000 as compensation with 12% interest and Rs. 5,000 for litigation costs.

Source: – Live Law
By: – Rajat Ranjan