Insurance claim denied?

Steps to take after a health, home, auto or disability insurer says no.

1. Get the denial in writing. Ask for the written denial with the exact policy section it relies on. You have a right to it.
2. Ask for your claim file and the full policy. Request every document the insurer used, including any medical or expert review.
3. Write down the appeal deadline. Health plans usually allow 180 days for an internal appeal. Other policies set their own deadlines in the policy. Official source
4. Appeal in writing and keep copies. Explain why the denial is wrong and attach records. Send it in a way you can prove, and keep a copy.
5. Ask for an external review (health). After an internal appeal, most health plans must let an independent reviewer decide.
6. Complain to your state insurance department. Every state has a regulator that takes complaints about insurers for free. Official source
7. Talk to a lawyer before the deadline. If the claim is large or the insurer isn't following its own rules, a lawyer can tell you whether you have a bad-faith claim.