There is no limit to the number of claims you can make on your health, motor and other general insurance policies. However there always is a limit on the cover provided by the insurer per year. So as long as the sum of multiple claims stay within the overall coverage limit and as long as they are found genuine by the insurer, you would not have any issue getting the claim.

This question does not arise for life insurance for obvious reasons.

Typically, there’s a certain duration after a policy goes into effect, wherein claims are not entertained. Typically, that is 30 days, and also known as cooling period. During this period no claims are entertained.

Also, many policies have longer no-claim periods for certain scenarios. For example, in case of health insurance policies, typically pre-existing ailments (at the time of buying the policy) are not covered for a period of one year. This could be slightly lower (like 9 months) or higher like 2 years in case of maternity-benefit plans.

It is advised that you carefully note the no-claim period/waiting period and its terms and conditions before signing on the dotted line.

Insurance companies reward their clients with a no-claim bonus in subsequent premium(s) if the client has not had any claim(s) in the preceding policy term. This goes as a direct discount in the subsequent/next premium.

The process to apply for claim may vary by policy type and insurance provider.
Below is a generic process that is followed by almost all insurance firms with minor variations.

In the unfortunate event of the death of the policyholder, their nominee, or a family member or their insurance agent must file a claim as soon as possible.

The claim intimation letter to the insurer should include:

• Date, place & time of death
• Cause of death

Once the claim intimation letter is received by the insurer, they will ask for:

• A completed insurance claim form, that they will provide
• Death Certificate
• Policy document
• Deeds of assignments/ re-assignments if any
• Legal evidence of title, if the policy is not assigned or nominated
• Form of discharge executed and witnessed
• Additionally, other optional documents may also be asked for:
• Medical attendant’s certificate
• Hospital certificate
• Employer’s certificate
• Police report (if applicable)
• Post mortem report etc.

Upon processing the insured amount will be released to the nominee/assignee.

In case of a life insurance policy maturing, the insurer will send an intimation letter to the policyholder, along with a discharge voucher at least 2-3 months prior to the policy maturity date

The policyholder needs to sign the discharge voucher, along with the signature of a witness, and send it back to the insurance firm , along with the original policy document. Do not forget to make a copy of all of this before you send out the originals.

Upon processing, the insurance firm will release the amount to the assignee.

Non-life claimsv

Auto insurance claims:

A claim under auto insurance could be in either or both of these categories:

• 3rd-party claim: This pertains to personal injury or property damage to someone else. This type of cover is mandatory to have
• 1st party/own claim: This pertains to damage to your own insured vehicle. This is applicable only of you have taken a comprehensive policy for your vehicle

3rd-Party claim: In a 3rd-party claim, if you vehicle is involved, please report the accident immediately to the police as well as your insurer. They will reach out to you and make the necessary provisions post the required paperwork.

In case, you are the victim with someone else’s vehicle, take their insurance details and contact their insurance company immediately.

1st-Party/own damage claim: In case where you own vehicle is damaged, inform the police (if required basis the severity of the accident) and your insurer immediately.

Wait for police and/or insurance company’s advice before moving the vehicle from the accident spot.

If you have a cashless policy, your insurance company will take care of the payments directly to the garage. If not, they will reimburse you against producing the actual bill from the garage, subject to deductibles and other conditions.

In case your vehicle gets stolen, inform the police, the insurance company as well as your local transport department office. You may need to fill the requisite forms, and submit the vehicle keys along with other documents, with the insurer in order to make a claim.
Health Insurance Claims

Your health insurance claim can settled in either of the following ways depending on the kind of policy you have:

• Cashless basis
• Reimbursement basis

Cashless basis: In order to avail the cash claim facility, you must avail treatment at a network hospital of your designated TPA (Third Party Administrator). The hospital insurance department typically will facilitate the application process with your TPA and will confirm once the claim is approved. Once approved the insurance firm will directly settle the bills (subject to coverage and deductibles) with the hospital via the TPA.

Reimbursement basis: In case you do not have a cashless settlement facility on your policy, or if you choose to get treatment at a non-network hospital (as per your TPAs list), you will have to settle the bills yourself with the hospital. Inform your insurer/TPA immediately upon getting admitted, and fulfil the requisite process of filling forms, submitting required documents etc. Upon discharge, you would be required to submit all the bills, discharge summary, prescriptions etc. with the TPA/insurer, who will reimburse your cost subject to T&Cs and deductibles.

Property insurance can take many forms. It could be for your house, or household goods being transported etc.

In the case of a claim situation arising, please read the Warranties and Conditions of your policy document and proceed as advised. Typically losses due to theft, fire or natural calamities may also require a police report.

Travel insurance policies are package policies which cover multiple facets while you are travelling out of your home country. They typically cover:

• Medical costs while on travel, including but not limited to hospitalization
• Personal accident
• Loss/damage of baggage
• Loss of passport etc.

The coverage for the above mentioned may vary from policy to policy. So it is advisable to read your policy document beforehand and make a note of the coverage and procedures.

Depending on the policy, in case of a claim scenario, you may need to reach out to their representative in the country of travel or another country. Keep a list of required documents and keep them handy as and when required by the insurer.