Steps To Claim Disability Insurance Benefits
Disability coverage has become a buzzword in many parts of the world. When you are absent from your workplace for a certain period of time due to an illness or injury, disability insurance helps you recover your income loss. Just like other insurance policies you have to claim your disability insurance benefits during the time of an emergency.
There are certain essential things you should keep in mind when claiming for this type of insurance benefits. Let us consider some of these essential aspects.
Contact the right person
The claims process is quite simple. In case you have opted for an Individual policy, you have to notify your insurance company for the claim. For group policy, the employer or the HR would be the right person to person to approach. Even if you have lost the documents, call up the insurance company and get a duplicate copy so that you can file your claim.
Claim your amount early
You should file your claim as early as possible. This is because most companies have a specified time within which you are expected to notify. The sooner you file you claim, it becomes easier for the insurance companies to review it. However, if you keep delaying it, you may not get the money when you need it and also have to face certain hassles for late submission.
Complete the claim process
It is extremely important to complete the claims form with as much detailed evidences and information as possible. If you provide all the requisite information, there are less chances that your claim will be denied. Generally, you have to provide details on the following:
- State the reason for your disability and the information associated with it as well as the name and contact details of your treating physician.
- It is necessary to provide a statement of evidence by your treating physician. He should mention the various limitations that prevent you from doing your work as well as an estimated duration of your disability.
- A statement from your employer stating your job responsibilities as long as you worked and the salary and other compensations
- You should also attach a letter of authorization to the concerned healthcare center/medical department for permitting the insurance company to access your medical records.
- Letters and evidences from your family, friends and colleagues stating their observation on the injury or illness and that how it has affected your life.
Pay attention to documentation
Whatever communications you have with the insurer, employer, physician or claims reviewer should be recorded. Even if it is a phone conversation, ensure you document it by writing down the important points. All written communications have to be kept in a separate file so that you can produce these documents in case of any misstatement. Most importantly, all the documents should be dated.
Generally, it takes about 3-4 weeks for the insurer or the claims reviewer to review the application. After thorough scrutiny, you can collect your benefits. In the process, it is very important to consult a lawyer who can help you in filing the claims and avoid any disputes.