How do you deal with insurance denial?

Asked by: Prof. Nathanael Marquardt PhD  |  Last update: December 10, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (34 votes)

If your health insurer refuses to pay a claim or ends your coverage, you have the right to appeal the company's decision and have it reviewed by a third party. You can ask that your insurance company reconsider its decision. Insurers have to tell you why they've denied your claim or ended your coverage.

How to respond to an insurance denial?

Steps to Appeal a Health Insurance Claim Denial
  1. Step 1: Find Out Why Your Claim Was Denied. ...
  2. Step 2: Call Your Insurance Provider. ...
  3. Step 3: Call Your Doctor's Office. ...
  4. Step 4: Collect the Right Paperwork. ...
  5. Step 5: Submit an Internal Appeal. ...
  6. Step 6: Wait For An Answer. ...
  7. Step 7: Submit an External Review. ...
  8. Review Your Plan Coverage.

How do you handle rejection in insurance?

Some basic pointers for handling claims denials are outlined below.
  1. Carefully review all notifications regarding the claim. ...
  2. Be persistent. ...
  3. Don't delay. ...
  4. Get to know the appeals process. ...
  5. Maintain records on disputed claims. ...
  6. Remember that help is available.

How many times can you appeal an insurance denial?

How many times can I appeal a denial? Most insurers allow two internal appeals before you can request an external review of your denial.

How do you fight insurance claims denial?

If an insurance company denies a request or claim for medical treatment, insureds have the right to appeal to the company and also to then ask the Department of Insurance to review the denial. These actions often succeed in obtaining needed medical treatment, so a denial by an insurer is not the final word.

Consumer Reports: How to appeal a denied insurance claim

31 related questions found

Can I sue insurance for denying claim?

There are laws designed to protect consumers in the state of California and across the nation. It's not uncommon for policyholders to sue their healthcare insurers for denial of a claim, mainly when the claim is for a service that is crucial to their health and future or the health and future of a loved one.

What are the odds of winning an insurance appeal?

Only half of denied claims are appealed, and of those appeals, half are overturned! Undivided's Head of Health Plan Advocacy, Leslie Lobel, says that if you have a winner argument and patience to get through all the levels of "no," there is a good chance you can get your denial overturned.

Do insurance appeals ever work?

The statistic is particularly alarming when one considers that the overwhelming majority of appeals—83.2%—resulted in the insurance company either partially or fully overturning the initial prior authorization denial in 2022. That figure is similar to what the overturn rate was between 2019 and 2021.

How do I fight a denied prior authorization?

You may also file an appeal if your health plan denies pre-approval (called prior authorization) for a benefit or service. There are two types of appeals—an internal appeal and an external review. You file an internal appeal to ask your health plan to review its decision to deny a claim.

Why do I keep getting denied for insurance?

You have a poor driving record – A history of collisions, traffic violations or DUI/DWI convictions make it difficult—and extremely expensive—to get insurance.

How should you deal with rejection?

Instead of thinking "I shouldn't feel this way," think about how normal it is to feel like you do, given your situation.
  1. Notice how intense your feelings are. ...
  2. So admit how you feel but don't dwell on it. ...
  3. Think about what you're good at and what's good about you. ...
  4. Give yourself credit for trying.

What is the most common source of insurance denials?

The top 4 mistakes that lead to claims denials
  • Incomplete or inaccurate patient information.
  • Healthcare plan changes.
  • Claims submission errors.
  • Untimely claims submissions.

What is the difference between an insurance denial and an insurance rejection?

Let's start by tackling the difference between rejections and denials. A claim rejection occurs before the claim is processed and most often results from incorrect data. Conversely, a claim denial applies to a claim that has been processed and found to be unpayable.

What to do if the insurance doesn't want to pay?

If your health insurer refuses to pay a claim or ends your coverage, you have the right to appeal the company's decision and have it reviewed by a third party. You can ask that your insurance company reconsider its decision. Insurers have to tell you why they've denied your claim or ended your coverage.

What pre-existing conditions are not covered?

Is there health insurance for pre-existing conditions? Choosing a health plan is no longer based on the concept of a pre-existing condition. A health insurer cannot deny you coverage or raise rates for plans if you have a medical condition at the time of enrollment.

What percentage of insurance appeals are successful?

From 60 percent to 80 percent of health insurance denials are reversed by independent medical review by the California Department of Managed Health Care – according to data released today by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United.

Can I sue my insurance company for emotional distress?

Yes, you can sue for emotional distress under the common law standard, but it can be hard to prove. This is because you must show that the result of your claim denial caused you pain and suffering or emotional distress. This intangible loss can be more difficult to prove than, say, the cost of medical bills.

Does a denied insurance claim count against you?

Does a denied home insurance claim count against you? A denied home insurance claim typically doesn't affect your credit score, but multiple denials or a pattern of claims may raise concerns for insurers. Understanding the reasons for the claim denial will enable you to take steps to prevent future denials.

How to successfully appeal an insurance denial?

  1. Tips for Appealing. Insurance Denials.
  2. It Matters Empowerment Pathways.
  3. Before You Start Your Appeal, Investigate What Happened.
  4. Send It Before the Deadline Date.
  5. Gather Your Documents and Plan Your Message.
  6. Join Forces With Your Doctor.
  7. Identify the “WHY” for the Denial.

Are appeals hard to win?

There are three major standards of review for appeals: legal error, abuse of discretion, and substantial evidence. An appeal could involve a combination of these standards. Beware of the appeal that is limited to substantial evidence. It is the hardest type of appeal to win.

What is the average claim denial rate?

While many payers have claim denial rates well above the current average of about 15% of claims, per the Premier Inc. survey, over half (54%) of claims initially denied by private payers are ultimately paid to healthcare providers.

What are the possible solutions to a denied claim?

Appeal the denial

If you believe that the insurance company's decision was incorrect, you can file an appeal. This may involve submitting a written request to the insurance company explaining why you believe the claim should be approved. You may also be able to present your case to an independent review board.

How often do insurance appeals work?

Appealing Denials of Coverage

If you disagree with your insurance company's decision, you can appeal it, and those who do may win their appeal up to 60% of the time and get coverage for their care! This guide will help you understand how to appeal a denial of coverage.

Can I threaten my insurance company?

However, you should never threaten to harm an insurance adjuster or any employee of an insurance company.