Getting A Disability Insurance Claim Paid

The most common complaints against insurance companies are claim denials and delays, says the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. In the case of disability coverage, it can be especially frustrating. Here's what to do if your insurance claim isn't going through:

Your doctor has concluded that you're unable to work, but the insurance company has decided otherwise. This is perhaps one of the most common complaints against insurers. If it happens to you, ask your insurance company to allow an independent medical exam, says Consumer Reports.

If that doesn't work, then get help from your state's insurance department. Insurance is largely a state-regulated business. The state will be able to review your claim and the policy language to render an unbiased verdict — and it can ask your insurer to pay up.

If your claim is just being delayed, the best thing you can do is to keep meticulous records. Each time you speak with someone at your insurance company, take notes about what was discussed, the name of the representative and actions taken. If you send anything to your insurer, keep a copy for yourself.

If your insurance company requires medical records from your doctor, call your doctor's office yourself to make sure that such requests are handled quickly.

By Marshall Loeb