I had taken a ICICI Lombard health care policy in Hyderabad in March 2007. I was sent a Cashless Facility Card, which was to be administered by TTK. In October 2007, I suffered a LS Slipped Disc, requiring surgery. I suddenly lost 70% sensation in my left leg. This problem surfaced as a pain in the lower back and within 4-5 days I lost sensation in the leg. The doctors suggested that should undergo surgery. When we informed TTK about the same and requested Cashless Claim for the surgery, they replied that the ailment cannot be ruled out as PRE-EXISTING and hence advised me to undergo surgery and then submit the bills for processing.
The bills were submitted in the first week of November in Hyderabad TTK Office. In late December 2007, when I called up to find out the status, I was informed that there was a shortfall in Documents. Till then, they had made no attempt to contact me. They are supposed to settle the claim in 30 working days as per the terms of the policy.(For your info, the documents stated as shortfall was handed over to TTK as part of the original documents submitted. The same is available as a Xerox copy in the copies I retained)
They received the shortfall documents on 27th December 2007. Since then I have been calling them every third day. Each time I call, they inform me that the claim is under process and I should call after 3 days. One more interesting fact to be noted here is that they have a TOLLFREE Number to call. If you happen to call the number, a recorded voice tells you that you have reached TTK and the call will be transfered shortly. At the end of 60 seconds, the line automotically disconnects irrespective of whether you are still on hold or if you are talking to a live person. If you call on the STD number(Mumbai Number), you will reach the same place and be able to speak to the same people, but this time the line will not get disconnected as you are burning a bigger burn in your own pocket. When I asked them as to why my claims are being processed in Mumbai, I am told this is because I have a Mumbai based health insurance card.
I have taken the insurance in Hyderabad. I have paid in Hyderabad. But the Hyderabad Office is unable to give any information on the case. They simply give the Toll Free number and wash their hands off the matter. I wish to caution all those going in for ICICI Insurance to please think twice before insuring themselves. At least ensure that the Insurance is from the city you live in and not from a place far away.
This is the latest posted on 29th January 2008. For the last 2 weeks, I am being given the info that my claim is accepted and I am also being given a cheque number. But they are not able to confirm the cheque dispatch details. Can somebody please guide me as to how to encash a cheque whose number you have!
HAIL ICICI LOMBARD HEALTH INSURANCE
HAIL TTK HEALTH CARE SERVICES(sic).
PLEASE CONTINUE TO VISIT THIS REVIEW. I WILL ALSO REVEAL A SECOND PART OF THIS ISSUE SHORTLY.