Documents Required for Life Insurance Claim: A Complete Checklist
A smooth life insurance claim hinges on having the right paperwork at hand. For death claims, you will need the completed claim form, the original policy bond, a death certificate, proof of title (nomination or legal heir certificate), KYC documents of the claimant, bank details with a cancelled cheque, and cause‑of‑death evidence such as medical or police reports IRDAI. Maturity and survival claims require the policy bond, maturity discharge form, identity proof, and bank proofs IRDAI. Rider claims (e.g., critical illness, accidental death) demand the specific rider claim form plus supporting medical or accident documentation Policybazaar. IRDAI mandates death‑claim settlement within 30 days and maturity claims within 15 days of receiving all papers, with late payment penalties payable at bank rate + 2% IRDAI.
Introduction
Filing a life insurance claim can be emotionally taxing, especially in the wake of bereavement or major life milestones. Having a clear checklist of documents required for life insurance claim ensures timely processing, prevents avoidable delays, and upholds the IRDAI’s prescribed turnaround times for settlement IRDAI. Whether you’re a nominee seeking death benefits or a policyholder claiming maturity proceeds, this guide walks you through every document you’ll need to provide, why each is important, and best practices to keep your claims folder organized.
Why Proper Documentation Matters
Accurate and complete documentation lies at the heart of efficient claim settlement. Missing or incorrect papers can stall claims, necessitate repeated follow‑ups, or even result in rejection IRDAI. Under IRDAI regulations, insurers must settle death claims within 30 days of receiving all required documents and maturity claims within 15 days IRDAI. If timelines are missed, insurers must pay interest at the bank rate plus 2% until disbursal IRDAI. Well‑prepared documentation minimizes investigation needs, speeds up verification, and safeguards your entitlement to timely payouts.
Mandatory Documents for Death Claims
Claim Intimation & Claim Form
- Death Claim Intimation: Notify the insurer or TPA in writing—via branch, email, or online portal—immediately after the insured’s demise Bankbazaar.
- Duly Filled Claim Form: The insurer‑provided “Death Claim Application” or “Claim Form A” must be completed and signed by the nominee or legal heir IRDAI.
Original Policy Documents
Provide the original policy bond, including all endorsements and rider schedules issued during the policy term; this confirms policy validity and terms IRDAI.
Death Certificate
Submit the death certificate issued by the local municipal authority or registrar, which establishes date and cause of death IRDAI.
Proof of Title (Nomination/Heir)
- If a nomination exists, furnish the nomination form copy.
- If no nomination, provide a legal heir certificate, succession certificate, or letter of administration as evidence of entitlement IRDAI.
Claimant’s KYC Documents & Bank Details
Attach identity and address proof—Aadhaar, PAN card (or Form 60), passport, voter ID, or driver’s license—for the claimant IRDAI. Include a cancelled cheque or bank passbook copy displaying account number and IFSC code for NEFT payouts IRDAI.
Medical & Cause of Death Records
- Natural Death: Treating doctor’s certificate, hospital discharge summary, indoor case papers, and diagnostic reports (USG, pathology) for cause‑of‑death confirmation Bankbazaar.
- Unnatural Death: FIR, inquest/panchnama report, post‑mortem report, chemical/viscera examination, and final police investigation findings IRDAI.
Additional Certificates (If Applicable)
- Employer’s Certificate (Form E): For salaried insured, confirming employment, salary, and service dates.
- Medical/Hospital Attendant Certificate (Form B): Verifies hospitalization details and treatment specifics IRDAI.
Documents for Maturity & Survival Claims
Maturity Discharge Form
A maturity discharge voucher/form provided by the insurer must be completed by the policyholder to authorize disbursal IRDAI.
Original Policy Bond & Premium Receipts
Submit the original policy document and all premium payment receipts to validate continuous coverage and entitlement to maturity benefits IRDAI.
KYC & Bank Proof
Provide identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, passport) and a cancelled cheque or bank statement/passbook copy for NEFT IRDAI.
Survival Benefit Claim Form
If the plan includes survival benefits or loyalty additions (e.g., money‑back plans), fill out the specified survival claim form to receive interim payouts Bankbazaar.
Documents for Rider & Critical Illness Claims
Rider Claim Form
Obtain and complete the specific rider claim form (e.g., critical illness, accidental death) from the insurer or TPA Policybazaar.
Supporting Medical or Accident Reports
- Critical Illness: Diagnostic reports (biopsy, imaging, blood tests) confirming the condition listed in the rider.
- Accidental Death/Disability: FIR, accident site report, police inquest, treating doctor’s certificate, and hospitalization records Bankbazaar.
Attending Doctor’s Certificate
A detailed attending physician’s statement outlining date of onset, diagnosis, treatment provided, and prognosis is required to substantiate the rider claim .
Step‑by‑Step Claim Filing Process
- Intimation: Report the claim event via call center, online portal, or branch, citing policy number, insured’s name, date, place, and cause of event IRDAI.
- Document Compilation: Use the insurer’s checklist to gather all mandatory forms, KYC proofs, policy papers, and cause‑of‑event certificates Bankbazaar.
- Submission: Upload through the insurer’s portal or submit at a branch; obtain an acknowledgment or reference number for tracking Bankbazaar.
- Follow‑Up: Monitor claim status online or via helpline. Insurers must finalize death claims in 30 days and maturity claims in 15 days, or pay interest for delays IRDAI.
- Settlement: Upon approval, claim proceeds are credited to the bank account provided. A settlement letter detailing the payout summary is issued Bankbazaar.
Additional Tips to Avoid Documentation Pitfalls
- Maintain a Claims Folder: Keep originals and attested copies of policy bonds, premium receipts, KYC, and medical records organized and accessible RenewBuy.
- Verify Form Completeness: Check every form for missing fields, signatures, and dates to avoid back‑and‑forth with the insurer RenewBuy.
- Digital Backups: Scan and store digital copies of all documents for quick re‑submission if originals are misplaced RenewBuy.
- Understand Exclusions & Waiting Periods: Read policy wordings to know which conditions or periods are excluded from coverage to set realistic expectations BankBazaar.
- Utilize Customer Support: Reach out to your insurer’s claim assistance team for clarifications and status updates to keep the process on track Bankbazaar.
IRDAI Guidelines & Recent Updates
In June 2020 and August 2021, IRDAI issued special guidelines for expedited claims to victims of disasters, emphasizing electronic claims submission and weekly progress reporting by insurers to the Authority IRDAI. IRDAI’s Protection of Policyholders’ Interests Regulations, 2002 (Reg 8) mandates claims be paid or disputed within 30 days of receiving complete papers or within 6 months where investigations are warranted, under penalty provisions IRDAI. Insurers have since adopted multilingual forms, toll‑free helplines, and digital portals to reduce turnaround time and counter fraudulent claims effectively IRDAI.
Conclusion
Gathering the correct documents required for life insurance claim is the first step to ensuring timely, stress‑free settlements. Whether you’re filing a death claim, maturity claim, or a rider benefit, this comprehensive checklist—aligned with IRDAI guidelines—helps you prepare proactively. Keep your claims folder updated, verify every form, and leverage digital backups for peace of mind.
Download Our Free Claims Checklist PDF to organize your documents and accelerate your life insurance claim process today!
