New Delhi, June 24 -- My husband was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and encephalitis. We filed a critical illness claim, but the insurer rejected it, saying the illness was not covered under the policy. What can policyholders do in such situations?

-Name withheld on request

Policyholders should first carefully review the policy wording and the list of covered critical illnesses mentioned in the policy document. In many cases, illnesses like bacterial meningitis are specifically covered, subject to certain conditions.

The next step is to verify whether:

If the treating doctor has certified neurological complications, permanent impairment, or prolonged disability, those documents become extremely important while contesting the reje...