Cancer Patient Wins ₹66.5 Lakh Fight Against Insurer

The Mumbai Suburban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission mandated an insurance firm to disburse ₹66.50 lakh to a local resident, ruling that the company unjustly denied his claim for overseas cancer treatment. This ruling also found the insurer guilty of unfair trade practices, demanding payment within two months, plus compensation and litigation costs.

This significant judgment was delivered following a complaint by Alok Rajendra Bector, who had purchased a global medical policy. After a cancer diagnosis in 2018, Bector sought specialized treatment in the US. His initial claim was rejected due to an alleged non-disclosure of asthma, a reason later invalidated by the Insurance Ombudsman.

Further claims for his US treatment expenses were also denied by the insurer, who argued that overseas treatment should have been cashless. However, the commission refuted this defense, noting the insurer’s prior policy cancellation prevented cashless authorization. The commission concluded Bector was wrongfully deprived of benefits, leading to financial and emotional hardship during his life-saving treatment.