Manipal Cigna Fined Big: 'Absurd' CPR Test Demand Costs Insurer ₹14.6 Lakh

In a landmark ruling that's shaking up India's health insurance sector, the North Delhi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I has slammed Manipal Cigna Health Insurance Company with a hefty penalty exceeding Rs 14.6 lakh. The commission deemed the insurer's rejection of a death claim, citing a lack of diagnostic cardiac tests from a patient actively undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as 'medically absurd' and 'humanly impossible.' The ruling, delivered on June 29, also condemned Manipal Cigna for its 'highly insensitive' rejection letter. This isn't an isolated incident for Manipal Cigna, which has faced multiple consumer court rulings in recent years over unjustified claim rejections. Previously, commissions in Hyderabad and Chandigarh have penalized the insurer for denying claims based on old medical histories, irrelevant conditions, or 'multiple discrepancies,' pointing to a pattern of disputes often centered on technicalities or alleged non-disclosure that policyholders find difficult to navigate. The latest case also saw the home loan provider, Indiabulls Rural Finance, penalized for initiating debt recovery actions against the grieving widow while her insurance claim was still pending, highlighting broader ethical concerns within financial services. The judgment sets a crucial precedent, reinforcing that insurance companies cannot exploit technical loopholes or demand impossible medical evidence in emergency situations. Industry watchers anticipate this ruling will pressure insurers to review their claim processing protocols, especially for critical care scenarios and post-death claims, pushing for greater empathy and clarity in policy terms. This could lead to a significant shift towards more transparent and consumer-friendly practices, potentially triggering a wave of policy revisions and improved accountability across the insurance landscape.