Health & claims
What is Bima Bharosa, and how do you complain against an insurer?
Bima Bharosa is IRDAI’s online portal for registering and tracking complaints against insurers. It replaced the older IGMS system. You use it after you have complained to the insurer in writing and the insurer has rejected the complaint, given an answer you don’t accept, or not replied. It is free.
In short
- Bima Bharosa is IRDAI’s grievance portal, at bimabharosa.irdai.gov.in.
- Complain to the insurer in writing first; use Bima Bharosa if that fails.
- If it is still unresolved, the Insurance Ombudsman is the next, free step.
- IRDAI’s grievance helpline is 155255.
What is Bima Bharosa?
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s portal for complaints against insurers. You register a complaint online, the portal sends it to the insurer, and you can track it until it is resolved. It replaced the earlier Integrated Grievance Management System, IGMS.
When should I use Bima Bharosa?
After you have complained to the insurer in writing. Write to the insurer’s grievance redressal officer first. If the insurer rejects your complaint, gives a reply you don’t accept, or doesn’t reply, register it on Bima Bharosa. There is no limit on the claim amount for registering a grievance there.
The three steps, in order
| Step | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The insurer’s grievance redressal officer, in writing | First, always |
| 2 | IRDAI’s Bima Bharosa portal, or the helpline 155255 | If the insurer rejects it, you disagree, or it doesn’t reply |
| 3 | The Insurance Ombudsman | Within one year of the insurer’s rejection, or of one month passing without a reply |
What should I keep ready?
Everything in writing. Your policy number, the insurer’s rejection or deduction letter, your written complaint and the date you sent it, the policy wording, and for a health claim, the discharge summary and every bill. A complaint with documents is resolved faster than one without.
Does Bima Bharosa decide my claim?
It tracks and pushes; it does not judge the claim itself. If the complaint is still not resolved to your satisfaction, the Insurance Ombudsman can decide it, free of cost, and its award binds the insurer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bima Bharosa portal?
It is IRDAI's online portal for registering and tracking complaints against insurers. It replaced the older IGMS system.
How do I complain against an insurance company in India?
Write to the insurer's grievance officer first. If that fails, register on IRDAI's Bima Bharosa portal or call 155255. If it is still unresolved, go to the Insurance Ombudsman within one year.
Is Bima Bharosa free?
Yes. Registering and tracking a complaint costs nothing.
Can I go to the Ombudsman directly?
Only after complaining to the insurer in writing. Once the insurer rejects the complaint or doesn't reply within a month, you can approach the Ombudsman, with or without using Bima Bharosa.
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A note on this page. Everything here is general information, not legal advice, and nothing is an offer. Process details are as published by IRDAI at the review date; check bimabharosa.irdai.gov.in before filing. For help with your situation, talk to us.