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PNB-Star Health Deal: Took the policy trusting the bank and got cheated at the time of claim? Know how to teach a lesson when a claim is rejected
Samira Vishwas | February 5, 2026 3:24 AM CST

New Delhi. The recent alliance between Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of the prestigious government banks of the country, and Star Health Insurance has sparked a new debate among the customers. When a trusted bank like PNB joins hands with a private insurance company, the common man feels that both his hard-earned money and health are safe. But, the reality seems to be the opposite. There has been a flood of such complaints on social media and consumer forums where customers allege that they have to run from door to door at the time of cashless facility and claims. Customers’ anger over claim rejection. ‘Cashless’ facility is promised with great enthusiasm in the insurance sector, but in many cases it has been seen that the claim is suddenly rejected at the time of discharge from the hospital. After this alliance of Star Health and PNB, customers’ expectations regarding security had increased significantly, but claim rejection and complex processes at the ground level have increased people’s concerns. Experts say banks often sell policies as ‘corporate agents’ but when it comes to helping, they shy away. In such a situation, the question arises that if the policy taken on the trust of the bank does not work, then where should the customer go? This is how to check the arbitrariness of Star Health or the bank. If the health insurance claim of you or someone you know has been wrongly rejected by Star Health, then there is no need to remain silent. You can get your rights by following these legal steps: Complaint to Internal Ombudsman: First send a written complaint to the nodal officer of Star Health and PNB. As per the rules, they are required to resolve your issue within 30 days. Insurance Ombudsman: If you do not get a satisfactory response from the company, you can approach the ‘Insurance Ombudsman’ of your area. This process is completely free and hearing of customers is given on priority.IRDAI ‘Bima Bharosa’ Portal: Register your complaint on the online portal of the insurance regulatory body IRDAI. This body has the power to impose heavy fines on the arbitrary and wrongful claim rejection of the insurance companies. Approaching the consumer court is also an option. If the claim amount is large and you have strong documents like doctor’s discharge summary, all the bills and the rejection letter given by the company, then you can file a case in the consumer court through ‘E-Daakhil’. Remember, the responsibility of the bank is not just to sell the policy but also to help in settling claims. Only alert customers can stop the arbitrariness of such companies and banks. Read the terms of your policy carefully and start gathering written evidence immediately in case of any dispute.


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