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Claim Submission Deadline

The claim submission deadline is the final date by which an insured person must submit a claim to their insurance company for reimbursement of eligible expenses. After this date, the insurer is not obligated to pay the claim, even if the expense itself would have been covered. This deadline ensures timely processing, accurate recordkeeping, and proper financial reporting for both the insurer and the policyholder.

Deadlines vary by insurer and policy type. For most health and dental insurance plans, claims must be submitted within a specific period - commonly within 90 days to one year from the date the service was provided or from the end of the benefit year. In group insurance, employers often define the deadline in coordination with the insurer, and any late submissions are typically denied.

Example:

If your dental cleaning took place on June 1 and your plan requires that all claims be submitted within 90 days, you must file your claim by August 30 to receive reimbursement. Claims submitted after this date will not be eligible for payment.

What to Watch For:

Keep track of claim deadlines, especially at year-end or when leaving a job, as benefits usually end with your employment. Submit claims as soon as possible after receiving services and retain copies of receipts and submission confirmations. Some insurers allow online submissions, which provide faster processing and electronic proof of submission date.

Related Terms

Insurer

An insurer is the insurance company or organization that provides financial protection to individuals or groups in exchange for premium payments. The insurer assumes the risk of potential loss and agrees to pay benefits for covered claims according to the terms of the policy. Insurers evaluate applications, determine premiums, issue policies, and manage claims through underwriting and administration processes.

Policy (Contract)

A policy, also referred to as a contract, is the legally binding agreement between an insurance company (the insurer) and the policyholder that defines the terms, conditions, and obligations of coverage. It outlines what is insured, the benefits provided, the premium amount, exclusions, and the responsibilities of both parties. Once the insurer accepts the application and the first premium is paid, the policy becomes active and enforceable.

Claim

A claim is a formal request you or your healthcare provider submit to your insurance company to receive reimbursement or direct payment for eligible medical or dental expenses covered under your plan. Submitting a claim provides the insurer with the necessary information - such as receipts, treatment details, and provider information - to verify the service and determine the amount payable according to your policy’s terms.

Coordination of Benefits

Coordination of benefits (COB) is the process used by insurance companies to determine the order in which multiple plans will pay for the same claim when a person is covered under more than one policy. The goal is to ensure that combined reimbursements do not exceed 100 percent of the eligible expense, while allowing the insured to receive the maximum possible coverage across all plans.

Reimbursement / Coinsurance

Reimbursement is the amount an insurance company pays back to the insured person or directly to a healthcare provider for eligible expenses covered under a policy. Coinsurance is the portion of the cost that the insurer agrees to pay, expressed as a percentage, with the remaining balance paid by the insured. Together, these terms describe how healthcare costs are shared between you and your insurer once a claim is approved.

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