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.