Extreme deficiency in service

I had obtained two health policies on 07-February 2011 from ‘Star Health and Allied Insurance’ in Chennai (T. Nagar branch).

I took Senior citizens Red Carpet policy (No. P/111113/01/2011/005071 valid from 07.02.11 to 06.02.12 Coverage: 2 Lakhs) for my father Sharad Annareddy (Age 63 years). I paid a total premium of Rs.9,326/- (via cheque no.420542 dated 04/02/2011). I had stated before taking the policy that he has Diabetes. The ID Card No. 1527296-1 as mentioned in the schedule has not been delivered to me as on date. It has been more than 6 months since and I have yet to receive the Photo ID card that comes alongwith the policy. The company claims to have sent the ID card by courier but on asking for proof they were not able to produce the POD receipt. This clearly proves that they have been lying to me from the time that I have taken the policy.

On the same day, I had also applied for a Medi-Classic Policy with a coverage of 2 Lakhs for my mother Ranjana Annareddy. I paid a total premium of Rs.5,846/- (via cheque no.420541 dated 04/02/2011). Before starting the policy coverage, she was asked to undergo Medical check up from a Star network hospital at no additional cost. She under-went a complete medical test at Sanjivani Hospital (Dombivli, District Thane - Maharashtra). It has been a harrowing six months since then and I have yet to receive any intimation from Star Health on whether the policy has been issued. Multiple follow-ups with the company representatives have been futile.

I visited the Star Health branch office in T Nagar on 16th July and met branch manager Mr. Dilip to cancel both the insurance policies. The company was clueless about the status of my mother’s policy application claiming that the concerned hospital did not forward the necessary. Even after 6 months of paying the premium amount, the company has not bothered to inform me about the reason that they could not issue the policy. The company also shifted the branch office during this period which they did not inform me even though I am their customer. If this is the service given out during the purchase of policy, I can imagine the trauma I may have to go during Claims processing. I have come across several instances on consumer forums where customers have posted their grievances on the lack of professionalism on the part of Star Health.

I have been totally disgusted by Star Health with the ‘service’ provided that has caused me and my family immense agony and trauma. I demand immediate refund of the total amount paid against the two policies for extreme deficiency in service on part of Star Health insurance. I also demand an interest of 15% (starting from 07/02/11) on the total amount paid to the company, incurred on telephone expenses and visit to their office.

Kindly initiate immediate action against Star Health and Allied Insurance.