Insurer has to prove pre-existing disease

A mere allegation by the insurer would not suffice to oust the claim, and the allegation would have to be substantiated by furnishing evidence

Pratap Singh had taken a term assurance policy from HDFC Life. The policy provided a cover of Rs 50 lakh, for which the annual premium was Rs 24,046. The policy commenced from December 5, 2008, and had a term of 20 years. Prior to issuance of the policy, the insurer had subjected Singh to a medical examination at Apex Diagnostics and Polyclinic, which had reported him to be fit.
 
However, Singh expired on January 1, 2009. His brother Virpal Nagar who was the nominee lodged a claim under the policy. Even though all the documents were submitted, HDFC Life