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2021 Supreme(SC) 783

S.RAVINDRA BHAT, K.M.JOSEPH
Jacob Punnen – Appellant
Versus
United India Insurance Co. Ltd. – Respondent


Advocates appeared:
For the Appellant(s) :Arundhati Katju, Eysha Marysha, Sharad Puri, Yati Sharma, Shristi B., Ranjay Kr. Dubey, Priya Puri, Advocates
For the Respondent(s):Amit Kumar Singh, K. Enatoli Sema, Chubalema Chang, Binay Kumar Das, Advocates

Judgement Key Points

Judgements on health insurance emphasize several key legal principles and considerations. Firstly, the principle of utmost good faith (uberrima fides) is fundamental, requiring both insurers and insured to disclose all material facts and to act honestly throughout the contractual relationship (!) (!) . It is also recognized that the terms of a renewal policy may differ from the original, and the actual contract of renewal may contain different conditions, which should be clearly communicated and understood by both parties (!) (!) .

A recurring theme in these judgements is the insurer’s duty to inform the insured about any significant changes or limitations in policy coverage, especially at the time of renewal. Failure to disclose such changes, particularly those that impose restrictions or limitations on coverage, constitutes a deficiency of service and can render the insurer liable for damages or relief to the insured (!) (!) (!) .

The legal view also underscores that policies of health insurance, often drafted as standard form or adhesion contracts, leave little room for negotiation by the insured. This increases the importance of the insurer’s obligation to provide clear, timely, and adequate information about policy terms and any amendments (!) (!) (!) .

Furthermore, the law recognizes that unilateral introduction of restrictive clauses or limitations without prior notice or consent can be deemed unfair and may be challenged as unfair trade practices or unfair terms in contracts. Such practices undermine the principles of transparency and fair dealing, which are essential in health insurance contracts (!) (!) .

In summary, judgements on health insurance affirm that insurers must uphold the principles of good faith, transparency, and fair disclosure, particularly regarding policy terms and changes. Failure to do so can lead to the policy being set aside or the insurer being held liable for deficiencies in service, ensuring protection for policyholders against unfair practices and contractual ambiguities.


JUDGMENT :

S. RAVINDRA BHAT, J.

1. The appellants challenge the order of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (“the NCDRC”)1 [Order dated 11.07.2012 in Revision Petition No. 2743 of 2011] which upheld the concurrent rejection of their application seeking relief.

2. The undisputed facts are that the appellants contracted with the respondent (hereinafter referred to as “the insurer”) and secured a medical insurance policy (hereinafter referred to as “Mediclaim”) for the first time in 1982. The policy was annual and was renewed successively, each year by the appellants by paying the appropriate premium - the last renewal policy forming the subject matter of the present appeal. The policy renewed by the appellants on 28.03.2007 was in force for a year i.e. till 27.03.2008. Before the date of expiry of the Mediclaim (on 27.03.2008), the insurer sent a reminder to the appellants to renew their policy, if they so wished, annually. The reminder also intimated the appellants that the premium was Rs. 17,705/- and had to be paid by 27.03.2008. The appellants paid the requisite

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