One of the biggest sources of stress and anger after divorce is not being able to get what you’re owed by your former spouse’s insurance company. You have, after all, paid your premiums and then some over the years, only to find out that they’re denying your claim or charging you more than they should have. So how do you get your rightful compensation after divorce? Here are five steps you can take to make sure you’re getting what you deserve.
Know Your Rights
Being married isn’t a prerequisite for getting divorced. What matters most is that you and your spouse mutually agree (or have a court order) to end your legal marriage. So even if you’re single, you can file for divorce in many states. What’s more, filing for divorce does not mean that one party is required to take on full financial responsibility of all living expenses.
Keep Evidence
Don’t throw anything away. Keep receipts for all medical care received, plus any other evidence that might be necessary to prove how much you paid for any medical care. It’s also a good idea to keep a notebook of all doctor visits, treatments, and procedures, including their dates and costs. Having this information on hand can make it easier to file an accurate insurance claim in case there are problems down the road.
Get A Lawyer
During a divorce, it’s easy for things to get ugly. But you don’t have to give in just because an insurance company is asking for money that you feel like they owe you. It’s perfectly fine (and actually wise) to hire a lawyer if things aren’t going well with an insurer.
Consider Mediation
Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for denying claims. When you’re going through a divorce, it can be even more difficult because emotions are already running high. If your health plan or car insurer denies coverage for medical bills or property damage from an accident, consider mediation as an alternative to fighting in court. Mediation is a process where both parties work with a mediator who guides them through their concerns and helps them come up with solutions together.
Read the policy carefully
It’s important that you read through all relevant clauses of your health, life, or other policies and double-check how they will apply once you get divorced. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to deny claims if certain circumstances are present, so it’s important that you know exactly what is considered acceptable usage of an insurance policy for a single person versus someone who is married.