Ahmedabad: District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Rural), Ahmedabad, has directed The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd to reimburse a Covid-19 treatment claim of Rs 22,862 filed by a Ghatlodia resident.The order was passed on Aug 29, 2026, on a complaint filed by Bhikhubhai Patel and Consumer Education and Research Society. Patel had a PNB Oriental Mediclaim Policy with a sum insured of Rs 5 lakh, valid from Aug 6, 2020, to Aug 5, 2021.Patel underwent Covid-19 treatment at home from April 18 to June 14, 2021, and later sought reimbursement of Rs 22,862. The insurer rejected the claim, stating that the treatment amounted to outpatient care. It also argued that Patel had not submitted the proof required for domiciliary treatment under the policy.The commission rejected the insurer’s stand. The bench of president A B Panchal and member DM Soni noted that hospital beds were in short supply during the pandemic. It relied on a certificate issued by Patel’s doctor, which stated that he was treated at home because hospital beds were unavailable.The commission held that denial of the claim amounted to deficiency in service and negligence. It directed the insurer to pay Rs 22,862 with 9% annual interest from the date of filing the complaint until realisation. It also ordered payment of Rs 3,000 jointly towards compensation for mental agony and litigation expenses.
