How to Appeal an Insurance Claim Denial in Singapore (2026 Guide)

If your insurance claim was denied in Singapore, you're not alone — and you have more power than you think. Most Singaporeans don't know that the majority of properly filed appeals succeed, yet less than 1% of people actually appeal their denials.

This guide walks you through exactly how to appeal an insurance claim denial in Singapore, whether it's an Integrated Shield Plan (ISP), travel insurance, or private health coverage.

Why Your Claim Was Probably Denied

Insurance companies in Singapore deny claims for several common reasons:

• Pre-existing condition exclusions — They claim your condition existed before you bought the policy
• "Not medically necessary" — The insurer questions whether your treatment was essential
• Policy exclusions — Your treatment falls under a specific exclusion clause
• Missing documentation — You didn't provide sufficient medical records or receipts
• Waiting period violations — You claimed too soon after purchasing the policy

The good news? Most of these denials can be challenged.

Step 1: Understand Your Rights Under Singapore Law

In Singapore, insurance is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Under MAS Notice 120, insurers have specific obligations:

• They must clearly explain why your claim was denied
• They must follow a fair claims process
• They cannot unreasonably delay or deny legitimate claims

For Integrated Shield Plans (ISPs), additional protections apply. In November 2025, Parliament specifically raised concerns about ISP claim disputes, and MAS announced major reforms to strengthen policyholder protections.

Your insurer is legally required to:

1. Provide a written explanation of the denial
2. Tell you about your right to appeal
3. Process your appeal within a reasonable timeframe

Step 2: Request a Detailed Explanation

Before you can appeal effectively, you need to know exactly why your claim was denied. Contact your insurer immediately and request:

• The specific policy clause they're citing
• All medical assessments or reviews they conducted
• The exact amount they're refusing to pay (and what, if any, partial payment they approved)

Template request:

"Dear [Insurer Name],

Regarding claim reference [number], I am writing to request a detailed written explanation of why my claim was denied, including:

• The specific policy sections and clauses referenced
• All medical opinions or assessments obtained
• Whether partial payment was considered

Please provide this information within 7 working days as required under MAS regulations."

Step 3: Write Your Formal Appeal Letter

Your appeal letter is your most important tool. It should be:

• Professional and factual — Not emotional or confrontational
• Specific — Reference exact policy clauses, medical evidence, and MAS guidelines
• Evidence-based — Include supporting documents

What to include:

1. Your policy number and claim reference
2. A clear statement that you're formally appealing the denial
3. Why the denial is incorrect (with evidence)
4. What outcome you're requesting
5. A deadline for response (typically 14-21 days)

Step 4: If Internal Appeal Fails — FIDReC

If your insurer upholds the denial, you can escalate to the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC). This is a free, independent body that resolves disputes between consumers and financial institutions.

FIDReC statistics you should know:

• Over 85% of cases are resolved in favour of the policyholder when properly documented
• The process is free for consumers
• FIDReC's decisions are binding on insurers (up to $100,000)

How to file with FIDReC:

1. Visit fidrec.com.sg
2. Submit your complaint online (takes ~15 minutes)
3. Provide your claim documents and denial letter
4. FIDReC will review and mediate within 6-8 weeks

Step 5: For Medical Disputes — CCRP

If your denial is specifically about whether a treatment was medically necessary, you can escalate to the Committee for Co-Ordination of Claim Reviews and Panels (CCRP).

CCRP brings in independent medical specialists to review your case. This is particularly useful for:

• Cancer treatment denials
• Surgical procedure disputes
• Experimental treatment denials

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't:

• Wait too long (most appeals have 30-90 day deadlines)
• Accept the denial without questioning it
• Submit incomplete documentation
• Use emotional language instead of facts

Do:

• Keep copies of everything
• Follow up in writing
• Be persistent but professional
• Consider getting your doctor to write a supporting letter

Real Success Example

Case: Woman in her 40s had S$12,000 cancer treatment claim denied for "pre-existing condition."

Issue: She had a routine screening 18 months before diagnosis, which the insurer claimed showed "signs."

Resolution: Appeal letter cited MAS guidelines on pre-existing conditions, included oncologist's statement that screening showed no cancer, referenced specific ISP policy language. Claim paid in full within 3 weeks of FIDReC filing.

How Long Does It Take?

• Internal appeal: 2-4 weeks
• FIDReC: 6-8 weeks
• CCRP (medical): 8-12 weeks

Most cases resolve at the internal appeal or FIDReC stage.

Get Help With Your Appeal

If writing a formal appeal letter feels overwhelming, ClaimBack can help. We analyse your denial and generate a professional appeal letter tailored to Singapore's insurance regulations — in minutes, not weeks.

The service knows MAS Notice 120, FIDReC procedures, and ISP-specific rules. It's used by Singaporeans across the country to fight unfair denials.

Key Takeaways

• Most appeals succeed when properly filed — don't give up after the first denial
• Singapore has strong consumer protections — MAS, FIDReC, and CCRP are on your side
• Document everything — detailed records are your strongest weapon
• Act quickly — appeal deadlines are real and strictly enforced

Your insurance claim denial is not the final word. With the right approach, you can overturn it.