What to do when your claim gets delayed

Find the real reason

When a claim slows down, it’s easy to assume the worst. But most delays aren’t mysterious—they’re logistical. A missing attachment. A typo in a date. A backlog from a busy week. The truth is, most claims move again once someone spots what’s missing.

Start with the simplest step: check your inbox. Many claims stall because an email got missed or filtered to spam. Look for subject lines mentioning “information needed” or “follow-up on claim.” If you find one, respond right away.

A complete claim moves faster than a perfect one.

Think of it as a collaboration, not a test. The person on the other side wants to close your case, too. The easier you make that job, the faster it goes.

When you reach out, keep your message short and specific. State your reference number, confirm what you’ve already sent, and ask what’s needed to move forward. You don’t need to retell the full story—focus on what’s actionable.

Example:

“Hi, just checking if any documents are still missing from my claim #45632. Please let me know what’s next and when I might hear back.”

It’s simple, polite, and easy to reply to.

Get clear on next steps

If you’ve confirmed your paperwork is complete, ask what stage your claim is in. It’s reasonable to request a timeline or confirmation of next actions. You’re not chasing—you’re managing information.

Try this structure

• Step 1: Review any insurer messages first.

• Step 2: Reply only with what they’ve asked for, not extra context.

• Step 3: Ask for a timeline and who to contact if you need an update.

Short, focused communication keeps your claim visible and easier to process.

Stay consistent, not pushy

Follow up once a week if you haven’t heard back. Weekly is enough to show persistence without becoming noise. If you send more often, the thread becomes cluttered and harder for anyone to track.

Keep your tone factual, not emotional. Frustration is understandable, but it rarely helps. State your request clearly and end with appreciation:

“Thanks for confirming once you’ve reviewed.”

This shows you’re cooperative and patient, which often gets your case handled faster.

Why it works

Claims are handled by people juggling hundreds of files. Clear, well-timed messages make their job easier—and that speeds up your outcome. The goal isn’t to push harder; it’s to help the process flow.

When communication is structured, consistent, and polite, you get answers sooner and stress less in the meantime. That’s progress, even before the final decision arrives.