Which insurance companies actually pay claims?
Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA) publishes audited claim settlement data every year. Here is every company's record — sorted best to worst. No spin, no marketing.
All 14 Insurers — Claims Paid Rate
The claims paid rate = out of every 100 claims filed, how many were actually paid. Higher is better. Source: NIA Schedule 14 & 15, FY 2081/82.
Year-on-Year Trend
Is each company getting better or worse at paying claims? Compare FY 2081/82 against FY 2080/81.
| Company | FY 2081/82 | FY 2080/81 | Change | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Life Insurance | 98.85% | 98.49% | ▲ 0.36% | Private |
| Sun Nepal Life | 98.71% | 98.60% | ▲ 0.11% | Private |
| Prabhu Mahalaxmi Life | 98.33% | 98.56% | ▼ 0.23% | Private/Merged |
| Himalayan Life Insurance | 98.09% | 97.94% | ▲ 0.15% | Private/Merged |
| Reliable Nepal Life | 97.92% | 96.47% | ▲ 1.45% | Private |
| SuryaJyoti Life Insurance | 97.50% | 98.73% | ▼ 1.23% | Private/Merged |
| Citizen Life Insurance | 93.87% | 92.84% | ▲ 1.03% | Private |
| LIC Nepal | 92.69% | 96.40% | ▼ 3.71% | Foreign Branch |
| Nepal Life Insurance | 90.54% | 90.04% | ▲ 0.5% | Private |
| Rastriya Jeevan Beema | 89.94% | 88.53% | ▲ 1.41% | Government |
| MetLife Nepal | 85.23% | 85.67% | ▼ 0.44% | Foreign Branch |
| National Life Insurance | 84.55% | 93.40% | ▼ 8.85% | Private |
| Sanima Reliance Life | 80.97% | 81.60% | ▼ 0.63% | Private/Merged |
| IME Life Insurance | 79.90% | 79.38% | ▲ 0.52% | Private |
What this number actually means
The claim settlement ratio tells you: out of every 100 death claims filed with this insurer, how many were paid out? A 98% ratio means 98 families received their money. A 80% ratio means 20 families were turned away.
NIA calculates this as: Claims Paid ÷ (Claims Paid + Claims Outstanding). Both figures come from audited financial statements filed with the government — they cannot be manipulated.
A lower claim ratio may mean the company disputes more claims on technical grounds — policy exclusions, missing documents, or late filing. Ask any insurer for their written list of claim rejection reasons before you buy.
By law (Insurance Act 2079), insurers must settle a death claim within 30 days of receiving complete documentation. If they miss this, you can file a complaint with NIA.
You have 15 days after receiving your policy document to cancel for a full refund — no questions asked. This is called the "free-look period."
How to file a life insurance death claim in Nepal
Step-by-step guide for families. You do not need to hire anyone to file a claim on your behalf — the process is free.
Gather the required documents
- Original policy document
- Death certificate (certified copy from local government)
- Claimant's citizenship certificate
- Relationship proof (marriage certificate / birth certificate)
- Hospital records or post-mortem report (if applicable)
- Bank account details of the claimant
Submit the claim to the insurer
Go to the insurer's head office or nearest branch. Ask for the Death Claim Form. Fill it out completely — incomplete forms are the most common reason for delays. Keep a photocopy of everything you submit, and ask for a written receipt.
Follow up in writing
If you don't receive a written acknowledgment within 7 days of submission, send a formal follow-up letter. Keep records of all communication — dates, names of staff you spoke with, and any reference numbers they give you.
Wait — and know your deadline
The insurer must settle within 30 days of receiving complete documentation (Insurance Act 2079). If they request additional documents, the 30-day clock restarts from when you provide them. Ask for any document requests in writing.
What to do if your claim is rejected
The insurer must give you a written explanation stating the specific reason for rejection. If they refuse to provide one, that itself is a violation you can report to NIA.
Request the rejection letter in writing
Do not accept a verbal rejection. Ask for the specific clause of the policy under which the claim was denied. This is your legal right.
File an internal appeal
Write a formal appeal to the insurer's Grievance Committee or Managing Director. Attach all documents and clearly dispute each rejection reason. Give them 15 days to respond.
Escalate to Nepal Insurance Authority
If the insurer does not resolve the issue, file a written complaint with NIA. NIA has the legal power to investigate and order payment. See the escalation block below for NIA's contact details.
Nepal Insurance Authority — Official Contact
NIA is the government regulator. They have the power to investigate claim rejections and take action against insurers. Filing a complaint is free.
When writing to NIA, include: your policy number, insurer name, date of claim submission, rejection date, and the specific reason given for rejection.
Have a specific question about a claim?
Our verified advisors can help you understand your policy rights and guide you through the claims process — at no cost to you.