How to Claim Life Insurance in Nepal — Complete Step-by-Step Guide
When someone in your family dies, the last thing you want to think about is paperwork. But life insurance exists precisely for this moment — and knowing the process in advance can mean the difference between receiving the claim quickly or having it delayed or rejected.
This guide covers the complete claim process for all 14 NIA-licensed life insurance companies in Nepal. Share this page with your family now — they will need it more than you do.
Two Types of Life Insurance Claims in Nepal
Death Claim — Filed by the nominee after the insured person dies. This is the primary purpose of life insurance and requires the most documentation. Time-sensitive — notify the company within 30 days.
Maturity Claim — Filed by the policyholder themselves when the policy term ends and they are alive. Much simpler — the insurance company usually contacts you proactively near the maturity date.
Death Claim — Complete Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Notify the Insurance Company (Within 30 Days)
Contact the insurance company as soon as possible after the death — ideally within 30 days. You do NOT need all documents ready at this point. Just notify them and get the claim form.
How to notify:
- Visit the nearest branch of the insurance company in person (recommended)
- Call the company’s customer service number
- Email the claims department if available
What to tell them:
- Full name of the insured person
- Policy number (found on the policy document or passbook)
- Date of death
- Your name and relationship to the insured (you are the nominee)
Step 2 — Gather Required Documents
Documents required by all 14 Nepal life insurers:
- Original policy document or policy passbook
- Death certificate issued by local government (ward office / municipality)
- Citizenship certificate of the deceased
- Citizenship certificate of the nominee (claimant)
- Completed claim form (provided by the insurance company)
- Medical certificate or hospital records if death was illness-related
- Police report if death was accidental or sudden
- Post-mortem report if required by the insurer
- Relationship proof (marriage certificate, birth certificate) if the nominee’s relationship is not obvious
Step 3 — Submit the Claim
Submit all documents to the insurance company’s branch — preferably the branch where the policy was issued. Get a written acknowledgment with a reference number. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Step 4 — Claim Investigation (7–30 Days)
The insurance company will verify your documents and may investigate the claim. For straightforward deaths (natural causes, illness), this is usually a formality. For accidental deaths or deaths within the first 2 years of the policy (the contestability period), investigation may be more thorough.
Step 5 — Receive the Payout
Once approved, the insurance company pays the sum assured plus any bonuses directly to the nominee’s bank account. Under NIA regulations, approved claims must be paid within 30 days of document submission.
If Your Claim Is Rejected — What To Do
Common reasons for rejection: non-disclosure of pre-existing illness, death within the contestability period (first 1–2 years), lapsed policy (missed premium payments), or cause of death excluded by the policy.
If you believe the rejection is wrong, you can:
- Appeal in writing to the insurance company’s grievance committee
- File a complaint with Nepal Beema Pradhikaran (NIA) at nia.gov.np
- Approach the Insurance Ombudsman if available
