0
0
In a recent case involving health insurance claim rejection, a policyholder’s Google location timeline was cited as a key reason for denial, drawing attention to the controversial practice of insurers using personal location data to verify health insurance claims in India.
Vallabh Motka, insured under a Rs 6.5 lakh mediclaim policy from Go Digit General Insurance, was admitted to a hospital for viral pneumonia and filed a claim of Rs 48,251. However, the insurer rejected the claim, citing discrepancies in Motka’s Google timeline, which allegedly did not show his presence at the hospital during the stated period. Upon appealing, the consumer forum ruled in favor of Motka, directing the insurer to pay the claim in full.
Go Digit Insurance defended its actions by stating the Google timeline data was obtained with the policyholder’s consent during an investigation and highlighted multiple inconsistencies found in medical and billing records. Despite this, the forum upheld the policyholder’s rights based on medical certificates submitted.
Legal experts caution against the use of Google Maps location data by insurers without clear regulatory backing. According to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) regulations and the new Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, no explicit authorization exists for insurers to demand or rely on personal location information as conclusive proof for claim verification. The practice may even violate privacy rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Further, electronic evidence including Google timeline data is only admissible in legal settings if accompanied by an authenticity certification, which was lacking in this case. Experts assert that claim decisions must prioritize standard medical documents such as hospital records and doctor certificates over digital surveillance.
The IRDAI’s current regulations on health insurance claim assessment do not mention location data or mobile tracking, creating a regulatory grey area. While insurers are empowered to investigate claims using documented evidence, compelled access to smartphone location data is technically not addressed and thus remains contentious.
Legal consensus suggests that for location-based data to be valid in claims processing, insurers must explicitly disclose such data collection in policy terms, obtain informed consent, and prove material misrepresentation or fraud. Otherwise, reliance on location tracking risks infringing privacy and may be legally challenged.
While insurers can access hospital admission logs or electronic medical records, and even use wearable health device data if consented, intrusive digital tracking like Google timeline access demands stronger regulatory clarity to safeguard policyholder rights and privacy.
This case highlights the urgent need for clearer guidelines from IRDAI on the use of digital and geolocation data in insurance claims to balance fraud prevention with individual privacy protections.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should consult qualified professionals for advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
Reference: Economic Times HealthWorld, “Is Google’s location tracking for verifying health insurance claims by insurers approved by IRDAI? Know here,” accessed August 2025.
