THROUGH Circular Letter 2025-21, the Insurance Commission told all insurers and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to fast-track claim processing and relax documentation requirements to speed up post-disaster recovery.
‘To facilitate the prompt and efficient processing of claims filed by the affected policyholders and ensure that the affected individuals and families receive the necessary support, there is a need to promulgate rules on expedited claims processing,’ the circular read.
Whenever a state of calamity is declared, whether national or local, all insurance and reinsurance companies, mutual benefit associations, pre-need companies and HMOs must expedite the processing, approval and payment of claims for disaster-related damage to life and property.
Insurers and HMOs must also extend the deadlines for submitting claim notices and required documents for a reasonable period after the disaster, as well as provide the necessary support to claimants for the processing of claims.
They must also ensure that damage assessments are properly recorded to facilitate the immediate settlement of claims.
In addition, they should coordinate with local governments and other agencies involved in relief and rehabilitation efforts to ensure affected policyholders receive necessary assistance.
The IC said it will closely monitor compliance and may require companies to submit periodic reports on the status of disaster-related claims.
It also pledged to act promptly on complaints or issues escalated to the Commission.
‘This Commission recognizes that the damage and/or loss to life and property resulting from the calamity may give rise to claims against insurance and reinsurance companies, MBAs, pre-need companies, and/or HMOs regulated by this Commission, and the urgent need to provide expedited financial relief to the victims,’ according to the IC.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially declared a State of National Calamity for one year, following the widespread destruction caused by Typhoon Tino. The declaration will accelerate the government’s and the private sector’s rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation efforts, and will also facilitate the use of calamity funds in affected areas.