In the context of insurance claims, what does "appeal" mean?

In the context of insurance claims, "appeal" specifically refers to the process by which an individual or their representative requests a review of a claim that has been denied. This process allows the claimant to present additional evidence or arguments as to why the claim should be approved.

By appealing a denied claim, the claimant seeks to have the insurance company re-evaluate the circumstances surrounding the claim decision, possibly leading to a reversal of the denial and ultimately approving the claim for payment. This is a crucial part of the insurance claims process, as it provides an avenue for consumers to contest decisions they believe are unjust or incorrect.

The other options, while related to insurance, do not accurately define "appeal." For instance, requesting a new insurance policy does not concern the claims process at all, and neither does reducing premium costs, which typically involves negotiations or applying discounts rather than a review of claims. An inquiry into billing practices relates to the healthcare provider's charges rather than the determination of claims, further distinguishing it from the concept of an appeal in insurance.