| Website: www.icicilombard.com/customer-support |
Respected Sir/Madam,
I respectfully submit this complaint against **ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd.** concerning an unjustified and disproportionate increase in the renewal premium of my health insurance policy, coupled with the insurer's failure to provide a transparent, documented, and reasoned explanation despite repeated written and telephonic representations.
### 1. Policy Background
* **Insurance Product:** ICICI Lombard Health AdvantEdge
* **Sum Insured:** ₹10, 00, 000
* **Policyholder's Age:** 45 years at previous renewal; 46 years at current renewal
* **Relationship with Insurer:** Continuously insured since 2007 (approximately 19 years)
### 2. Disproportionate Increase in Renewal Premium
My health insurance renewal premium increased from **₹11, 981 at age 45** to **₹18, 591 at age 46**, representing an increase of approximately **55% in a single renewal cycle**.
Considering that the sum insured and the basic nature of coverage remained unchanged, such a substantial increase requires a clear, transparent, and documented justification.
### 3. Failure to Provide Premium Calculation and Written Justification
On **28 August 2026**, I submitted a detailed written representation to the insurer's Grievance Redressal Department requesting the following information:
1. Detailed calculation and breakup of the renewal premium;
2. Applicable age band and corresponding premium rate;
3. Details of any approved revision in product pricing or premium rates; and
4. A before-and-after comparison showing changes, if any, in age band, sum insured, benefits, or other factors affecting the premium.
Despite these specific questions, the insurer failed to provide the requested information.
I also contacted the insurer's grievance department telephonically on multiple occasions. However, I was repeatedly given only a generic explanation that the premium increase was due to an **“age bracket change.”** No premium calculation, rate chart, actuarial basis, approved rate revision, or written explanation was provided.
### 4. Inadequate Grievance Redressal
In its written response dated **2nd & 4th September 2026**, the insurer merely stated that the premium was **“impacted due to Age Bracket Change” and that the matter had already been explained over the telephone.
This response failed to answer any of the specific questions raised in my written representation. The grievance was subsequently closed without providing any documentary evidence or transparent justification for the substantial premium increase.
A generic reference to an “age bracket change, ” without disclosing the applicable age band, corresponding premium rates, calculation methodology, or other contributing factors, does not constitute a meaningful or reasoned grievance redressal.
### 5. Significant Price Disparity with Comparable Product Offered by the Same Insurer
During my independent verification of the insurer's website, I found that a new customer of the same age purchasing another health insurance product offered by the same insurer, namely **ICICI Lombard Elevate (Basic Pack)**, with the same sum insured of ₹10, 00, 000, was quoted an annual premium of approximately **₹14, 270**.
This amount is approximately **₹4, 300 lower** than the ₹18, 591 being charged for renewal of my existing policy.
I understand that different insurance products may have different features, benefits, underwriting structures, and pricing mechanisms. However, the substantial difference raises legitimate concerns regarding the reasonableness and transparency of the premium being charged to a long-standing existing policyholder.
At no stage during the renewal process or grievance correspondence was I provided with a transparent explanation regarding the availability of potentially more cost-effective alternatives within the insurer's product portfolio.
### 6. Grounds for Complaint
The actions and omissions of the insurer raise concerns regarding:
* Lack of transparency in renewal premium determination;
* Failure to provide a detailed and documented response to specific written queries;
* Inadequate grievance redressal;
* Closure of the grievance without addressing the substantive issues raised;
* Failure to disclose the basis for a 55% increase in premium;
* Possible unfair treatment of a long-standing policyholder despite continuous coverage since 2007.
I am not disputing the insurer's legitimate right to revise premiums in accordance with applicable regulations and approved pricing structures. However, I respectfully submit that a policyholder is entitled to receive a clear, reasoned, and documented explanation when a substantial increase in renewal premium is imposed.
Regards,
Nitesh Varkhede,
Pune.
Mobile: [protected]
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